Saturday, August 18, 2007

AudioFile Review of Letters from Uncle Val

from AudioFile Magazine
Reviewed by M.T.B.

Adapted from the stage, and starring the author, this is a memorable one-man performance. Elderly Uncle Val has been forced to trade the city for the suburbs, moving in with his daughter, Margaret; her obnoxious husband, Bernard; three kids, and two poodles in Newfoundland. He confesses all his woes in 18 letters to his old buddy, Jack. As Jones wallows in his misery, his experiences go from bad to worse, building to a hilarious climax. Most rollicking are his letters about Bernard's new business, a tavern Val names Grapnel, which quickly fails. Second best are Andy's account of his bizarre method of babysitting his grandchildren and his thoughts on the plight of senior citizens. While lightweight, this is amusement par excellence.

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Letters from Uncle Val, a series of fictional letters from Andy Jones' incomparable comedic character, is available from Rattling Books. Written and performed by the author.