Work Song: Three Views of Frank Lloyd Wright

by Jeffrey Hatcher, Eric Simonson, Jim Beaver (Narrator)

In this thrilling and imaginative new play about the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, audiences get an in-depth look at the master builder at three distinct phases of his life and career: in Act One, as a young man in a hurry to change the way people live and finding inspiration in Mamah Cheney, a unconventional (married) woman who becomes the great love of his life and leads to his greatest tragedy; in Act Two, as a doubting genius at the crossroads, fending off creditors and reeling in clients before he salvages himself by coming up with one of his greatest creations, the house called "Fallingwater"; and in Act Three, as an old showman at twilight, visiting a house from his past and taking stock of his sacrifices and successes in his quest to build the perfect dwelling. Each part of the play has its own style: a multi-scene "epic" style covering three decades for part one; a compressed "country weekend" comedy

Genres: Architecture, Drama

Audible Audio

First published December 30, 2006

Reviews

[Correen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong play conveying three times in the life of Frank Lloyd Wright plus a wonderful discussion among the author, actor, and an interviewer. I generally avoid writings about Wright because I find him very unpleasant but I am pleased to have found this one on audio. The author does not hide the despicable aspects of Wright's life. The actor said it was much more fun to play Wright than a more pleasant person because he spends his own life trying to be a good guy and this gives him a chance to say things he would never say otherwise -- the actor was very witty.

I liked the second act in which the perspective is from his son who worked for his father and felt the pain of his father's perfidy. In a manner surprising like a high ranking person of today, Wright set up a school, charged the students enormous fees, provided no training but had his students work on the rebuilding of Taliesen.

The synthesis of the work provided by Goodreads is excellent. I am attempting to not parrot that work but encourage readers to use it as a source. I would also encourage listening to the work as it is very well done.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting play about Frank Lloyd Wright. I had only ever known him for his more popular architecture and was unaware of his complex and controversial personal life. This was a decent way to pass two hours of time, but I wasn’t as engaged compared to other plays I’ve listened to by Jeffrey Hatcher (Three Viewings especially!).

[A Hudak · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audio play version of this work was surprisingly funny, and I found myself laughing out loud many times. Frank Lloyd Wright was famously difficult to work and live with and this comes across in this cleverly presented biographical presentation.

[Roberta Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Wow, this was fantastic. I don’t always like dramatizations, but this one was great. A really terrific way to present history. BEST part was the discussion with the cast and producers after the program. A lot more history of Wright was shared there, some I hadn’t heard before.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listening to this book on my trip to Price Tower in Bartlesville, OK greatly enhanced the experience of spending a night in the historic hotel.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well acted.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am listening to this in my car. Very enjoyable. Finished this and, in keeping with all things Frank Lloyd Wright, enjoyed it very much. If you didn't know the bio of Frank Lloyd Wright this might not make a lot of sense.