Theater educators who use monologue collections in acting classes might be excited by the concept of new and original short character sketches that could provide a rich trove of material for the teenage actor or those attempting to play that age. In some regards, Tough Acts to Follow is just that—exciting. It is overflowing with one-of-a kind monologues of equal length for both guys and girls, each with a clever title that provides quick insight into the subject matter. Yet this work fails in its intent by offering merely a series of uneven essays masquerading as a collection of monologues for teens. They bear little similarity to speeches that are cut from larger dramatic works and do not build dramatically to their conclusions. Instead, they read more like diary entries. The work sacrifices the substance and story that make the discovery of character and character intention such a rewarding and interesting endeavor for the beginning actor. Sadly, the voices in these character sketches ring remarkably false. In many cases, the character speaking reveals an issue and talks on all sides of it before concluding, unlike any dramatic speech that a youth might encounter in a real play or in real life. These monologues are merely exercises in memorization, not characterization, and thus have no real value for actor training. Because of these reservations, this book is not a recommended purchase for public or school libraries. Instead look to Roger Ellis's Audition Monologs for Student Actors (Meriweather, 1999) or Monologues for Young Actors by Lorraine Cohen (Avon, 1994/VOYA February 1995). VOYA CODES: 2Q 2P M J S (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; Forthe YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2000, Meriweather, 155p, Trade pb. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Stefani Koorey SOURCE: VOYA, April 2001 (Vol. 24, No.1)
