Producing an audio version of Moby-Dick really is as daunting as you might suspect. In this case, it took 60 hours of recording and another 60 of engineering to produce 25 hours of reading on 22 CDs (also available as a download). But if anyone could do it, it would be the West Stockbridge, Mass. audio imprint and award-winning Alison Larkin Presents. During the pandemic, Larkin, an actor, writer and comedienne herself, was desperate to help the actors who had no performing outlet. She decided to tackle the colossal Melville novel and asked Shakespearean actor Jonathan Epstein (who will be appearing this summer in Shakespeare and Company’s “King Lear”) to record it. On Monday, June 7, Arrowhead, the home of Melville in Pittsfield, hosted a release party/fundraiser, which included live readings by Epstein, conversations with the actor, Larkin and recording engineer, and wine and dessert in the 1840s barn. Larkin donated the proceeds from the evening’s sales of the audiobook to Arrowhead. “To launch the audiobook where Melville wrote it is miraculous,” she said. 

Alison Larkin and head audio engineer Galen Wade.
Maura Delaney and Cindy Brown, who is president of the board of the Berkshire County Historical Society.
While reading, Epstein peered through the window of the barn towards the Melville house. "It's very intimidating to have his ghost behind me," he said.
Robin Lamb and Gregory Boover, a musician and actor
Arrowhead execuitve director Lesley Herzberg is flanked by board members Carol Nichols and Laurie Werner.
Jedidiah Smith from NYC and Alicia Hyman, who moved to the Berkshires in late February to take a position as reference services outreach librarian at the Berkshire Athenaeum. 
Mackenzie Soto and Adriana Bolte, both of North Adams.
The 1840s barn was recently renovated.

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Written by
Lisa Green