Daphne Rubin-Vega has narrated 4 audiobooks on Listento.it by 4 authors. The most-rated is Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World.
Once Upon a Quinceanera
Summary
The quinceañera, the 15th birthday celebration for a Latina girl, is quickly becoming an American event. This legendary party is a sight to behold: lavish ball gowns, extravagant catered meals, DJs, limousines, and multi-tiered cakes. The must haves for a "quince" are becoming as numerous and costly as a prom or wedding. And yet, this elaborate ritual also hearkens back to traditions from native countries and communities, offering young Latinas a chance to connect with their heritage. In Once Upon a Quinceañera, Julia Alvarez explores this celebration that brings a Latina girl into womanhood. She attends the quince of a young woman named "Monica" who lives in Queens, and witnesses the commotion, confusion, and potential for disaster that comes with planning this important event. Alvarez also weaves in interviews with other quince girls, her own memories of coming of age as an immigrant, and the history of the custom itself: how it originated and what has changed as Latinas become accustomed to a supersize American culture. Once Upon a Quinceañera is an enlightening, accessible, and entertaining portrait of contemporary Latino culture, as well as a critical look at the rituals of coming of age and the economic and social consequences of the quince parties. Julia Alvarez's dedicated fans will be eager to hear her thoughts on this topic. It is a great book for anyone interested in American youth today: parents, teachers, and teenagers themselves.
©2007 Julie Alvarez (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc. and Books on Tape. All rights reserved.
Empanada Loca
Summary
Broadway's acclaimed enfant terrible, two-time Tony Award nominee Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent, Anna in the Tropics, The Rocky Horror Show, A Streetcar Named Desire), reprises her acclaimed tour de force performance in this chillingly intimate, unique recording. Now living deep under Manhattan in an abandoned subway tunnel with the Mole People, a very hungry Dolores recounts her years selling weed with her boyfriend, her return to Washington Heights after 13 years in prison, her fortuitous reunion with an old stoner friend who lets her give massages for cash in the basement under his empanada shop, and the bloodbath that sent her fleeing underground. Loosely inspired by the legend of Sweeney Todd, Empanada Loca is "contemporary Grand Guignol horror in the style of Spalding Gray." Empanada Loca was originally produced on stage by Labyrinth Theater Company (Mimi O'Donnell, Artistic Director; Danny Feldman, Executive Director), opening on October 21st, 2015. Recording produced by Aaron Mark and Daphne Rubin-Vega; directed by Aaron Mark; recorded by Andrew Hollander at Sugarbox Studios, NYC; edited by Aaron Gittleman; sound design by Ryan Rumery.
©2016 Aaron Mark (P)2017 Aaron Mark and Daphne Rubin-Vega
Finding Miracles
Summary
Milly Kaufman is an ordinary American teenager living in Vermont, until she meets Pablo, a new student at her high school. His exotic accent, strange fashion sense, and intense interest in Milly force her to confront her identity as an adopted child from Pablo's native country. As their relationship grows, Milly decides to undertake a courageous journey to her homeland and along the way discovers the story of her birth is intertwined with the story of a country recovering from a brutal history. Beautifully written by renowned author Julia Alvarez, Finding Miracles examines the emotional complexity of familial relationships and the miracles of everyday life.
©2004 Julia Alvarez (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World
Summary
A continuation of the New York Times best-selling series, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World is packed with 100 bedtime stories about the lives of 100 extraordinary women from the past and the present. This volume recognizes women who leave their homeland to seek refuge, to realize their dreams, and to share their invaluable contributions with the world. The latest installment in the New York Times best-selling Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series, featuring 100 immigrant women who have shaped, and will continue to shape, our world. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World is the third book in the New York Times best-selling series for children. Packed with 100 all-new bedtime stories about the lives of incredible female figures from the past and the present, this volume recognizes women who left their birth countries for a multitude of reasons: Some for new opportunities, some out of necessity. Listeners will whip up a plate with Asma Khan, strategize global affairs alongside Madeleine Albright, venture into business with Rihanna, and many more. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Elena Favilli (P)2020 Listening Library