Description

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In 1797, young Billy Budd is impressed into naval service. It is a perilous time for a British Royal Navy still reeling from mutinies and marauding French ships. When Billy is forcibly transferred to HMS Bellipotent, he evokes the wrath of John Claggart, the ship's Master-at-arms. Claggart falsely accuses Billy of conspiracy to mutiny, a charge that will have a profound effect on the fates of both seamen.

About the Author

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Herman Melville (August 1, 1819 - September 28, 1891) was an American writer and the author of Moby Dick, Bartleby the Scrivener, and Billy Budd. Although he experienced some success with his first three novels, Melville quickly faded from literary fame. His other work did not gain popularity again until the early 20th century, when Moby Dick was hailed as a literary masterpiece and paved the way for the critical celebration of his other works. READER BIOMichael Lackey has more than 35 years of professional theatre and music experience. He is a theatre veteran of more than 40 productions, and has performed with four companies of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, doing over 3,500 performances and playing the title role more than 200 times. Michael has been heard on national television as announcer for skating specials on NBC and USA Network TV, as well as in several commercials.