Speak the Speech!

Over 150 of the Bard's monologues are reprinted and explained for the aspiring actor or director in Speak the Speech! Shakespeare's Monologues Illuminated. The knowledgeable and breezy commentary (""Dial Lady M for Murder,"" reads one section heading) by acting coach Rhona Silverbush and playwright Sami Plotkin offers a brief context for each monologue, explains unfamiliar vocabulary and expressions, examines the relationship between mood and meter and even reminds readers what words to elide or expand. Boxed asides offer historical background and describe literary controversies over various lines and passages. There's also a general discussion of rhetorical elements. (Aug.)