The Sunlight Tree | Ep. 302

Summary

Circle Round – "The Sunlight Tree" | Ep. 302 (October 28, 2025)

Podcast: Circle Round (WBUR)
Host: Rebecca Sheer
Featuring: Boston Symphony Orchestra ensemble & guest actors
Episode Theme: Examining selfishness, kindness, and the true meaning of belonging through a magical Scandinavian folktale.

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Episode Overview

This Circle Round episode presents a live stage adaptation of "The Sunlight Tree," a Scandinavian-inspired folktale. Performed at Symphony Hall in Boston, with musical accompaniment by members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the story explores the perils of greed, the strength of community, and the enduring magic of kindness and generosity.

The tale follows two sisters and their magical pear tree that radiates sunlight, the greedy landlord who covets their joy, and their loyal talking starling, Lars. Audiences are prompted to consider what it truly means to "own" something, and how light—both literal and metaphorical—can flourish where it is nurtured.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Introducing the Sisters and the Sunlight Tree (01:07–06:13)

• Selma and Svea, two sisters, live together in a small hut on a wooded hill with their pet starling, Lars.
• The sisters care for a “sunlight tree”—a magical pear tree that blooms year-round and fills their hut with radiant light, regardless of weather.
  • Selma: “The bright white flowers and golden yellow pears give off this brilliant light.” (05:40)
• They generously share the fruit with their village, highlighting their kindness and community spirit.
• The starling Lars talks to the audience, revealing his secret ability to speak—unknown to the sisters. Lars infuses humor and personality, directly addressing listeners as a conspirator and comic relief.
  • Lars: “Thing is, Selma and Svea don't know that I can talk. I figured it might be kind of weird for them. So do you mind not saying anything?” (03:49)

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2. The Landlord’s Greed—Wilhelm’s Plan (06:13–10:42)

• The estate’s new owner, Wilhelm, discovers the sunlight tree and, driven by envy, demands it for himself.
  • Narrator (as Wilhelm): “This is my hill... So do you know what else is mine? This tree is mine. That's why I am going to take it.” (08:02–08:12)
• The sisters plead, warning that the tree will die if uprooted—they suggest planting a clipping instead. Wilhelm dismisses their advice.
  • Selma: “If you pull this tree from the soil, it will die.” (08:43)
• Despite their warnings, Wilhelm transplants the entire tree beside his gloomy mansion.

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3. Consequence of Selfishness—The Tree Dies (10:42–12:37)

• The sunlight tree withers and dies soon after the move.
• Lars, the talking starling, calls out Wilhelm’s folly with wit:
  • Lars: “No offense, buddy, but you should have seen this coming.” (10:42)
• The sisters’ clipping flourishes into a new, brighter sunlight tree on the hill, under their care.
  • Lars: “Selma and Svea planted that cutting... it sprouted into a tree. A great big beautiful tree. Even brighter than the first.” (11:35)

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4. Eviction and Community Uplift (14:11–18:42)

• Wilhelm, still dissatisfied, evicts the sisters, claiming the hill’s soil must be magical and therefore his right.
  • Narrator (as Wilhelm): “It's not your home anymore because I am evicting you. I'm kicking you out.” (16:24)
• Heartbroken, Selma and Svea cling to their beloved tree as they are forced out.
  • Svea: “Oh, please, Mr. Wilhelm, don't kick us out. You can double our rent, triple it. Just don't part us from our hut or our beloved tree.” (17:43)
• The village rallies to support them, offering land, building materials, and supplies, exemplifying the theme of generosity and community.

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5. The Consequences of Greed—The Trees Take Action (19:27–22:37)

• Wilhelm builds a grand castle on the hill and hosts a ball to show off the sunlight tree.
• Suddenly, all the trees—led by Lars—spring to life, flap their "wings," and fly, crowding around the castle and plunging it into darkness.
  • Rebecca Scheer: “Every single one of those maples, pines and oaks gathered up its branches and stretched them to either side, as if each tree had sprouted two mighty wings.” (20:24)
  • Lars: “Nicely done, friends. Not bad for your first flight.” (20:53)
• Guests flee in terror; Wilhelm is left trapped in the dark, lamenting his greed.
  • Lars: “You could have left Selma and Svea alone... Maybe next time you won't be such a bird brain.” (22:20)

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6. Restoration and Resolution (22:37–23:44)

• At Lars’s signal, the trees return to their places—except for the sunlight tree, which soars to reunite with Selma and Svea at their new home.
• The sisters are finally restored to happiness, their hut and tree together, surrounded by the light and love of their community.
  • Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller): “And there it stood back with its kind and rightful owners, filling their home and their hearts with light.” (23:44)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lars’s secret with the audience:
  “Thing is, Selma and Svea don't know that I can talk. I figured it might be kind of weird for them. So do you mind not saying anything?” (03:49)

• Warning about greed:
  Selma: “If you pull this tree from the soil, it will die.” (08:43)

• Lars’s humor and judgment:
  Lars: “No offense, buddy, but you should have seen this coming.” (10:42)

• The magical flight of the trees:
  Rebecca Sheer: “Every single one of those maples, pines and oaks gathered up its branches and stretched them to either side, as if each tree had sprouted two mighty wings.” (20:24)

• Lars’s final lesson:
  Lars: “Maybe next time you won't be such a bird brain.” (22:20)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 01:07 | Introduction of the sisters and sunlight tree | | 05:18 | Sisters describe generosity and the tree's magic | | 06:13 | Introduction of Wilhelm and his greed | | 08:12 | Wilhelm claims ownership and plans to take the tree | | 10:42 | The sunlight tree dies; Lars’s commentary | | 14:11 | Story resumes—Wilhelm’s next scheme and eviction | | 16:24 | Wilhelm evicts the sisters | | 17:43 | Sisters plead to keep their home and tree | | 19:27 | Castle party and trees begin to fly | | 20:24 | The magical flight scene | | 22:20 | Lars chides Wilhelm in the castle darkness | | 23:44 | Sunlight tree finds its true home with Selma and Svea |

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Episode Activity & Listener Engagement (23:44–24:15)

Rebecca Sheer invites listeners to imagine a tree that produces something magical and to draw it, sharing with friends or family (and possibly with the show).

• “If you could have a tree that produced something magical, what would it be? Maybe its branches would always be bursting with ice cream cones, or its leaves would be made from picture books…” (23:44)

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains Circle Round's hallmark warmth, humor, and inclusivity. The narration is inviting, with lively character voices (notably Lars’s comic asides), and the story’s lesson is accessible and engaging for all ages. Live orchestral music enhances the storytelling, adding a magical, theatrical atmosphere.

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Summary

"The Sunlight Tree" is a heartwarming story about the value of kindness, the consequences of greed, and the power of community. Through magical realism and playful narration, Circle Round delivers a memorable, music-rich parable that reminds listeners: true light grows best when shared and nurtured—not taken by force. The episode ends with an interactive invitation, reinforcing creativity and continued discussion beyond the show.

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Transcript

[Rebecca Scheer]

Hey, Circle Round fans. Our Circle Round live tour continues with live recordings in North Carolina, Massachusetts and California. Join us in Charlotte on November 22, Los Angeles on January 18, and Boston on February 7. And remember, after each show, Circle Round Club members can meet Eric Shimalonis and me, Rebecca Scheer. Get your tickets and join the [e-mail].

[Narrator/Announcer]

Circleround WBUR podcasts Boston.

[Rebecca Scheer]

This Circle Round episode is a very special one recorded live with players from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a star studded cast of actors at Symphony hall on October 11, 2025. To learn more about our live shows, visit WBUR.org CircleRound and click on events. And now, on with the story.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Do you have a favorite tree? Maybe it's a kind of tree, like a birch or a pine. Perhaps it's a specific tree, like that old oak you love to climb in the park. Or the maple whose crispy leaves you love jumping into after they fall. Today's story is all about a very special tree. One that doesn't shed leaves. It sheds light. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round Live at Symphony hall in Boston, Massachusetts. Today. Our story is called the Sunlight Tree. It's inspired by tales from swans, a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. Joining me on stage is a star studded cast of actors, Mary Faber, Josh Gondelman, Lavont Price and Jessica Rao providing musical accompaniment under the direction of our own Eric Shimalonis is a world class ensemble from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Kathy Basrak on viola, Rachel Childers on horn, Chris El Chico on clarinet, Clint Foreman on flute, Ben Levy on double bass. And Suzanne Nelson on bassoon. So circle around, everyone for the Sunlight Tree. In a quaint wooden hut atop a quiet wooded hill, there lived two sisters, Selma and Svea. Selma and Svea shared the hut with their pet bird, a glossy jet black starling named Lars.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

That's me. Lars.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

I suppose I should mention Lars could talk.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Oh, yeah, I love talking. I could talk and talk all day if given the chance.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

I bet you could.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Thing is, Selma and Ceva don't know that I can talk. I figured it might be kind of weird for them. So do you mind not saying anything?

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

I won't breathe a word.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

And how about you? Do you mind keeping things on the down low? Thank you. I like these people.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

I like them too. But do you mind piping down Lars, we need to carry on with the story.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Oh, no problem. I do make a return appearance, right?

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Oh, yes, you do. You play a very important part.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

All right, then. Carry On.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Thanks. So the wooden hut on the wooded hill was very sick. But it was also very bright. Day in and day out. Its walls glowed with sunlight even when skies were cloudy and gray. And do you know why?

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

I do. I do.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Thanks, Lars. But I was talking to the audience and we need to carry on with the story.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Go ahead.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Thanks.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Where were we?

[Selma]

You were saying that our wooden hut on the wooded hill is filled with.

[Svea]

Sunlight even when skies are cloudy and gray.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Ah, yes. Thank you, Selma and Svea.

[Selma]

You're very welcome.

[Svea]

Selma and I would have gotten here earlier, but we were down in the village giving away fruit from our sunlight tree.

[Selma]

It's actually a pear tree. Svea and I planted it outside our window when we moved in.

[Svea]

And all year round, no matter the season, it blossoms and bears fruit.

[Selma]

The bright white flowers and golden yellow pears give off this brilliant light.

[Svea]

So it's like the sun is always shining in our hut.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

And that's why you call it the sunlight tree? Mm.

[Selma]

Now come along, Lars.

[Svea]

We have more pears to give away in the village.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Call.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Remember, they don't know. I can talk.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Call. Call. Call. Now.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Something you should know about Selma and Svea's hut and Selma and Sveja's tree is that neither actually belonged to Selma and Svea. The sisters were tenants or renters on a grand estate. The woman who owned the estate had recently passed away. She left everything to her son Wilhelm, including a massive mansion at the bottom of the hill and all the land surrounding it, including the hill itself. Vilhelm wasn't interested in hobnobbing with his mother's old tenants, so he paid them no attention. But as he heard talk of this mysterious pear tree up the hill, his curiosity piqued.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Could a pear tree really blossom and bear fruit all year long and give off a glow like the sun? There's only one way to find out.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

He jumped on his horse and trotted up the hill. When he laid eyes on the sunlight tree, he nearly fell out of his saddle jumping Jehoshaphat.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It is true. The tree is covered with fruit and the hut is filled with sunshine.

[Selma]

Indeed it is, sir.

[Svea]

Every day of the year.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Wilhelm glanced past the tree and saw two women with a dark, stocky bird fluttering above their heads.

[Selma]

You must be Wilhelm. I am Selma.

[Svea]

And I am Svea. And this is Lars Call.

[Selma]

It's kind of you to pay us a visit.

[Svea]

Your mother used to come by all the time. But we've never seen you on our hill before.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm sorry. Our hill?

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Wilhelm's lips curled into a sneer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This is my. My hill. Since I own the estate now, this hill is mine. This hut is mine. So do you know what else is mine?

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

He reached up and grabbed a pear off a branch.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This tree is mine. That's why I am going to take it. I shall have my gardeners dig it up, bring it down the hill, then plant it outside my window. It's awfully dark. Inside my mansion, the hill cast the most dismal shadow. But with this tree outside my window, my entire abode will sparkle like the sun.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

The sisters traded a worried glance.

[Selma]

Mr. Vilhelm, with all due respect, if you pull this tree from the soil, it will die.

[Svea]

Why not take a clipping and plant that in instead?

[Narrator/Announcer]

A clipping? I don't want a lousy clipping. I want the whole tree. I deserve the whole tree.

[Selma]

Then how about if we take a clipping?

[Svea]

Please, to keep. As a memento.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Figuring it would get the sisters and their pesky bird off his back, Wilhelm agreed. The sisters took their clipping, and later that day, a brigade of gardeners armed with shovels and spades trekked up the hill, dug up the tree and carted it back down on a wagon. Wilhelm's mansion was a maze of rooms, each one grander than the next. He had the gardeners plant the tree outside the great hall, a spacious ballroom with bronze chandeliers and giant arched windows that should have filled the space with natural light if not for the shadow casting hill.

[Narrator/Announcer]

However, with my new Sunlight tree growing outside, this hall will be blazing with light. Miraculous, Breathtaking light.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Wilhelm ordered his gardeners to treat the tree with the utmost of care. Thus you can imagine his dismay when, within a manner, the tree's blossoms withered and fell.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Doggone it.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Shortly after that, its pears shriveled and dropped.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Dagnabbit.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

So, next thing Vilhelm knew, the once resplendent tree was bare and brown.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Drat and darn. The Sunlight Tree is dead.

[Wilhelm]

Dead.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

No offense, buddy, but you should have seen this coming.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Wilhelm glanced up. Perched on one of the tree's lifeless branches was the starling from up the hill.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So first those vexing sisters have a magic tree. Now they have a talking bird. And an awfully rude one at that. Why don't you mind your own business, birdbrain?

[Wilhelm]

Ha.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Look who's being rude now. I'm just speaking the truth, man. Salman Svea warned you not to dig up the Sunlight Tree and you didn't listen. But maybe I shouldn't be so harsh after all. Thanks to you, we have a whole new Sunlight Tree. Look.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Lars extended a wing toward the wooded hill. Filtering through the trees was the most radiant light Wilhelm had ever seen.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Soma and Ceva planted that cutting. You left them. And just like that, it sprouted into a tree. A great big beautiful tree. Even brighter than the first. And you're calling me a bird brain?

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

The laughing bird spread his wings and soared up the hill, cackling all the while. Wilhelm was not pleased.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Go ahead, you birdbrain.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Laugh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Laugh all you want. Because trust me, I will get my revenge. And when I do, you'll see the last laugh will be mine.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

What will Wilhelm do next? Will he get the revenge he seeks? We'll find out what happens after a quick break.

[Sponsor/Advertisement Voice]

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[Rebecca Scheer]

The reviews are in and super fans like you are loving the Circle Round Club, an exciting opportunity to support public.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Radio and get cool stuff, including ad.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Free episodes and a personalized birthday message from me.

[Wilhelm]

What I like about the Circle Round Club is that Rebecca here sends extra messages and it supports the show and there are no ads.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Grown ups support public radio and sign up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

I'm Rebecca Scheer. Welcome back to Circle Round live at Symphony hall in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, our story is called the Sunlight Tree. Before the break, Selma, Svea and their pet starling, Lars.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

That's me, Lars.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Yes, it is. And the second half of the story just started, so do you mind taking a little break until you officially enter the scene?

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Uh, how soon do I enter?

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Oh, hang on. Oh, actually, you enter toward the bottom of this page, so hold on just a sec. Now, as I was saying before the break, Selma, Svea and Lars bid a sad farewell to the Sunlight Tree. Their landlord, Vilhelm, transplanted the tree to the bottom of the hill so it could shine its light into his dark, shadowy mansion. But within days of being moved, the tree died. So Wilhelm turned to Plan B, and next thing the sisters knew, the greedy estate owner Was galloping up the wooded hill with a smug look on his face and a team of builders at his rear.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Selma and Svea, Fancy seeing you atop this hill, given that you don't live here anymore.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

The sisters were confused.

[Selma]

What do you mean we don't live here anymore?

[Svea]

This is our home.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Gah. It's not your home anymore because I am evicting you. I'm kicking you out.

[Selma]

But why would you evict us?

[Svea]

We've been paying our rent.

[Narrator/Announcer]

This isn't about rent. It's about soil. You see, when I replanted the sunlight Tree outside my mansion at the bottom of this hill, it died.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Oh no.

[Svea]

Oh dear.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Duh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Meanwhile, your new sunlight tree is thriving. Just look at it. It's so bright. I'm getting a tan.

[Selma]

Well, it's definitely flourishing.

[Svea]

And it grew so quickly.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Exactly. Clearly, the soil at the top of this hill is more suitable for a sunlight tree than the soil at the bottom. Therefore, I shall move up here.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

What?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Carl. I have ordered my builders to tear down the hut and replace it with a castle. A glorious palace through whose windows this new sunlight tree will glow and shine, Lighting up every gilded wall, marble floor, and priceless work of art.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

The sisters felt tears spring to their eyes.

[Svea]

Oh, please, Mr. Wilhelm, don't kick us out. You can double our rent, triple it. Just don't part us from our hut or our beloved tree.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Wilhelm groaned.

[Sponsor/Advertisement Voice]

Ugh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How many times do I have to tell you? It is not your hut, it is not your tree. Everything on this hill belongs to me, including the hill itself. So begone, lest I send for the constable and have you arrested.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

The sisters gazed sadly at the hut. Then they gazed sadly at each other. Then, without a word, they went to the sunlight tree, wrapped their arms around its trunk and gave it a loving squeeze.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, so we're tree hugging now? Talk about melodramatic. It's just a tree. You'll survive. Now get out of here. I have a castle to build.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Well, when the unfortunate news of Selma and Svea's eviction spread through the village, everyone stepped forward to help. The village farmer offered a plot of land in his meadow. The carpenter donated materials for a new hut. Other neighbors came through with clothing, food and furniture. Meanwhile, atop the wooded hill, Wilhelm's team was hard at work on his castle. When it was finished, he decided to throw a lavish ball. He invited high ranking members of the nobility and gentry who came flocking up the hill, dressed to the nines and eager to see the sunlight tree.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Can you believe it, folks? Have you ever beheld such a marvel? Such a miracle? I dare say you haven't.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Wilhelm relished his guest's awestruck expressions. Clearly they were very impressed. But then, all of a sudden, the expressions on their faces changed one by one. Smiles vanished, brows furrowed and lower lips began to quiver and shake.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's going on, folks? You seem distressed.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Wilhelm followed his guests gazes. And that's when his smile vanished. His brow furrowed and his lower lip began to quiver and shake. And do you know why? Well, Wilhelm had built his castle atop the wooded hill, right? So it was surrounded by all kinds of trees. Maples, pines, oaks. And before his and his guests very.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Eyes, every single one of those maples.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Pines and oaks gathered up its branches and stretched them to either side, as if each tree had sprouted two mighty wings. The Sunlight Tree did the same. And then, wouldn't you know it, all of those mighty leafy wings began to flap. They flapped and they flapped, picking up momentum and speed, until every tree broke free from the earth and lifted into the air.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Nicely done, friends. Not bad for your first flight.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Wilhelm looked up. And there was that pesky starling hovering in front of the trees as if leading an army.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

All right, friends, now forward. Fly.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Lars lowered his head and began to swoop and dive. The trees followed suit, whizzing around in great loops and arcs. They moved closer and closer to the castle, crowding over the windows and walls until the entire place went dark. The party guests panicked, stumbling all over each other as they scrambled for a way out.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Wait. Don't leave.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

Stay.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

But staying was the last thing anyone wished to do. And as they bolted for the door, do you know what happened? The trees lifted away all at once, clearing the way so that everyone could get out. Vilhelm tried to follow, but before he reached the exit, the trees crowded back in again and he was trapped in the shadows.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What have I done? What have I done?

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

You've made a big old mess, that's what you've done.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Vilhelm gazed upwards and there flew, flying in circles in the dark, was the starling.

[Lars (Talking Starling)]

You could have left Selman Svea alone. You could have left them to enjoy their Sunlight Tree. Instead you are all mine. Mine, mine. Me, me, me. Maybe next time you won't be such a bird brain.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Lars fluttered to the window and gave it a tap. And just like that, the trees backed away. They floated into the air and glided back to their original spots on the hill. Then they settled back down, dug in their roots and stood tall and proud. Just like before. But one tree did not return to its original place. Any guess which one? Anyone? You've got it. The Sunlight Tree. It lifted up into the air. Higher it and higher. Before gliding away from the wooded hill, the tree drifted and floated, and when it reached Selma and Svea's new hut, it lowered down to earth and plunged its roots into the soil. And there it stood back with its kind and rightful owners, filling their home and their hearts with light.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Now it's your turn. If you could have a tree that produced something magical, what would it be? Maybe its branches would always be bursting with ice cream cones, or its leaves would be made from picture books. Find some paper and draw a picture of your tree. Share it with a family member or friend and then if you like, share it with us. Grown Ups. Email a photo of your Circle Round fan and their artwork and email it to circleroundbor.org with your permission, we may feature it in our Circle Round newsletter, the Lion's Roar.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

If you haven't yet signed up for.

[Rebecca Scheer]

This monthly email full of sneak previews, peeks, behind the scenes and more, visit WBUR.org CircleRound.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

This week's story, The Sunlight.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Tree, was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Circle Round's composer is Eric Shimalonis, who conducted our world class ensemble from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Kathy Basrak on viola, Rachel Childers on horn, Chris El Chico on clarinet, Clint Foreman on flute, Ben Levy on double bass and Suzanne Nelson on bassoon. Special thanks to everyone at the BSO including Chad Smith, Tony Fogg, Mark Robert Rulison, Angie Di Sosio, James Campbell, Dana Falloon, Jason Lenhard, Stephen Ponchack, Amy Aldrich, Jason Lyon and Kelly Carmussino.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

And a big Circle round of applause for our actors at Symphony Hall, Mary.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Faber, Josh Gondelman, Lamont Price and Jessica Rao. You grown ups may know actor, singer and puppeteer Mary Faber from TV shows like Parks and Recreation and Kidding.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

She's graced the Broadway stage in musicals.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Like Avenue Q, American Idiot and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She's appearing in the Musical at New York City center through November 9th. Josh Gondelman is a stand up comedian and Emmy award winning writer You NPR fans know from Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me. The NPR News quiz Grown Ups. You can find his comedy specials, People Pleaser and Positive Reinforcement streaming online. And you kids can hear him in oodles of Circle Round episodes recorded live at Symphony hall and Tanglewood, named Best Comedian in Boston by Boston Magazine and one of Comedy Central's Comics to Watch by Comedy Central. Lamont Price has brought his humor to every major comedy festival.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

He's also appeared in Triumph the Insult.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Comic Dog's Election Special on Hulu and in Funny or Die's Oddball Comedy Tour. Singer and actor Jessica Rao has appeared in dozens of Circle Round stories, including live episodes from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

[Sponsor/Advertisement Voice]

Go.

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

She has voiced characters in many video.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Games, including Cobra Kai. The Karate Kid Saga continues. You kids can hear her voice in the films Wish sing and Pitch Perfect 3. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories and you can print them out and color them in Grown ups. Visit our website wbor.org CircleRound and click on coloring pages. Love the stories you hear on Circle Round. Leave us a five star rating or review on your favorite podcast app and please tell your friends about the show. With your help, we can make the Circle Round circle even bigger. Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's NPR News station. I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for Circling Round with us. Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know what's your favorite Circle Round story?

[Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller)]

Thousands of fans just like you have.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Wilhelm]

My name is Clara, I live in London, London, England. My favorite Circle Round story is Getting Skunked. I like the part when Skunk turns black. My name is Kala and I live in Washington D.C. and my favorite circle round story is the Zodiac 12. My name is Max, I live in Washington D.C. and My favorite Circle Round story is as Clear as a Bell. My name is Frank, I live in Houston. My favorite Circle Land is the Zodiac 12th and I like the part where they race. My name is Morgan and I live in St. Paul, Minnesota and my favorite circle round story is the three legged pot and my favorite part is when the pot knocks Felix into the snow. My name is June and I'm from Indiana. And my favorite Circle Worm story is the Three Legged Pop because I like the part when they say hang the skip and skip. My name is Camden and I am from Portland, Oregon. My favorite story is Getting Skunked because I like the part when he says no respect. No respect at all. My name is Levi, I live in for some My favorite episode is the Lion's Whisker. Hi, my name is Bronco and I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My favorite Circle Round story is donkey business.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry grown ups. You can find all of our Circle Round stories, plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages, and oh so much more on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.