The SFP
The SFP Max/MSP application was built for a performance of the Wizard of Oz, as an easy way of playing sound effects required within the performance.
The SFP offers on demand playback, 4 channel polyphony, panning, volume control and looping which are all easy to use and configurable from a single interface.
Download and more information here
Oh and SFP, Sound File Playback.