Venice - Original Cast Recording

"Venice" is a fresh new musical written by hip-hop performer Matt Sax and director Eric Rosen. The premiere was produced at the Public Theater in the summer of 2013, and now we have the cast album release from Ghostlight Records.

The plot is predictable for a contemporary pop/rock/hip-hop style musical: A dystopian world becomes the rope in a tug of war between those who strive for peace, and those who create unrest to maintain their power. In this instance, the revolutionaries are lead by Venice Monroe (Haaz Sleiman) and the daughter of the assassinated president, Willow Turner (Jennifer Damiano, Tony nominated for her role in Broadway's "Next to Normal"). Toss in the Willow's former fianc�, Theo Westbrook (Jonathan-David), Venice's half-brother, Markos (Leslie Odom, Jr.) and Markos' wife, Emilia (Victoria Platt), and Sax and Rosen have more than enough characters from whom to draw a multitude of emotions and melodies.

The recording brings in the influences of "Rent," mixes in the raps and grooves brought to Broadway by Lin-Manuel Miranda ("In The Heights"), and Sax's own experience within the world and electronica to create a sound that should have strong appeal to the dance hoppers and clubbers who are looking for a musical theater piece they can put in their car stereos after enjoying the show live in performance.

Music director Jim Abbott leads the four-piece rock band, and Sax himself is cast as the Clown MC, the narrator-figure who guides us through the story. Highlights include Odom's potent delivery on "Last Man," the act two opener ("Never Wish War on a People"), by Sax and featuring Claybourne Elder ("Bonnie and Clyde") as Willow's best friend and martyr, Michael Victor, and the expository opening, "Citizens of Venice." The creators were fortunate enough to have Uzo Aduba ("Crazy Eyes" from "Orange is the New Black") as Venice's dead mother, Anna. Her voice is glorious, with perfect diction. It would've been nice to hear her more in the show.

The strong cast efficiently navigates the urban sounds of the score, and the result is a "new" musical that can truly boast the moniker.

"Venice" (Original Cast Recording)
Matt Sax and Eric Rosen
CD and digital formats
Ghostlight Records