VENICE

Music by Matt Sax
Lyrics by Matt Sax and Eric Rosen
Book by Eric Rosen
Additional Music by Curtis Moore
Choreography by Chase Brock
Directed by Eric Rosen

 

The Public Theater

 

“The rafters are shaking downtown at the Public Theater, where the dynamic new hip-hop musical, “Venice,” is rocking the Anspacher Theater. It’s a potent, dystopian mashup of rap music, Shakespeare’s “Othello,” sibling rivalry and political intrigue. Intricate vocal harmonies infuse the pulsating anthems and ballads performed by a youthful, energetic cast, and the staging is acrobatic and effective, in the irresistible Public Lab production that opened Thursday night. Chase Brock’s versatile choreography creates a feverish sense of foot-stomping rebellion, as well as somber, elegiac moments.”

– Associated Press

 

“There’s enough plot in Eric Rosen and Matt Sax’s “Venice,” the action-flooded new musical at the Public Theater, to fill a whole year in a Marvel comics series. Chase Brock’s funky, “Riverdance”-style choreography is kind of fun, especially as executed by Mr. Sax.”

– The New York Times

 

“Uzo Aduba as Venice’s martyred mother and Angela Polk as a pop star oozing Nicki Minaj-ery, provide some relief in small roles, as does Chase Brock’s spiky choreography, well danced by the urgent ensemble.”

– Time Out New York

 

“The Public Theater’s latest offering, Venice, is blessed with enough talent, ambition, and plot twists for two musicals. So it’s hardly surprising that the piece is rarely less-than engaging, and occasionally brilliant. If there was one thing I want more of, it would be Chase Brock’s inventive, energetic choreography.”

– cititour.com

 

“Two names to remember – Matt Sax and Chase Brock. Chase’s choreography is genius. He tells a remarkable story through dance and movement at multiple levels that involves every corner of the theatre available to him. He captures the audience’s attention and draws them in time and time again.”

– betweenmystagelife.com