CD LAMENT - Studio Cast 2007

(Philip Close, C. Lee Cusenbary) Lee Cusenbary, Mary Belan Doggett, Teri Hospers, Cynthia Smith, Erin Cusenbary.

The two CD set of "Lament-The Musical" is brimming with lush orchestrations and soaring vocals. For fans of the shows "Les Miserables" and the "Phantom of the Opera," "Lament-The Musical" will be sure to please. What's different about this musical's CDs is that all the show's stunning instrumentals are included. "The Sword Fight," for example, is worth the price of admission. Composer Philip Close's grand style appeals to a large audience of both Broadway and classical music enthusiasts. Often compared to Danny Elfman, Close brings his own style, at times dark and mysterious, but always with a classical precision. "Divine Right" showcases Close's ability to create a visual scene with music, as he exposes the show's villain, King Charles, in a way that rivals Disney's worst villain so far. Lyricist and playwright C. Lee Cusenbary moves the story along briskly with poetic lyrics and classic themes, such as destiny, true love, and redemption. "Lament-The Musical" is based on the true story of the conspiracy to overthrow Charles I, the King of England, in 1648. Charles' daughter, Elizabeth, is caught in the middle of the plot when her hand in marriage is promised to the Prince of Portugal. She turns to her true love, Will, to help her save her father and the monarchy. While dramatic, the story is also full of hope and is surprisingly humorous, with memorable songs like the bar brawl "King of the World" and the frisky ladies in waiting singing, "Do What Royals Do." A student of Stephen Schwartz's lyrical style, Cusenbary trained on the stage before becoming a writer, playing leading roles in "Annie Get Your Gun," "Oliver!, "Godspell," and "West Side Story." His on-stage experience is evident in the singer-friendly phrasing of lyrics. Cusenbary and Doggett deliver some memorable duets as well, such as ""All I See," which will be the song you are humming after the show.