As usual, you can rely on Broadway Records to release the diverse and the interesting. And sure enough, they are now venturing into Film Soundtracks.

The wickedly funny Speech & Debate follows three teenagers brought together by a series of mishaps. Frustrated by the hypocrisy they see in their parents, teachers, and the entire school board, the unlikely trio set out to find a common truth and make their voices heard as they revive a defunct school club and take on the world. Blogging, blackmail, and Broadway belting drive the trio’s bond in this outrageous comedy.

Sarah Steele (The Good Fight), returns to the big screen as the beloved “Diwata;” a role she originated Off-Broadway. Liam James (The Way, Way Back) and Austin P. McKenzie (Spring Awakening) star as her unlikely friends, “Solomon” and “Howie.”

Fresh off his Broadway breakthrough and Tony Award for The Humans, playwright Stephen Karam adapts his first comedy Speech & Debate for the screen. Three of Karam’s acclaimed plays including Speech & Debate, Sons of the Prophet and The Humans premiered at New York City’s Roundabout Theatre Company and continued on to success around the country. Karam is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist & two-time NY Drama Critics Circle winner; as well as an Obie, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, Lucille Lortel and Hull-Warriner award winner. Having appeared in the New York productions of both Speech & Debate and The Humans, actress Sarah Steele returns to the big screen for Karam’s film debut.

Starring Liam James, Sarah Steele, Austin P. McKenzie, Roger Bart, Janeane Garofalo, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Kal Penn, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Skylar Astin and featuring cameos by Broadway’s biggest stars, a stellar supporting cast, and an original song performed by Kristin Chenoweth, Speech & Debate is clearly an interesting project.

From the very opening lines about "Once Upon A Mattress", this recording had me. It’s a mixture of some very pleasing songs, and some very funny skits (I loved the audition medley - I’ve been there!). 'No Trouble' by Alex Rhodes is a favourite, and has a nice acoustic indie feel to it. Without a doubt, the highlight of the recording is Kristin Chenoweth’s ‘Losers Are Winners’ - a great number, and Kristin delivers it well.

I’m now on a mission to get to see the actual movie. This is a class soundtrack, and really what’s become the norm for Broadway Records - great material backed up by a unrivalled quality of product.

8

Ian Gude