Review of Venice the Series

Actress Crystal Chappell and writer Kim Turrisi have created a web series that many initially regarded as a continuation of the Otalia storyline from the late soap opera "Guiding Light". It is, however, much more than that. The Venice storyline explores the relationships within a middle class family with action revolving around the principal character, Gina, played with great sensitivity by Chappell. Further, it focuses on Gina's work life and love life as an out and proud Lesbian. The top notch cast includes a number of former Guiding Light stars including Jessica Leccia who played Chappell's love interest in the Otalia storyline. Others include players from One Life To Live and Days of Our Lives. In many cases, actors have been cast in roles quite different than they are used to playing. Season one has 12 episodes and the eagerly awaited seasons two and three are in various stages of production. Chappell and Venice are on the cutting edge of what may be the future of soaps. Chappell, who also directs and produces, has been able to create a quality product with greater freedom of expression and superior production values and has done so less expensively and with economy of effort. A must-see.