Chess 1988 - Articles Page 9

Opened: April 28, 1988
Closing: June 25, 1988

Chess - 1988 - Broadway History , Info & More

Imperial Theatre (Broadway)
249 West 45th St. New York, NY

A superb cast of West End stars including James Fox (Fame Academy, Jesus Christ Superstar), Shona White (Wicked), Tam Mutu (Love Never Dies), Rebecca Lock (The Phantom of the Opera, Avenue Q), James Graeme (The Phantom of the Opera), David Erik (Dirty Dancing, The Phantom of the Opera) and Steve Varnom (The Woman in White) lead a cast of 30 actors and musicians in this unmissable production.



Written by Tim Rice and ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, CHESS has one of the greatest musical theatre scores of all time including One Night In Bangkok, Pity The Child, Anthem, You And I and, of course, I Know Him So Well.



Two of the world's greatest chess masters battle it out at the world chess championships but their greatest contest is for the love of one woman. Amidst political intrigue and international conspiracies, the American and the Russian fight to win the heart of Florence Vassy in a romantic triangle that mirrors the heightened passions of the Cold War all set to an explosive score by the composers of Mamma Mia and the lyricist of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.



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Chess - 1988 - Broadway Cast

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Chess - 1988 - Broadway Articles Page 9

InDepth InterView: Lynne Taylor-Corbett & THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS
by Pat Cerasaro - May 4, 2011


Staging one of the theatre's most unique and unclassifiable pieces, Brecht & Weill's THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS for the New York City Ballet, starting May 11 and running through May 16, is just the latest act in a career made up of anomalies, seemingly built upon always attempting to do the impossible - from her Broadway debut, trying to bring balletic bravado to Trevor Nunn's terminally troubled 1988 musical CHESS (a project begun under the guidance of Michael Bennett before his death), up through the trying-but-Tony-winning TITANIC in 1997 and, this century, SWING! starring Ann Hampton Callaway and Laura Benanti and a succession of successful regional ballets and theatre pieces - the gifted and dynamic director/choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett continues to challenge herself, her peers and audiences with each of her audacious new endeavors. THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS, starring two-time Tony-winning Broadway legend Patti LuPone as Anna I, is a particularly problematic play - or is it a musical? Or, is it a ballet? A song-spiel? - and in this revealing and engaging discussion, Ms. Taylor-Corbett and I attempt to deduce the themes, analyze the structure and look back at the authors' lives to gain insight into the perplexing America painted by Brecht and Weill in the forty-minute-long theatrical experiment. Also, in this complete conversation, Lynne and I take a look back at her long and varied career and she generously shares her thoughts on where the place of dance is in the twenty-first century, the exhilaration of working with a theatre artist like Patti LuPone, her own inspirations and formative experiences in the theatre, the legacy of Michael Powell and THE RED SHOES, the theatre versus the dance world, her son Shaun's career, and much, much more! Further information on THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS - including tickets - is available here.

Joel Grey, Tyne Daly, et al. to Speak at Aldredge Memorial, 5/9
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 20, 2011


The Public Theater (Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Interim Executive Director Joey Parnes) announced today that it will host a memorial to honor the memory of famed costume designer and friend Theoni V. Aldredge. The legendary designer, who passed away on January 21, 2011, will be remembered in a memorial on Monday, May 9 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at The Public Theater. The memorial will be in the Newman Theater and is free and open to the general public

FLASH FRIDAY: A Michael Bennett Musical Birthday (with Company!)
by Robert Diamond - Apr 8, 2011


On this very day in 1943, Michael DiFiglia was born in Buffalo, New York, and the world of Broadway would simply never be the same. Cutting his teeth with the accomplished choreography for A JOYFUL NOISE, PROMISES, PROMISES, SEESAW and COCO was merely the beginning of a career that would virtually rewrite and revolutionize the ways and means by which a director could yield ultimate control over a project. With COMPANY and FOLLIES, the later co-directing with Hal Prince, Bennett solidified himself as one of the most talented and brilliant choreographers of his generation and, shortly thereafter, proved with A CHORUS LINE that he was a master theatrical engineer with few, if any, peers. Worldwide success, Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize were just the gravy. Who else but Michael Bennett would then, or ever, receive - or should I say, earn - the credit "Entire Production Conceived, Produced and Directed by," besides him? While BALLROOM failed to live up to A CHORUS LINE in mostly every way, he soon after reinvented the wheel yet again with DREAMGIRLS in 1981. We never got to see his productions of CHESS and SCANDAL, both of which he was in the latter stages of developing at the time of his death in 1988. Broadway has never been the same since he's been gone. So, today, on the day following a glittering new production of COMPANY at Lincoln Center - with the complete dance sequence "Tick Tock" fully restored, now with five dancers - we take a tip of the top hat to the tops in taps, temerity and truthfulness onstage - the one and only Michael Bennett.

Robin Wagner, Lewis Brown, et al. Win TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards
by BWW News Desk - Apr 8, 2011


Three-time Tony Award-winning scenic designer ROBIN WAGNER and esteemed costume designer LEWIS BROWN are among the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Mr. Brown was selected to receive the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for costume design, and Tony Award-winning scenic designer Robin Wagner will receive the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatrical Design. Sadly, Mr. Brown passed away in January of 2011. His award will be accepted by his long-time colleague and friend, Albert Wolsky, who was the recipient of the 2010 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award

Robin Wagner, Lewis Brown, et al. Win TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 22, 2011


Three-time Tony Award-winning scenic designer ROBIN WAGNER and esteemed costume designer LEWIS BROWN are among the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Awards recipients. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on Friday, April 8 at 6:30pm at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 44th Street). Mr. Brown was selected to receive the 2011 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award for costume design, and Tony Award-winning scenic designer Robin Wagner will receive the Robert L.B. Tobin Award for Sustained Excellence in Theatrical Design. Sadly, Mr. Brown passed away in January of 2011. His award will be accepted by his long-time colleague and friend, Albert Wolsky, who was the recipient of the 2010 TDF/Irene Sharaff Lifetime Achievement Award

Queen City Theatre Co Hosts Auditions For CHESS 2/6-7
by BWW News Desk - Feb 7, 2011


Queen City Theatre Company announces auditions for the musical 'Chess' to be held on Sunday February 6th at 4 pm and Monday February 7th at 7 pm (end time may vary, please sign up at start time).

Queen City Theatre Co Hosts Auditions For CHESS 2/6-7
by BWW News Desk - Feb 6, 2011


Queen City Theatre Company announces auditions for the musical 'Chess' to be held on Sunday February 6th at 4 pm and Monday February 7th at 7 pm (end time may vary, please sign up at start time).

Queen City Theatre Co Hosts Auditions For CHESS 2/6-7
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jan 28, 2011


Queen City Theatre Company announces auditions for the musical 'Chess' to be held on Sunday February 6th at 4 pm and Monday February 7th at 7 pm (end time may vary, please sign up at start time).

Pierrot Productions Presents CHESS at Kelsey 10/15-24
by BWW News Desk - Oct 24, 2010


A chess game between international masters takes on larger meaning in the award-winning 1980s rock opera "Chess," coming to Mercer County College's Kelsey Theatre in October. Pierrot Productions presents this cult classic of love, loss and betrayal Fridays, Oct. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, Oct. 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is conveniently located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening performance on Oct. 15.

Kelsey Theatre Presents CHESS, 10/15-24
by BWW News Desk - Oct 15, 2010


A chess game between international masters takes on larger meaning in the award-winning 1980s rock opera 'Chess,' coming to Mercer County College's Kelsey Theatre in October. Pierrot Productions presents this cult classic of love, loss and betrayal Fridays, Oct. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, Oct. 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is conveniently located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening performance on Oct. 15.

Pierrot Productions Presents CHESS at Kelsey 10/15-24
by BWW News Desk - Oct 15, 2010


A chess game between international masters takes on larger meaning in the award-winning 1980s rock opera "Chess," coming to Mercer County College's Kelsey Theatre in October. Pierrot Productions presents this cult classic of love, loss and betrayal Fridays, Oct. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, Oct. 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is conveniently located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening performance on Oct. 15.

Signature Theatre's CHESS Closes 10/3
by BWW News Desk - Oct 3, 2010


Signature Theatre's hit production of the rock musical Chess will close Sunday, October 3.

Kelsey Theatre Presents CHESS, 10/15-24
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 27, 2010


A chess game between international masters takes on larger meaning in the award-winning 1980s rock opera 'Chess,' coming to Mercer County College's Kelsey Theatre in October. Pierrot Productions presents this cult classic of love, loss and betrayal Fridays, Oct. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, Oct. 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is conveniently located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening performance on Oct. 15.

Pierrot Productions Presents CHESS at Kelsey 10/15-24
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 17, 2010


A chess game between international masters takes on larger meaning in the award-winning 1980s rock opera "Chess," coming to Mercer County College's Kelsey Theatre in October. Pierrot Productions presents this cult classic of love, loss and betrayal Fridays, Oct. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Oct. 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, Oct. 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is conveniently located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening performance on Oct. 15.

Molaskey and Pizzarelli to Open Tanglewood's Annual Labor Day Jazz Festival 9/4
by BWW News Desk - Sep 4, 2010


On Saturday, September 5 at 2 pm, John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molskey (in her Tanglewood debut) will tape their popular radio program, 'Radio Deluxe,' at the festival for later broadcast on more than 60 stations nation-wide.

BWW Reviews: Three Cheers for CHESS at Signature
by Charles Shubow - Sep 2, 2010


Director Eric Schaeffer's restaging is first major American production in 20 years.

Signature Theatre Extends CHESS Thru 10/3
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 1, 2010


Signature Theatre today announced that the run of its hit production of the rock musical Chess will be extended for one week through Sunday, October 3.

TV: CHESS at Signature Theatre!
by Robert Diamond - Aug 30, 2010


The production of Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Tim Rice's CHESS at the Signature Theatre opened August 10 and will run through September 26. Broadway's Jill Paice (Curtains, The 39 Steps), Euan Morton (Boy George in Taboo, Sondheim on Sondheim), and Jeremy Kushnier (Footloose, Rent) star in the rock musical Chess, which was directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. Written by Mamma Mia! composers Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson with Evita and Lion King lyricist Tim Rice, the 1984 cult musical of Cold War competition in love and chess is being given its first major Washington area production. Chess will be performed in the fabulous intimacy of the 276-seat MAX Theatre through September 26, 2010.

Paice, Morton, Kushnier Lead Cast Of CHESS At Signature Theatre Thru 9/26
by Lauren Wolman - Aug 29, 2010


CHESS opened at the Signature Theatre on August 10 and will run through September 26. The cast is lead by Jill Paice (Curtains, The 39 Steps) as Florence Vassy, Euan Morton (Boy George in Taboo, Sondheim on Sondheim) as Anatoly Sergievsky and Jeremy Kushnier (Footloose, Rent) as Freddie Trumper. The rock musical is directed by Signature's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. Written by Mamma Mia! composers Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson with Evita and Lion King lyricist Tim Rice, the 1984 cult musical of Cold War competition in love and chess is being given its first major Washington area production. Chess is being performed in the fabulous intimacy of the 276-seat MAX Theatre.

STAGE TUBE: A Peek At Signature Theater's CHESS
by Gabrielle Sierra - Aug 27, 2010


The production of Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Tim Rice's CHESS at the Signature Theatre opened August 10 and will run through September 26.

Photo Coverage Exclusive: CHESS at Signature Theatre - Backstage
by Walter McBride - Aug 23, 2010


Chess, the rock musical by the composers of Mamma Mia!, opened at Signature Theatre on August 10, 2010 and plays a limited run through September 26. The first major American production in almost 20 years-and the Washington region's very first professional production-stars Broadway'sJill Paice (Curtains), Euan Morton (Boy George in Taboo), and Jeremy Kushnier (Footloose) in the Russian/American conflict made new again. Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Million Dollar Quartet) and his creative team capture the gritty, sexy world of Chess' 1985 radio hit 'One Night in Bangkok' in the amazing intimacy of Signature's 276-seat MAX Theatre. The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre has a national reputation for its work with musicals - polishing underappreciated gems, as well as producing world premieres and reinventing classics.

Photo Coverage Exclusive: CHESS at Signature Theatre - Curtain Call
by Walter McBride - Aug 23, 2010


Chess, the rock musical by the composers of Mamma Mia!, opened at Signature Theatre on August 10, 2010 and plays a limited run through September 26. The first major American production in almost 20 years-and the Washington region's very first professional production-stars Broadway's Jill Paice (Curtains), Euan Morton (Boy George in Taboo), and Jeremy Kushnier (Footloose) in the Russian/American conflict made new again. Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Million Dollar Quartet) and his creative team capture the gritty, sexy world of Chess' 1985 radio hit 'One Night in Bangkok' in the amazing intimacy of Signature's 276-seat MAX Theatre. The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre has a national reputation for its work with musicals - polishing underappreciated gems, as well as producing world premieres and reinventing classics.

STAGE TUBE: CHESS At Signature Theatre
by Gabrielle Sierra - Aug 13, 2010


Signature's CHESS features a book by Richard Nelson, Music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, Lyrics by Tim Rice and is Based on an Idea by Tim Rice. The show is Directed by Eric Schaeffer

Photo Coverage: CHESS Opens at Signature - Official Production Shots!
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 12, 2010


Chess, the rock musical by the composers of Mamma Mia!, opened at Signature Theatre on August 10, 2010 and plays a limited run through September 26. The first major American production in almost 20 years-and the Washington region's very first professional production-stars Broadway's Jill Paice (Curtains), Euan Morton (Boy George in Taboo), and Jeremy Kushnier (Footloose) in the Russian/American conflict made new again. Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Million Dollar Quartet) and his creative team capture the gritty, sexy world of Chess' 1985 radio hit 'One Night in Bangkok' in the amazing intimacy of Signature's 276-seat MAX Theatre. The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre has a national reputation for its work with musicals - polishing underappreciated gems, as well as producing world premieres and reinventing classics. The first official production shots have been released and BroadwayWorld brings you a very first look below!

Photo Special: Signature's CHESS in Rehearsal- First Look!
by Jessica Lewis - Aug 9, 2010


The world of Cold War intrigue, forbidden love, and 1980s rock rules when the legendary musical Chess, by the composers of Mamma Mia!, opens at Signature Theatre tomorrow, August 10. The production will run through September 26. The first major American production in almost 20 years - and the Washington region's very first professional production - stars Broadway's Jill Paice (Curtains), Euan Morton (Boy George in Taboo), and Jeremy Kushnier (Footloose) in the Russian/American conflict made new again. Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Million Dollar Quartet) and his creative team capture the gritty, sexy world of Chess' 1985 radio hit ‘One Night in Bangkok' in the amazing intimacy of Signature's 276-seat MAX Theatre. The Tony Award®-winning Signature Theatre has a national reputation for its work with musicals - polishing underappreciated gems, as well as producing world premieres and reinventing classics. In anticipation of this exciting opening, BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the production with never-before-seen dress rehearsal shots! Check back tomorrow for official opening night photo coverage and video!

Chess FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of Chess have there been?
Chess has had 14 productions including London Fringe which opened in 1984, West End which opened in 1986, Broadway which opened in 1988, Broadway which opened in 1988, Off-Broadway which opened in 1992, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 1992, Australia which opened in 1997, New York which opened in 1998, which opened in 2001, Broadway which opened in 2003, Broadway which opened in 2003, Washington, DC (Regional) which opened in 2018, West End which opened in 2018 and Broadway which opened in 2030.
What awards has Chess been nominated for?
Chess has been nominated for several awards. These include Outstanding Lighting Design at the Drama Desk Awards for David Hersey, Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Performance at the Theatre World Awards for Philip Casnoff.
What awards has Chess won?
Chess has won several awards for its outstanding contributions in various categories. These include the Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design, which was awarded to David Hersey. The Drama Desk Awards also recognized Chess for Outstanding Music, with awards going to both Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Additionally, Philip Casnoff received a Performance award from the Theatre World Awards for his exceptional work in Chess. These accolades highlight the exceptional talent and creativity that went into the production of Chess.

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