Review: THE CHEQUERBOARD WATCH at Delaware Theatre Company
George Abbott earned the reputation of Broadway’s “show doctor” in the 1950s because he had an uncanny ability to fix troubled musicals quickly and commercially.
George Abbott earned the reputation of Broadway’s “show doctor” in the 1950s because he had an uncanny ability to fix troubled musicals quickly and commercially. Producers would bring him in—often late in rehearsals or even during out-of-town tryouts—to tighten scripts, sharpen comedy, restructure scenes, cut weak material, and improve pacing. He wasn’t usually hired to originate shows at that stage, but to make them work with audiences.
He turned THE PAJAMA GAME (“Hey There”, “Fernando’s Hideaway”) and DAMN YANKEES (“Heart”, “Whatever Lola Wants”) into Broadway gold.
With that spirit in mind, Aisle Say—after 40 years in the aisle and a deep affection for live theatre—will don the white coat, hang the stethoscope around the neck, and offer a diagnosis.
The Delaware Theatre Company is presenting the World Premiere of The Chequerboard Watch, which means, by definition, this is a work in progress. And work is indeed needed.
Conceived and directed by Mimi Warnick. Book and Lyrics by Selena Seballo.
Earlier this year, Aisle Say wrote about the dangers of small theatre clans assuming “ownership” of a theatre. The article was not to criticize, but to preserve and strengthen -perhaps to save the institution. In that same constructive spirit, here are some observations and suggestions:
1) The Story
At present, the plot is nearly impossible to follow. The program synopsis does little to clarify the narrative, leaving the audience adrift.
Suggestion: Introduce a narrator to guide us. Billy could serve beautifully in this role, moving fluidly between participant and storyteller, grounding the audience in the action.
2) The Set
1855, aboard a four-masted clipper ship bound for South Australia to collect wool. Unfortunately, the set suggests something far more recent—more Home Depot than high seas.
Suggestion: Distress the set. This should feel like a working commercial vessel, not a newly constructed showroom. Texture, wear, and grit are essential to evoke the period.
3) Costumes
Costuming is an extension of character—and here, it falters. One lead character (Philip) wears what appear to be new ballet shoes; another wears a neatly pressed shirt that looks fresh from Goodwill. A pressed shirt on a working sailor (Ansel) in 1855 strains credibility.
Suggestion: Treat costumes as part of the cast. They must reflect the time, the labor, and the lived-in reality of life aboard ship.
4) Length and Focus
At 2 hours and 40 minutes (including intermission), the show overstays its welcome. At least 20 minutes should be trimmed. Several scenes feel extraneous or confusing, diluting whatever endgame the writers intend.
To wit:
- A homosexual interaction that feels underdeveloped and disconnected from the central narrative
- The Captain’s main obsession was obtaining the load of wool before the competition. Talk of the demise of wooden ships versus iron ships? Necessary? (Ten years later at Hampton Roads the Monitor/Merrimack put that question to rest.)
- The competition and threat by the ‘red’ challenger was never fully developed.
5) Choreography
Neither particularly tight nor innovative.
6) Captain Edwards: “Glory Is Mine To Take”
It was sung with the power and obsession of Javert’s “Stars” in Les Mis. The character needs another song.
7) Production Title. With a world premiere –a new show - the audience needs a prelude as to what to expect. This title brings little understanding of what the show is about.
The original music by Jack Denman was the highlight of the performance. Wonderful vestiges of Irish Traditional music…the fiddle, the Uilleann bagpipes, the penny whistle, the Bodhran drum. “Among Brothers”, the final number, is a rousing anthem.
Suggestion: Tighten the script. Clarify character arcs. Cut or refine songs and scenes that neither serve nor progress the story.
This is a premiere, not a finished product—and that’s an opportunity. With careful shaping, sharper storytelling, and attention to period detail, The Chequerboard Watch could yet find its true course.
For now, the patient is stable—but still in need of a skilled doctor.
— Aisle Say
Though May 3
Next Up – The 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE – Sept 16 – Oct 4
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