Kelsey Theatre Presents CHESS, 10/15-24

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.

With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, "Chess" captures the '80s-era conflict between two international chess stars - one American, one Russian - who  compete for the world championship only to find that their greatest contest is for the love of the same woman. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and international conspiracies, Freddie and Anatoly fight to take the queen in a romantic triangle that mirrors the heightened passions of the Cold War. 

Among the show's memorable musical numbers are "One Night in Bangkok," "I Know Him So Well," and "Nobody's Side." Released as a highly successful concept album in 1984, the first theatrical production of "Chess" opened in London's West End in 1986 and ran for three years. An altered U.S. version played briefly on Broadway in 1988, and the show has continued to evolve in both stage and concert versions ever since.

The production stars Kevin Gray of Annandale as Anatoly; Nicole Patrick of Columbus as Florence; Peter de Mets of Newtown, Pa., as Freddie; and Cathy Liebars of Langhorne, Pa., as Svetlana.  Also featured are Haley Ackerman of Marlton, Chris Arena of Ewing, Fred Bartlett of Hamilton, Paul Lasky of New Egypt, Francine Mondi of North Brunswick, Nick Pecht of Hamilton, Jack Petzko of Cranbury, Michelle Rittmann, Shawn Simmons of Hamilton, Kate Skelly of Bordentown, Brian Vetter of Parsippany and Wendy Watt of Hamilton.

The production is directed by Pete LaBriola of Pennington, with musical direction by Buzz Herman of Hamilton Square and choreography by Kat Ross of Langhorne.

Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for students and children.  Free parking is available next to the theater.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333.  Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible.  For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website.