Chess 1986 - Articles Page 1.8

Opened: May 14, 1986
Closing: April 08, 1989

Chess - 1986 - West End History , Info & More

Prince Edward Theatre
(Leicester Square/Tottenham Court Road) Old Compton Street London

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.



Make your move now and book for the must-see musical event of the year!

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Photos/Video: First Look at the Russian Premiere of CHESS The Musical
by Stephi Wild - Oct 19, 2020


On October 17, Chess the Musical made its Russian premiere at the MDM Theatre, Moscow.

FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER ANNOUNCES REVIVALS FOR THE 58th NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL
by Robert Diamond - Aug 18, 2020


FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER ANNOUNCES REVIVALS FOR THE 58th NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL (September 17 – October 11).

BWW Exclusive: THE 101 GREATEST MOVIE SCENES of All Time - from CITIZEN KANE to PINK FLAMINGOS, from THE SOUND OF MUSIC to PARASITE
by Peter Nason - May 26, 2020


BWW Reviewer Peter Nason chooses the 101 greatest scenes in cinema from 1901 to 2020. See if your favorite movie moments made the list!

CHESS at Helsingborg Arena
by Annette Stolt - Jan 27, 2020


Summer 2020 is the premiere of the major venture Chess in Swedish at Helsingborg Arena. Loa Falkman and Gert Fylking have previously been featured as some of the show's big poster names. Now it is clear that Shirley Clamp is doing the female lead role as Florence.

VIDEO: Watch Clips of Samantha Barks, Ramin Karimloo, and More in CHESS in Japan
by Stephi Wild - Jan 25, 2020


As BroadwayWorld previously announced, a production of Chess is headed to Osaka's Umeda Arts Theater, starring Ramin Karimloo and Samantha Barks! Directed by Nick Winston, the production will run on January 27, 2020. The cast also features Luke Walsh, and Takanori Sato. Get a first look at the production in the new footage, featuring Karimloo, Barks, and the cast!

BWW Review: CHESS at 11th Hour Theatre Company
by Alyssa Biederman - Jan 21, 2020


At times, concert productions can be dull. People holding binders at microphones can only do so much to illuminate a story. 11th Hour Theatre Company's Chess in concert bypasses these pitfalls by producing what turned out to be a showcase of Philadelphia's newest vocal talent -- talent that leaves the audience in awe. 

VIDEO: Ramin Karimloo, Samantha Barks, and More Rehearse For CHESS in Japan
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2020


Ramin Karimloo, Samantha Barks, Luke Walsh, and Takanori Sato will lead a production of Chess at Osaka's Umeda Arts Theater this month! Directed by Nick Winston, the production will run on January 27, 2020.

Ramin Karimloo, Samantha Barks & More Will Lead CHESS in Japan
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 23, 2019


BroadwayWorld has just learned that Ramin Karimloo (Anastasia, Les Miserables), Samantha Barks (Pretty Woman), Luke Walsh, and Takanori Sato will lead a production of Chess at Osaka's Umeda Arts Theater. Directed by Nick Winston, the production will run on January 27, 2020. Click here for tickets.

Meet the Cast of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Off-Broadway!
by Linnae Medeiros - Aug 16, 2019


Audiences are getting ready to head to Skid Row this fall! As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's classic sci-fi musical Little Shop of Horrors is returning to New York at the Westside Theatre, with previews beginning September 17th and opening night set for October 17th. The production is set to run for a limited engagement through November 24th. To prepare you to go somewhere that's green, we're getting to know the show's cast, including Jonathan Groff, Tammy Blanchard, Christian Borle, and more. Check it all out!

Roland Joffe to Direct THE LEGITIMATE WISEGUY
by Kaitlin Milligan - Jan 17, 2019


Roland Joffe is set to direct the independent mobster drama “The Legitimate Wiseguy,” according to Variety.

United Solo Offers Master Classes With Anne Bogart, Professors Of UCLA, Juilliard, and Allan Corduner From MY FAIR LADY
by Julie Musbach - Nov 5, 2018


United Solo will host a Master Class with Anne Bogart, internationally acclaimed director, author, and Head of the MFA in Directing Program at Columbia University. This Master Class is a unique opportunity to work with a legendary theatre artist. It will take place on November 5, 2018 from 6pm-8pm at Theatre Row in New York City.

Judy Kuhn and More Will Lead Menier Chocolate Factory's Revival Of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2018


The Menier Chocolate Factory today announces principal company for its major revival of one of the world's most-beloved musicals of all time, Fiddler on the Roof, in a new staging by Trevor Nunn. Joining the previously announced Andy Nyman (Tevye) is Judy Kuhn as Golde, with Harriet Bunton (Hodel), Dermot Canavan (Lazar Wolf), Stewart Clarke (Perchik), Matt Corner (Fyedka), Joshua Gannon (Motel), Louise Gold (Yente), Kirsty MacLaren (Chava) and Molly Osborne (Tzeitel).

BWW Review: With Pinpoint Scrutiny, a Wonderful-to-Watch, Game-Changing CHESS by University of Utah Theatre Department
by Blair Howell - Sep 23, 2018


Tim Rice welcomes the re-imagining of CHESS, and uniquely encourages it. The lyricist has said he knows the musical that premiered in 1986 on the West End is problem-plagued. Continues to refer to CHESS as a work in progress, he suggests exploration and and alterations.

Tim Howar Will Take Over As The Phantom In THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - More Casting Announced!
by Stephi Wild - Aug 1, 2018


As THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA heads in to its 33rd year, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh have announced that Tim Howar will play 'The Phantom' for an initial run from 3 September - 8 December 2018.

Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Opens AT Pittsburgh CLO Today
by BWW News Desk - Jul 27, 2018


Pittsburgh CLO will fill the Benedum Center with magic and wonder fit for all ages with Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, July 27 - August 5. Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ran for a staggering 13 years and over 5,000 performances on Broadway. Now, Pittsburgh CLO brings this treasured story to life for a new generation, continuing the organization's commitment to providing young patrons the opportunity to enjoy live musical theater at home in Pittsburgh. Tickets are now available by phone at 412-456-6666, online at pittsburghCLO.org or by visiting the Box Office at Theater Square. Select half-price tickets for children 3-14 are sponsored by Giant Eagle, offering an affordable option for families to enjoy this timeless tale together.

Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Opens AT Pittsburgh CLO 7/27
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 10, 2018


Pittsburgh CLO will fill the Benedum Center with magic and wonder fit for all ages with Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, July 27 - August 5. Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ran for a staggering 13 years and over 5,000 performances on Broadway. Now, Pittsburgh CLO brings this treasured story to life for a new generation, continuing the organization's commitment to providing young patrons the opportunity to enjoy live musical theater at home in Pittsburgh. Tickets are now available by phone at 412-456-6666, online at pittsburghCLO.org or by visiting the Box Office at Theater Square. Select half-price tickets for children 3-14 are sponsored by Giant Eagle, offering an affordable option for families to enjoy this timeless tale together.

The Musical CHESS Opens This July At Lakewood Theatre Compan
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 22, 2018


Lakewood Theatre Company opens its 66th season with international intrigue, super-power politics and romance in the musical rock opera Chess. The show begins July 6 and continuing through August 12, 2018 on the Headlee Mainstage at Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street in Lake Oswego. 

CHESS Enters Final Two Weeks at the Coliseum
by Julie Musbach - May 21, 2018


The epic musical love story CHESS starring Michael Ball as Anatoly, Alexandra Burke as Svetlana, Cedric Neal as The Arbiter, Tim Howar asFreddie, Cassidy Janson as Florence and Phillip Browne as Molokov has just two weeks remaining of its limited West End season which must end on 2 June 2018.

Review Roundup: What Did The Critics Think Of The Michael Ball and Alexandra Burke-Led CHESS in London?
by Alan Henry - May 2, 2018


The epic musical love story Chess starring Michael Ball as Anatoly, Alexandra Burke as Svetlana, Cedric Neal as The Arbiter, Tim Howar as Freddie, Cassidy Janson as Florence and Phillip Browne as officially opened last night, 1 May 2018, for a strictly limited 5 week season.

TV: The Cast Discuss The Opening Night Of CHESS!
by Marianka Swain - May 2, 2018


The first West End production of Chess since 1986 stars Michael Ball as Anatoly, Alexandra Burke as Svetlana, Cedric Neal as The Arbiter, Tim Howar as Freddie, Cassidy Janson as Florence and Phillip Browne as Molokov. This epic musical love story had its press night last night and is now playing at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited season. Watch a video from the opening night party below!

TV Exclusive: Neil Sean Checks in with the Ladies of CHESS, Alexandra Burke and Cassidy Janson
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2018


The first West End production of Chess since 1986 stars Michael Ball as Anatoly, Alexandra Burke as Svetlana, Cedric Neal as The Arbiter, Tim Howar as Freddie, Cassidy Janson as Florence and Philip Browne as Molokov. This epic musical love story is now playing at the London Coliseum for a strictly limited 5 week season.

Photo Flash: First Look at Michael Ball and Alexandra Burke in CHESS at the London Coliseum
by Stephi Wild - Apr 26, 2018


The epic musical love story CHESS starring Michael Ball as Anatoly, Alexandra Burke as Svetlana, Cedric Neal as The Arbiter, Tim Howar as Freddie, Cassidy Janson as Florence and Phillip Browne as Molokov opens tonight, Thursday 26 April 2018 (Press night on Tuesday 1 May 2018) for a strictly limited 5 week season. Check out a first look at the production in the photos below!

Brief 5/6: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Tour, First Look at MEAN GIRLS, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Apr 6, 2018


Good morning BroadwayWorld! Today's top stories: Jesus Christ Superstar will embark on a national tour, get a first look at Mean Girls, and more!

Murray Head Withdraws from West End CHESS; Cedric Neal Joins Cast as 'The Arbiter'
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 5, 2018


Chess is coming back to the West End for the first time since 1986, opening at the London Coliseum on Thursday 26 April 2018 (Press night on Tuesday 1 May 2018) for a strictly limited 5 week season. The show will come without one of its previously announced cast members, however. BroadwayWorld has just learned that Murray Head has withdrawn from the production. A show representative explained:

Brief 3/27: ROCKTOPIA Opens on Broadway, and More!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 27, 2018


Good morning BroadwayWorld! Today's top stories: Rocktopia opens tonight on Broadway, and more!

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, including Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice.

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