Chess 1988 - Articles Page 6

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.



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

Chess - 1988 - Broadway Cast

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Chess - 1988 - Broadway Articles Page 6

Larry Alexander to Star in TheatreZone's CHESS, 3/6-16
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 24, 2014


Fate intervened during the Monday morning rehearsal when the actor originally cast as Anatoly left the production paving the way for Larry to audition for the lead role on Tuesday morning. Director Des McAnuff (Tony award winner for Big River, Tommy and Jersey Boys) hired Larry and he became Anatoly on Wednesday morning.

New Musical BEACHES Extends Through March 30 at D.C.'s Signature Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Feb 16, 2014


Due to popular demand Virginia's Signature Theatre announces that the world premiere musical Beaches is now extended through March 30, 2014. Adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart, Beaches is directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet). This heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women stars Mara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie and Alysha Umphress (Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom.

AUDIO: First Listen - Alysha Umphress and Mara Davi Sing 'Extraordinary' from Signature Theatre's BEACHES!
by BWW News Desk - Feb 5, 2014


This spring, Virginia's Signature Theatre will present the world premiere musical Beaches, adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart. Directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet), this heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women will star Mara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie White and Alysha Umphress (Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom. Click below for a first listen to the song 'Extraordinary', featuring Umphress and Davi!

Pride Films and Plays to Premiere SOCHI: THREE PLAYS ABOUT GAY ATHLETES AND THE OLYMPICS Reading, 2/24
by BWW News Desk - Feb 3, 2014


Pride Films and Plays will present two new world premieres and one Chicago premiere dealing with gay athletes in Sochi: Three Plays About Gay Athletes And The Olympics. Commemorative Edition by DC Cathro, Hoya Saxa by Rich Espey, and Olympic Fever by George Smart capture the hopes, fevers, and fears of gay men whose passion is sport.

Normie Rowe, Johnny Young and Colleen Hewett to Play The Palms, 14-15 Feb
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 15, 2014


Normie Rowe, Johnny Young and Colleen Hewett will come together for a memorable night featuring all their chartbusting hits and some wonderful stories reaching back to the beginning of their incredible careers in the 60's.

Alysha Umphress and Mara Davi Set to Lead BEACHES Musical at Signature Theatre; Runs 2/18-3/23
by Nicole Rosky - Jan 14, 2014


Virginia's Signature Theatre just announced the full cast of this spring's world premiere musical Beaches, adapted from the beloved 1985 novel by Iris Rainer Dart. Directed by Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer (Broadway's Follies, Million Dollar Quartet), this heartfelt chronicle of a decades-long friendship between two unforgettable women will star Mara Davi (Broadway's A Chorus Line and The Drowsy Chaperone) as Bertie White and Alysha Umphress (Broadway's American Idiot and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) as Cee Cee Bloom.

A KRITZERLAND CHRISTMAS III Plays Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Dec 1, 2013


Kritzerland at Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal presents A KRITZERLAND CHRISTMAS III tonight, December 1, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

A KRITZERLAND CHRISTMAS III to Play Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal, 12/1
by BWW News Desk - Nov 27, 2013


Kritzerland at Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal presents A KRITZERLAND CHRISTMAS III on Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

BREAKING BAD: The Complete Series Comes to Blu-ray Today
by TV News Desk - Nov 26, 2013


Sony Pictures Home Entertainment cooks up a full batch today, Nov. 26 when BREAKING BAD: THE COMPLETE SERIES comes to Blu-ray in its entirety.

Bailiwick Chicago Announces Casting for 2014 Productions of DESSA ROSE & CARRIE
by Tyler Peterson - Nov 14, 2013


Bailiwick Chicago has announced casting for its 2013-14 Season, which features two stunning musicals in their Chicago premieres. Leading the cast of the stirring musical drama DESSA ROSE are Sydney Charles as Dessa Rose (The Color Purple, The Mercury Theatre; Smokey Joe's Cafe, Theo Ubique) and Collective Member Harmony France as Ruth (Violet, Bailiwick Chicago-Jeff nomination; Tell Me on A Sunday, Bailiwick Repertory) with special guest artist Jayson "JC" Brooks as Nathan (Passing Strange, Bailiwick Chicago). The 2012 Off-Broadway revival version of the infamous 1988 musical CARRIE will star Callie Johnson (Pal Joey, Porchlight Music Theatre-Jeff Award; Next to Normal, Drury Lane Oak Brook) as Carrie and Katherine L. Condit as Margaret White (Chess, Original Broadway Company; Joseph and A Chorus Line, National Tours).

Ann Harada to Reprise AVENUE Q Role for Fourth CHRISTMAS EVE WITH CHRISTMAS EVE BC/EFA Benefit Concert, 12/2
by Tyler Peterson - Oct 30, 2013


For one night only, Broadway favorite Ann Harada will once again become the outrageous, beloved and heavily accented therapist from Avenue Q to make her holiday fantasies come true with the fourth edition of Christmas Eve with Christmas Eve(#christmasevebcefa), a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on Monday, December 2, 2013.

BWW Reviews: Half-baked BLOOD BROTHERS Adaptation Needs More Time in the Womb
by David Fick - Oct 6, 2013


The reality of what has been achieved in this adaptation belies the potential that this version of BLOOD BROTHERS held in its conception. While there are some moments that work beautifully, there are many where the shaky ideological foundation upon which this production is built calls the entire exercise into question.

Terri White to Join Kritzerland's THE STORY GOES ON at Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal, 10/7
by BWW News Desk - Sep 17, 2013


Kritzerland at Sterling's Upstairs at The Federal presents THE STORY GOES ON: The Songs of Richard Maltby & David Shire on MONDAY, October 7, 2013 - 7:00 PM, featuring Heather Barr, Will Collyer, Ashley Fox Linton, Sally Mayes, John Sloman, Shannon Warne and music director John Boswell.

BREAKING BAD: The Complete Series Coming to Blu-ray 11/26
by Caryn Robbins - Sep 9, 2013


Sony Pictures Home Entertainment cooks up a full batch on ?Nov. 26 when BREAKING BAD: THE COMPLETE SERIES comes to Blu-ray in its entirety.

FLASHDANCE THE MUSICAL Comes to the Majestic Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jun 18, 2013


FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation, will perform at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances tonight, June 18-23. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, March 1.

The Town Hall Presents BROADWAY BY THE YEAR, Featuring Howard McGillin, Lisa Brescia & More, Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Jun 3, 2013


The Town Hall is proud to announce the season finale of Broadway by the Year featuring The Broadway Musicals of 1988, includingThe Phantom of the Opera, Chess, Legs Diamond, Romance Romance, Carrie, and More! Scott Siegel, the creator, writer, and host of Broadway by the Year has selected a half dozen performers to star in the concert, including Howard McGillin, who holds the record for playing 'The Phantom' longer than any other actor in Broadway history. He will be joined by one of his Christines, Jennifer Hope Wills. Drama Desk Nominees Farah Alvin (The Marvelous Wonderettes) and Kevin Earley (Death Takes a Holiday) return toBroadway by the Year. Lisa Brescia, who starred on Broadway in Twyla Tharp's The Times They Are A-Changin', as Elphaba in Wicked, and as Donna in Mamma Mia! makes her Broadway by the Year debut and favorite Scott Coulter will direct and star in the concert. The cast will be joined by the Broadway by the Year Chorus.

2013 Tony Awards Clip Countdown: #7 - Michael Bennett Masterpieces
by Pat Cerasaro - Jun 3, 2013


Today we are continuing BroadwayWorld's 2013 Tony Awards Clip Countdown with a special spotlight focused on a multi-Tony Award-winning choreographer, director and performer who was involved with many landmark musicals of the 20th century - Michael Bennett.

The Town Hall Presents BROADWAY BY THE YEAR Featuring Howard McGillin, Lisa Brescia & More, 6/3
by Christina Mancuso - May 29, 2013


The Town Hall is proud to announce the season finale of Broadway by the Year featuring The Broadway Musicals of 1988, includingThe Phantom of the Opera, Chess, Legs Diamond, Romance Romance, Carrie, and More! Scott Siegel, the creator, writer, and host of Broadway by the Year has selected a half dozen performers to star in the concert, including Howard McGillin, who holds the record for playing 'The Phantom' longer than any other actor in Broadway history. He will be joined by one of his Christines, Jennifer Hope Wills. Drama Desk Nominees Farah Alvin (The Marvelous Wonderettes) and Kevin Earley (Death Takes a Holiday) return toBroadway by the Year. Lisa Brescia, who starred on Broadway in Twyla Tharp's The Times They Are A-Changin', as Elphaba in Wicked, and as Donna in Mamma Mia! makes her Broadway by the Year debut and favorite Scott Coulter will direct and star in the concert. The cast will be joined by the Broadway by the Year Chorus.

Scottish Opera and D'Oyly Carte Opera's THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Makes Glasgow Premiere Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2013


Marking a triumphant return from a ten year absence, D'Oyly Carte Opera Company bursts back onto the stage with an historic collaboration with Scottish Opera; taking an all-singing, all-dancing, richly theatrical production of The Pirates of Penzance on an extended, major UK tour following its premiere at Theatre Royal Glasgow tonight 15th May 2013.

IMAX Theatres Across the Country Sell Out For STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS
by Caryn Robbins - May 7, 2013


IMAX theatres are reporting sell-outs of its special 'STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS' sneak peek shows on Wednesday, May 15 th, with showings in Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Austin, San Francisco, Houston, San Diego and Minneapolis now at capacity.

BWW Reviews: Cheers for CHESS at Dundalk Community Theatre - Go for the Voices!
by Charles Shubow - Apr 30, 2013


You only have until May 5 to hear some great melodies by the team that brought you MAMMA MIA!

Top Stories You Missed on BWW This Weekend
by - Apr 28, 2013


Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, April 28, 2013 - Sunday, April 28, 2013.

BWW Reviews: Knocking the Songs Out of the Park: CHESS at Dundalk Community Theatre
by Jack L. B. Gohn - Apr 26, 2013


A first-rate production of a second-rate show. The astonishing cast delivers song after song that sails out of the park.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day 4/28- CHESS
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 28, 2013


Today in 1988, Chess opened at the Imperial Theatre, where it ran for 68 performances. Chess is a musical with music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, formerly of ABBA, and with lyrics by Tim Rice. The story involves a romantic triangle between two top players, an American and a Russian, in a world chess championship, and a woman who manages one and falls in love with the other; all in the context of a Cold War struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, during which both countries wanted to win international chess tournaments for propaganda purposes.

Dundalk Community Theatre Opens CHESS, 4/26
by Kelsey Denette - Apr 19, 2013


Dundalk Community Theatre concludes its season with a production of the ABBA hit musical CHESS. Performances run from April 26 to May 5. Director John Amato's vast knowledge of the show and his extremely talented cast bring to life this much anticipated cult-classic for diehard fans. Individual tickets are $23 for adults, $20 for senior adults and $15 for students/DCT Actors/Children 12 and under.

Other Productions of Chess

1984   London Fringe London Concert
London Fringe
1986   West End Original London Production
West End
1988   Broadway Broadway Production
Broadway
1992   Off-Broadway Off-Broadway Revival
Off-Broadway
1992   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
1997   Australia Australian Revival
Australia
1998   New York New York Concert
New York
2001   Nyack Concert
2003   Broadway Actors' Fund Concert
Broadway
2018   Washington, DC (Regional) Kennedy Center Broadway Center Stage Revival
Washington, DC (Regional)
2018   West End London Coliseum Revival Production
West End

Chess - 1988 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor - Musical David Carroll
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress - Musical Judy Kuhn
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Featured Actor - Musical Harry Goz
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Lighting Design David Hersey
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Benny Andersson
1988 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Music Bjorn Ulvaeus
1988 Theatre World Awards Performance Philip Casnoff
1988 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical David Carroll
1988 Tony Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Judy Kuhn

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