Chess 1988 - Articles Page 12

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 12

Mann, Carmello, Chamberlin, Hoffman, James and More Join Lane and Neuwirth in THE ADDAMS FAMILY
by Robert Diamond - May 11, 2009


Two-time Tony Award winners NATHAN LANE (The Producers, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) and BEBE NEUWIRTH (Chicago, Sweet Charity) will star as Gomez and Morticia in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a new musical based on the bizarre and beloved family of characters created by legendary cartoonist Charles Addams. Produced by Stuart Oken, Roy Furman, Michael Leavitt and Five Cent Productions, by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical, THE ADDAMS FAMILY will open on Broadway Thursday, April 8, 2010 at a Nederlander theatre to be announced. Previews will begin Thursday, March 4, 2010 following a pre-Broadway engagement at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre in Chicago that begins November 13.

Royal Albert Hall's CHESS IN CONCERT With Idina Menzel To Be Aired In June 2009
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 16, 2009


Royal Albert Hall's CHESS IN CONCERT, originally presented May 12-13 2008 is set to air on PBS stations this June.

Controversial Play THE BUS STOP Premieres At Theater HAN 4/1
by BWW News Desk - Apr 1, 2009


Theatre HAN will present the New York Premiere of THE BUS STOP, the ground-breaking 1983 comedy by Nobel Prize winner Gao Xingjian. Condemned as 'spiritual pollution' by Chinese Communist Party officials and banned from production, the controversial play, which recalls Beckett's Waiting for Godot, earned Gao a reputation as an avant-garde writer to watch. Interpreted as an analogy for ineffective Communist government, the play was described by one eminent member of the party as 'the most pernicious piece of writing since the foundation of the People's Republic.' Translated by Shiao-Ling Yu and directed by Samantha Shechtman, previews begin March 26 at Sanford Meisner Theater. Opening night is slated for April 1.

Theater HAN Presents Gao Xingjian's THE BUS STOP 3/26-4/19
by BWW News Desk - Mar 26, 2009


Theatre HAN invites you to the New York Premiere of THE BUS STOP, the ground-breaking 1983 comedy by Nobel Prize winner Gao Xingjian. Condemned as 'spiritual pollution' by Chinese Communist Party officials and banned from production, the controversial play, which recalls Beckett's Waiting for Godot, earned Gao a reputation as an avant-garde writer to watch. Interpreted as an analogy for ineffective Communist government, the play was described by one eminent member of the party as 'the most pernicious piece of writing since the foundation of the People's Republic.' Translated by Shiao-Ling Yu and directed by Samantha Shechtman, performances run March 26 - April 19 at Sanford Meisner Theater (164 Eleventh Avenue, between 22nd & 23rd Streets)

Theater HAN Presents Gao Xingjian's THE BUS STOP 3/26-4/19
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 5, 2009


Theatre HAN invites you to the New York Premiere of THE BUS STOP, the ground-breaking 1983 comedy by Nobel Prize winner Gao Xingjian. Condemned as 'spiritual pollution' by Chinese Communist Party officials and banned from production, the controversial play, which recalls Beckett's Waiting for Godot, earned Gao a reputation as an avant-garde writer to watch. Interpreted as an analogy for ineffective Communist government, the play was described by one eminent member of the party as 'the most pernicious piece of writing since the foundation of the People's Republic.' Translated by Shiao-Ling Yu and directed by Samantha Shechtman, performances run March 26 - April 19 at Sanford Meisner Theater (164 Eleventh Avenue, between 22nd & 23rd Streets)

Controversial Play THE BUS STOP Premieres At Theater HAN 4/1
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 12, 2009


Theatre HAN will present the New York Premiere of THE BUS STOP, the ground-breaking 1983 comedy by Nobel Prize winner Gao Xingjian. Condemned as 'spiritual pollution' by Chinese Communist Party officials and banned from production, the controversial play, which recalls Beckett's Waiting for Godot, earned Gao a reputation as an avant-garde writer to watch. Interpreted as an analogy for ineffective Communist government, the play was described by one eminent member of the party as 'the most pernicious piece of writing since the foundation of the People's Republic.' Translated by Shiao-Ling Yu and directed by Samantha Shechtman, previews begin March 26 at Sanford Meisner Theater. Opening night is slated for April 1.

CHESS in Concert with Menzel, Groban and Pascal Coming to PBS in 2009
by Robert Diamond - Jan 16, 2009


Air dates have not yet been set, but Wicked's Idina Menzel and Rent's Adam Pascal will join Great Performances favorite Josh Groban in a spectacular London concert revival of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus' 1986 cult musical Chess, this summer on Great Performances (check local listings). Presented by THIRTEEN in 5.1 digital surround sound on PBS HD, and featuring diamond-sharp lyrics by Tim Rice (Evita, The Lion King), the hit-filled production ('One Night in Bangkok,' 'I Know Him So Well,' 'The Anthem') was recorded in performance at Royal Albert Hall. 'A fantastic night' proclaimed musiccomh.com, while thestage.co asked 'Is there an original pop musical stuffed with better melodies?' neatly echoing Time's initial 1988 assessment: 'One of the best rock scores ever produced.' Adding to the excitement is the 50-piece City of London Philharmonic, led by David Firman, and the 100-voice West End Chorus.

Testa, Burgess, Fleshler, LeFevre, Ortlieb, Rosen & More Join GUYS & DOLLS Cast
by Robert Diamond - Dec 15, 2008


Producer Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group and co-producers Tulchin/Bartner/Jenkins, Bill Kenwright, Northwater Entertainment, Darren Bagert, and Tom Gregory announced the complete cast and design team for the new Broadway production of the greatest musical comedy GUYS AND DOLLS. The first joint Broadway project by two-time Tony Award winning director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo since their collaboration on the Tony Award winning musical Jersey Boys, GUYS AND DOLLS will begin previews on February 3, 2009 at Broadway's newly refurbished Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street). Opening Night is March 1, 2009.

von Essen Stars In Pittsburgh CLO's 'West Side Story'
by BWW News Desk - Jul 22, 2008


Experience the passion, romance and excitement of the most electrifying music ever written for Broadway, when Pittsburgh CLO proudly presents West Side Story August 5 through August 17 at the Benedum Center. This classic musical is filled with jet-propelled dancing, melodious songs and the poignancy of youthful heartbreak.

'Les Liaison Dangereuses' Completes Cast; with Gummer, Nielsen, Walker
by BWW News Desk - Feb 20, 2008


Joining previously announced stars Laura Linney as 'La Marquise de Merteuil' and Ben Daniels as 'Le Vicomte de Valmont' in a new Broadway production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, by Christopher Hampton, directed by Rufus Norris at the American Airlines Theatre: Siân Phillips as 'Madame De Rosemonde,' Jessica Collins 'Madame De Tourvel', Mamie Gummer as 'Cecile Volanges', Kristine Nielsen as 'Madame De Volanges', Benjamin Walker as 'Danceny,' Rosie Benton as 'Emile,' Derek Cecil as 'Azolan,' Kevin Duda 'Servant' and Jane Pfitsch 'Servant.'

Gummer, Nielsen, Walker Join Cast of 'Liaisons'
by BWW News Desk - Dec 17, 2007


Joining the company of the Roundabout Revival of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' are Siān Phillips as 'Madame De Rosemonde,' Mamie Gummer as 'Cecile Volanges', Kristine Nielsen as 'Madame De Volanges', Benjamin Walker as 'Danceny,' Rosie Benton as 'Emile' and Derek Cecil as 'Azolan.'

Laura Linney to Star in 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' Roundabout Revival
by BWW News Desk - Nov 26, 2007


Roundabout Theatre Company presents Laura Linney and Ben Daniels in a new Broadway production of the romantic drama, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, by Christopher Hampton; directed by Rufus Norris. The limited engagement begins preview performances on April 11, 2008; opening May 1, 2008 at the American Airlines Theatre

Cudia, Ford & Mills Headline 'Phantom' Chicago Engagement
by BWW News Desk - Sep 27, 2007


The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince, returns to Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre for a limited ten-week holiday engagement running Wednesday, October 31 through Saturday, January 5, 2008. Starring John Cudia (Phantom), Sara Jean Ford (Christine), Greg Mills (Raoul).

January in Palm Beach County-MAME plays Jan. 31!
by Beau Higgins - Jan 16, 2006


Full Casting Announced for TARZAN, The Broadway Musical
by BWW News Desk - Dec 8, 2005


The production will star Josh Strickland as Tarzan, Jenn Gambatese as Jane, Merle Dandridge as Kala, Shuler Hensley as Kerchak, Chester Gregory II as Terk, Timothy Jerome as Professor Porter and Donnie Keshawarz as Clayton. Daniel Manche and Alex Rutherford will alternate in the role of Young Tarzan.

Tarzan Announced to Open May 10 at Richard Rodgers
by BWW News Desk - Sep 12, 2005


Disney has announced that Tarzan will being previews on March 24, to open on May 10, 2006.

Photo Flash: Cast Announced for Lestat, Trying Out in SF
by BWW News Desk - Aug 23, 2005


LESTAT stars Hugh Panaro in the title role, Carolee Carmello as Gabrielle, Jack Noseworthy as Armand, Jim Stanek as Louis, Roderick Hill as Nicolas, Michael Genet as Marius and Allison Fischer as Claudia.

Actors' Fund Announces Summer Benefits and More
by BWW News Desk - Jul 14, 2005


The Actors' Fund will present a number of benefit performances in addition to its Auction of 1000 Stars from July to September

Rosie's Broadway Belters - April 11 - with Alvin, Arden, Brier, Korey, Lewis, Morton, Steel and Thomas
by BWW News Desk - Mar 22, 2005


One performance only at The Zipper Theatre on Monday, April 11, 2005 at 8pm.

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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