Chess 1988 - Articles Page 4

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.



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Chess - 1988 - Broadway Cast

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Chess - 1988 - Broadway Articles Page 4

MIT Gilbert and Sullivan Players Announces Summer Production of CHESS
by BWW News Desk - Jul 7, 2017


At the height of the Cold War, an American and Russian grandmaster face off in a battle for international chess supremacy. When the Russian falls in love with the American's chess second, intense rivalry and East-West political intrigue begin to unfold.

San Francisco Playhouse Presents LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
by BWW News Desk - Jun 30, 2017


San Francisco Playhouse (Bill English, Artistic Director; Susi Damilano, Producing Director) complete their fourteenth season of transformation with the rollicking musical La Cage aux Folles, featuring the bawdy humor of Harvey Fierstein and the melodic genius of Jerry Herman.

The Capitol Steps, Dweezil Zappa and More Coming Up at City Winery Chicago
by BWW News Desk - Jun 29, 2017


Featured performances for the month of July at City Winery Chicago, include political satirists The Capitol Steps on July 2, Dweezil Zappa, son of the late Frank Zappa, on July 7, R&B Grammy-nominated duo Les Nubians on July 10, British rockers The Graham Parker Duo on July 12, Country Music Association Musician of the Year Mac McAnally on July 19, stand-up comedian Sandra Bernhard (July 20-21) and more.

Will CHESS Make A Move to Broadway in 2018?
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 20, 2017


Chess might make a move back to Broadway! According to a recent interview with Whatsonstage, creator Tim Rice is hard at work on a revised version of the original 1986 show. 'We've got a new team in who helped to restructure the storyline and it seemed to work really well as a tabletop production, but the plan is to bring it to Broadway late next year,' says Rice.

GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI for April 28, 2017
by Jeffrey Ellis - Apr 28, 2017


GOOD MORNING, THEATERATI! This morning (which according to our watch is Friday, April 28) we come to you to pose this musical question: What have they done to poor Heather Morris on Dancing With the Stars? Seriously, what did they do? We don't watch that show but have picked up some rumblings on the mean streets of Music City that intrigue is afoot among the over-teased and body-glittered cast of the ABC Monday night juggernaut - please fill us in, theaterati. Inquiring minds want to know.

Greg Louganis to Host YOU SPIN ME 'ROUND: AN 80'S DANCE PARTY for The American Pops
by BWW News Desk - Mar 31, 2017


Greg Louganis - the diving legend who first swept the Olympics in 1984 and 1988 - will serve as celebrity host when Maestro LUKE FRAZIER and THE AMERICAN POPS ORCHESTRA - Washington, DC's innovative hometown orchestra - will conclude their all-star 2016-2017 season with You Spin Me 'Round: An 80's Dance Party.

SITI Company's John Cage-Inspired Play CHESS MATCH NO. 5 Starts Tonight at Abingdon
by BWW News Desk - Mar 9, 2017


Abingdon Theatre Company, under the artistic direction of Tony Speciale, presents the world premiere of CHESS MATCH NO. 5, conceived and directed by Anne Bogart, with text arranged by Jocelyn Clarke from the words of John Cage.

SITI Company's John Cage-Inspired Play CHESS MATCH NO. 5 Headed to Abingdon This Spring
by BWW News Desk - Feb 6, 2017


Abingdon Theatre Company, under the artistic direction of Tony Speciale, presents the world premiere of CHESS MATCH NO. 5, conceived and directed by Anne Bogart, with text arranged by Jocelyn Clarke from the words of John Cage.

BWW Morning Brief February 1st, 2017 - KID VICTORY, James Corden and More!
by Jessica Khan - Feb 1, 2017


Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Scroll down for the latest news, and click HERE to learn more about how we've revamped our morning brief for 2017! Want our morning reports delivered via email? Subscribe here!

GEORGIE: MY ADVENTURES WITH GEORGE ROSE Opens Off-Broadway Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Feb 1, 2017


The New York premiere of the critically acclaimed Signature Theatre production of Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose, the new play written by and starring Ed Dixon (Sunset Boulevard, LES MISERABLES) with direction by Eric Schaeffer (Follies, Million Dollar Quartet), opens tonight, February 1, 2017, for a limited engagement through April 15, 2017 at The Loft at The Davenport Theatre (354 West 45th Street, between 8th & 9th Avenues).

GEORGIE: MY ADVENTURES WITH GEORGE ROSE Begins Tonight Off-Broadway
by BWW News Desk - Jan 25, 2017


Producers Martin Platt and David Elliott with Mary Cossette, Jamie deRoy, Richard Winkler, and Mike Blank present the New York premiere of the critically acclaimed Signature Theatre production of Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose, the new play written by and starring Ed Dixon (Sunset Boulevard, LES MISERABLES) with direction by Eric Schaeffer (Follies, Million Dollar Quartet).

Two-Time Tony Award-Winner Helen Gallagher to Narrate 70, GIRLS, 70 Concert at Feinstein's/54 Below
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 20, 2016


Two-time Tony Award winner Helen Gallagher has joined the cast of the previously announced 70, Girls, 70 concert at FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club. Ms. Gallagher, who will serve as the evening's narrator, joins a starry cast of Broadway veterans in the 1971 Kander and Ebb-tuner, set for April 17th, 2017 at 7:00pm and 9:30pm. A portion of the evening's proceeds will benefit The Lillian Booth Actor's Home. 

GEORGIE: MY ADVENTURES WITH GEORGE ROSE Headed Off-Broadway in 2017
by BWW News Desk - Dec 15, 2016


Producers Martin Platt and David Elliott with Mary Cossette, Jamie deRoy, Richard Winkler, and Mike Blank will present the New York premiere of the critically acclaimed Signature Theatre production of Georgie: My Adventures with George Rose, the new play written by and starring Ed Dixon (Sunset Boulevard, LES MISERABLES) with direction by Eric Schaeffer (Follies, Million Dollar Quartet).

Single Tickets to Go Onsale for Mira Nair's MONSOON WEDDING on Monday 11/14
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 9, 2016


Berkeley Rep today announced that single tickets for the world premiere of the new musical Monsoon Wedding will go on sale to the general public on Monday, November 14. Monsoon Wedding will have its world premiere at Berkeley Rep's Roda Theatre next spring. Previews begin Friday, May 5, 2017 and the show runs through Sunday, June 25, 2017. Press night for Monsoon Weddingwill be Friday, May 19, 2017.

Ann Harada Will Lead CHRISTMAS EVE'S HOLIDAY HUNKFEST Benefit This December
by Nicole Rosky - Nov 2, 2016


The holidays will be heating up when Broadway favorite Ann Harada reprises her role as the sincere and sassy therapist from Avenue Q in Christmas Eve's Holiday Hunkfest (#hunkfest), featuring an all-star bevy of Broadway beaus. The unforgettable evening on December 12, 2016, is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Works by James Lecesne, Anne Bogart and More Set for Abingdon's 24th Season
by BWW News Desk - Oct 5, 2016


Abingdon Theatre Company will present two world-premiere plays and a new musical in the June Havoc Theatre as part of its 2016-2017 Season of new works by established and emerging writers, marking the first full season programmed by Artistic Director Tony Speciale.

Custom Made Theatre Co. Opens 2016-2017 Season with CHESS
by Ashlee Latimer - Aug 7, 2016


Custom Made Theatre Company opens its 18th season in San Francisco with Chess, the legendary rock opera from Tim Rice ("Evita","Jesus Christ Superstar") and Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, members of the celebrated pop group, ABBA. Set towards the end of the cold war, Chess uses politics and sport as metaphor for a love triangle between an enfant-terrible American superstar (loosely modeled on Bobby Fisher), his Hungarian-born lover/second, and a Soviet player looking to start a new life.  

Photo Flash: Inside Opening Night of Porchlight's CHESS
by Tyler Peterson - May 5, 2016


Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the final production in the third smash season of Chicago's 'lost' musicals in staged concert series, Porchlight Revisits Chess, music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, lyrics by Tim Rice and Bjorn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, with direction by Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber, choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier and music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Porchlight Revisits Chess is presented for three-nights-only Tuesday, May 3 through Thursday, May 5 at 7:15 p.m. and is performed on the set of Porchlight's Dreamgirls (previews begin April 8) on nights when there are no performances at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets for Chess are $30 in advance and $35 at the door the night of the performance. All tickets include access to the popular pre-performance event, Behind the Show Backstory, a multi-media presentation, created and hosted by Weber, that discusses that evening's production including the show's creative history, juicy backstage gossip and more. Single tickets to Chess are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org or by calling the Stage 773 box office, 773.327.5252.

Photo Flash: First Look at Porchlight Revisits CHESS, Opening Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 3, 2016


Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber present the final production in the third smash season of Chicago's 'lost' musicals in staged concert series, PORCHLIGHT REVISITS CHESS, music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, lyrics by Tim Rice and Bjorn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, with direction by Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber, choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier and music direction by Jimmy Morehead. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 4/28/16- CHESS
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 28, 2016


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.

When It Rains It Pours! Broadway-Bound MONSOON WEDDING Musical to Premiere at Berkeley Rep
by BWW News Desk - Apr 20, 2016


Berkeley Repertory Theatre today announced that award-winning film director Mira Nair will bring her exuberant and sumptuous MONSOON WEDDING to the stage in this highly anticipated world premiere musical based on the 2001 Bollywood hit.

Porchlight Music Theatre to Revisit CHESS as Part of Ongoing Series, 5/3-5
by Tyler Peterson - Apr 12, 2016


Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the final production in the third smash season of Chicago's "lost" musicals in staged concert series, Porchlight Revisits Chess, music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, lyrics by Tim Rice and Bjorn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, with direction by Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber, choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier and music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Porchlight Revisits Chess is presented for three-nights-only Tuesday, May 3 through Thursday, May 5 at 7:15 p.m. and is performed on the set of Porchlight's Dreamgirls (previews begin April 8) on nights when there are no performances at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets for Chess are $30 in advance and $35 at the door the night of the performance. All tickets include access to the popular pre-performance event, Behind the Show Backstory, a multi-media presentation, created and hosted by Weber, that discusses that evening's production including the show's creative history, juicy backstage gossip and more. Single tickets to Chess are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org or by calling the Stage 773 box office, 773.327.5252.  The 2016 - 2017 season subscriptions to Porchlight Revisits includes The Rink (October 4 - 6), Little Me (February 28 - March 2, 2017) and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (May 9 - 11, 2017) are also available at porchlightmusictheatre.org. 

Porchlight Revisits Staged Concert Series to Close with CHESS
by Tyler Peterson - Mar 30, 2016


Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the final production in the third smash season of Chicago's "lost" musicals in staged concert series, Porchlight Revisits Chess, music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, lyrics by Tim Rice and Bjorn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, with direction by Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber, choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier and music direction by Jimmy Morehead. Porchlight Revisits Chess is presented for three-nights-only Tuesday, May 3 through Thursday, May 5 at 7:15 p.m. and is performed on the set of Porchlight's Dreamgirls (previews begin April 8) on nights when there are no performances at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets for Chess are $30 in advance and $35 at the door the night of the performance. All tickets include access to the popular pre-performance event, Behind the Show Backstory, a multi-media presentation, created and hosted by Weber, that discusses that evening's production including the show's creative history, juicy backstage gossip and more. Single tickets to Chess are available at porchlightmusictheatre.org or by calling the Stage 773 box office, 773.327.5252. 

Ann Harada to Spread the Holiday Spirit in CHRISTMAS EVE'S HOLIDAY HUNKFEST for BC/EFA
by BWW News Desk - Nov 12, 2015


The incomparable Ann Harada will once again spread holiday spirit as the hysterical, sincere yet highly inappropriate therapist from Avenue Q as CHRISTMAS EVE'S HOLIDAY HUNKFEST (#hunkfest) welcomes a bevy of Broadway men. The one-night-only concert on Monday, December 14, 2015, is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

New ALICE IN WONDERLAND Exhibit Opening at New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
by Tyler Peterson - Sep 15, 2015


To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center in Lincoln Center will present the free multimedia exhibition Alice Live! The exhibition will trace the history of Lewis Carroll's beloved Alice stories in live performance from their first professional staging through today. Alice Live! will be on display from October 2, 2015 through January 16, 2016 in The Library for the Performing Arts's Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery, Shelby Cullom Davis Museum. 

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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