Chess

Opened: April 28, 1988
Closing: June 25, 1988

Chess - 1988 - Broadway Tickets, News, Info & More

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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Beechman To Welcome Barbara Walsh on 9/8 by BWW News Desk - Sep 8, 2008

The Laurie Beechman Theatre is very pleased to welcome Broadway's BARBARA WALSH for a one night only concert, as part of our celebrated Voices from the Great White WaySeries. The series has just kicked off with sold out engagements from Becca Ayers (South Pacific),Donna Lynne Champlin (Sweeney Todd) and Luba Mason (Chicago). This one night only concert takes place on Monday, September 8th @ 7pm.

Photo Flash: Life Cafe Dedication in Honor of RENT Creator Jonathan Larson by Eddie Varley - Sep 7, 2008

Tonight, Sunday September 7, 2008 Rent will close at the Nederlander Theatre after the evening performance after playing 5,124 performances and 16 previews. On Friday, September 5th, in celebration of Rent and the enduring memory of Jonathan Larson, Kathy 'Life' Kirkpatrick, owner of East Village's fabled Life Café, a favorite hangout of Larson and an important location featured in the musical itself, unveiled a special dedicated bench in his name.

Breaker Replaces Gregory and Other Changes Announced for NY Bound SHREK by Robert Diamond - Sep 30, 2008

Following a successful try-out engagement in Seattle, SHREK THE MUSICAL will begin preview performances in New York at the Broadway Theatre on Saturday, November 8, with the official opening on Sunday, December 14.

Bogardus, O'Malley, Denman and More Cast in Broadway's 'White Christmas' by Faetra Petillo - Sep 3, 2008

The upcoming Broadway production of IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS, a new musical stage reinvention of the beloved classic film, is pleased to announce that Stephen Bogardus, Kerry O'Malley, Jeffry Denman, Meredith Patterson, Charles Dean and Susan Mansur will lead a cast of 33 in the highly anticipated holiday engagement.

'She Loves Me' Concludes Rubicon's Tenth Anniversary Festival by Faetra Petillo - Sep 3, 2008

The finale of Rubicon Theatre Company's celebratory 10th Anniversary 'Festival' Season is the delightful Bock & Harnick musical comedy SHE LOVES ME.

Sterling's Fall Lineup to Include Rose, Simmons, Late, and More by Faetra Petillo - Sep 27, 2008

Moving on from a third summer of sold-out performances highlighted by such LA-based artists as Popera singing star Jamie Angelise; Nightclub, recording and television stars Craig Heath and Jeanne Page; the irresistible Broadway star and film star Marion Ramsey (from the hilarious Police Academy series 1 - 6); Disney's Danyelle Bossardet (Beauty and the Beast); and the revered musical comedy duo of BaulPointPen (Paul Peglar and Ben McLain); Sterling's Upstairs at Vitello's in Studio City, CA ushers in October and November with seven sensational leading men.

Casting Change: McNab and Ku Join Cast of 'Gutenberg! The Musical' by Faetra Petillo - Sep 24, 2008

Brenda McNab will now be playing the role of Bud and Austin Ku will now be playing the role of Doug in GUTENBERG! THE MUSICAL.

Krill, Case, and Peluso Join 'Mamma Mia!' 9/24 by Faetra Petillo - Sep 24, 2008

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! welcomes Sean Alan Krill as 'Sam Carmichael,' Allison Case as 'Sophie Sheridan' and Chris Peluso as 'Sky' to the Broadway company when they begin performances at the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway), tonight, Wednesday, September 24th, 2008.

Krill, Case, and Peluso Join 'Mamma Mia!' 9/24 by Faetra Petillo - Sep 22, 2008

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! welcomes Sean Alan Krill as 'Sam Carmichael,' Allison Case as 'Sophie Sheridan' and Chris Peluso as 'Sky' to the Broadway company when they begin performances at the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway) on Wednesday, September 24th, 2008.

Brad Oscar to Star in Asolo Rep's 'Barnum' by Robert Diamond - Sep 2, 2008

Asolo Repertory Theatre's Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards announces the creative team for the theatre's upcoming production of Barnum the musical and names Brad Oscar in the title role.

New Repertory Theatre Kicks off Season With 'Guttenberg! The Musical' by Faetra Petillo - Sep 19, 2008

New Repertory Theatre is pleased to be kicking off its third season of Downstage @ New Rep, Up Close, On The Edge, in the Black Box Theater with Scott Brown and Anthony King's zany production of Gutenberg! The Musical.

Platform Theatre Group to Present Revival of Lee Blessing's 'Two Rooms' by Faetra Petillo - Sep 17, 2008

Platform Theatre Group (Greg Tully, Producer) will present the New York revival of Lee Blessing's Two Rooms, directed by Peter Flynn, for a limited Off-Broadway engagement at the Lion Theatre at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street), beginning October 2nd. Opening Night is set for Tuesday, October 7th (7 PM).

Platform Theatre Group's Revival of 'Two Rooms' Opens Tonight at the Lion Theatre by Faetra Petillo - Oct 7, 2008

Platform Theatre Group (Greg Tully, Producer) will present the official opening of ther New York revival of Lee Blessing's Two Rooms, directed by Peter Flynn, for a limited Off-Broadway engagement at the Lion Theatre at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street) on Tuesday, October 7th (7 PM). Performances began October 2nd, 2008

'13, A New Musical' Rocks on Broadway Starting Today 10/5 by BWW News Desk - Oct 5, 2008

13, A New Musical, with music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, officially opens at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre tonday, Sunday, October 5, 2008.

New Repertory Theatre Kicks off Season With 'Guttenberg! The Musical' by BWW News Desk - Oct 5, 2008

New Repertory Theatre is pleased to be kicking off its third season of Downstage @ New Rep, Up Close, On The Edge, in the Black Box Theater with Scott Brown and Anthony King's zany production of Gutenberg! The Musical.

BWW Asks: 'What's Your Favorite Halloween Memory?' by Eugene Lovendusky - Oct 31, 2008

Monsters, Witches and Ogres... OH MY! What better place to celebrate the spooks and creeps of HALLOWEEN than The Great Fright Way? In the spirit of good fun and festivities, BroadwayWorld asked some of New York's finest Broadway and Off-Broadway actors to share their craziest MEMORIES of Halloween... with PHOTOS!

SHOCK THERAPY to Open at the Lillian Theatre 11/8 by Faetra Petillo - Oct 30, 2008

Hollywood…Baum/Lebenzon Productions presents a world premiere comedy, SHOCK THERAPY, written by Tom Baum ('The Manhattan Project,' 'Carny'), produced by Diantha Lebenzon and directed by Jenny O'Hara. SHOCK THERAPY will preview on Saturday, November 1 at 8pm; Sunday, November 2 at 7pm; Thursday, November 6 at 8:00 p.m. and Friday, November 7 at 8p.m. and will open on Saturday, November 8 at 8:00 pm and is scheduled to run for six weeks through Saturday, December 14th, 2008 at The Lillian Theatre, 1076 Lillian Way in Hollywood.

Bohmer, Bean, Callaway and More Cast in THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER at the Kennedy Center by Faetra Petillo - Oct 30, 2008

Jeffrey Finn Productions announces final casting for the special return holiday engagement of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER for two weeks only at the Kennedy Center's newly-renovated Eisenhower Theater, Tuesday, December 23, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2009.

Laurie Beechman Theatre Presents Alexander Gemignani 10/27 by BWW News Desk - Oct 27, 2008

The Laurie Beechman Theatre welcomes ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI for a special, one night only concert on Monday, October 27th at 7pm. Alexander's performance is part of the theatre's celebrated Voices from the Great White Way Series.

Review - A Man For All Seasons & Colm Wilkinson at the Broadway Cabaret Festival by Kristin Salaky - Oct 23, 2008

It's perfectly understandable if years from now, or maybe fifteen minutes after leaving the theatre, the only thing you clearly remember about the Roundabout's new production of A Man For All Seasons is Frank Langella's extraordinary performance as the highly-principled Chancellor of England, Sir Thomas More, who refused to support Henry VIII's wish to separate from the Vatican and form the Church of England in order for him to divorce the aging Catherine of Aragon and wed Anne Boleyn in hopes of their union producing a son and heir.  Not that director Doug Hughes' sturdy mounting of Robert Bolt's 1960 historical drama doesn't contain fine work from the rest of the ensemble, but in a play where the central figure so dominates the proceedings - especially with this production's removal of the narrator/commenter character known as The Common Man - Langella linguistically feasts on the dense, wordy text and gracefully conveys the complexities of a family man who refuses to betray his conscious, no matter the cost to his loved ones or his own head.While Bolt leans on portraying More a bit more on the saintly side than reality dictates, Langella never strikes a false note as he spares philosophically with the self-involved king (Patrick Page), the slickly elegant Spanish ambassador (Triney Sandoval) and the arch Oliver Cromwell (an almost dastardly Zach Grenier).  His distain for the corruption of the men surrounding him is expressed by both roaring bursts and faintly exasperated glances.  To see the actor's transformation of More from a righteous lion to a fragile, quietly defiant prisoner in the Tower of London, awaiting execution, is a heartbreaking experience.  Also very touching is the work of Maryann Plunkett as his long-suffering but devoted wife.

Review - A Man For All Seasons & Colm Wilkinson at the Broadway Cabaret Festival by Kristin Salaky - Oct 23, 2008

It's perfectly understandable if years from now, or maybe fifteen minutes after leaving the theatre, the only thing you clearly remember about the Roundabout's new production of A Man For All Seasons is Frank Langella's extraordinary performance as the highly-principled Chancellor of England, Sir Thomas More, who refused to support Henry VIII's wish to separate from the Vatican and form the Church of England in order for him to divorce the aging Catherine of Aragon and wed Anne Boleyn in hopes of their union producing a son and heir. Not that director Doug Hughes' sturdy mounting of Robert Bolt's 1960 historical drama doesn't contain fine work from the rest of the ensemble, but in a play where the central figure so dominates the proceedings - especially with this production's removal of the narrator/commenter character known as The Common Man - Langella linguistically feasts on the dense, wordy text and gracefully conveys the complexities of a family man w

Broadway Stars to Perform Outdoor Concert at Tudor City Greens 10/22 by BWW News Desk - Oct 22, 2008

A new outdoor concert series will be presented at the Tudor City Greens in New York City on Wednesday, October 22nd starting at 12 noon. The hour-long program of music and comedy - themed 'Witchcraft' - will feature performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret scene.

Laurie Beechman Theatre Presents Alexander Gemignani 10/27 by Reynard Loki - Oct 22, 2008

The Laurie Beechman Theatre welcomes ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI for a special, one night only concert on Monday, October 27th at 7pm. Alexander's performance is part of the theatre's celebrated Voices from the Great White Way Series.

Medicine Show Theater's MR. SHAKESPEARE & MR. PORTER Opens 11/13 by Reynard Loki - Oct 21, 2008

Medicine Show Theatre Ensemble has announced its revival of 'MR. SHAKESPEARE & MR. PORTER,' the melding of the plays of WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE with the music and lyrics of COLE PORTER. The production features two different evenings of mini-musicals: Volume 1 ('Hamlet,' 'Macbeth' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream') runs from November 13th through the 23rd; Volume 2 ('Measure for Measure,' 'Richard III' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream') runs from December 4th-December 21st.

Broadway Stars to Perform Outdoor Concert at Tudor City Greens 10/22 by Reynard Loki - Oct 20, 2008

A new outdoor concert series will be presented at the Tudor City Greens in New York City on Wednesday, October 22nd starting at 12 noon. The hour-long program of music and comedy - themed 'Witchcraft' - will feature performers from Broadway and the New York City cabaret scene.

Platform Theatre Group Presents 'Two Rooms' Starting Tonight, 10/2 by Faetra Petillo - Oct 2, 2008

Platform Theatre Group (Greg Tully, Producer) will present the New York revival of Lee Blessing's Two Rooms, directed by Peter Flynn, for a limited Off-Broadway engagement at the Lion Theatre at Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street), beginning October 2nd. Opening Night is set for Tuesday, October 7th (7 PM).

York Theatre Company's MY VAUDEVILLE MAN! Opens 11/7 by Reynard Loki - Oct 15, 2008

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!) announces the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue.

Updated Information for 'The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber at the Kennedy Center by Faetra Petillo - Oct 15, 2008

Jeffrey Finn Productions announces a special return holiday engagement of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER for two weeks only at the Kennedy Center's newly-renovated Eisenhower Theater, Tuesday, December 23, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2009. The engagement marks the first return of the special concert since a sold out holiday run at the Kennedy Center Opera House in December 2004. The official Opening Night will be Saturday, December 27 at 7:30 p.m.

'The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber' Returns to Kennedy Center Starting 12/23 by Faetra Petillo - Oct 10, 2008

Jeffrey Finn Productions announces a special return holiday engagement of THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER for two weeks only at the Kennedy Center's newly-renovated Eisenhower Theater, Tuesday, December 23, 2008 through Sunday, January 4, 2009. The engagement marks the first return of the special concert since a sold out holiday run at the Kennedy Center Opera House in December 2004.

World Premiere Musical: The Medium At Large by BWW - Oct 1, 2008

Ghosts. Romance.Mischief. New York City, 1938. What if those who have passed on have never really left us at all? It's possible! Join Bruce, a medium-at-large, as he plays matchmaker for a pair of sisters in this world and the next, and set skepticism aside for an evening of romantic high jinks. As one sister says to the other, 'You've dropped your friends, you're secretive, you're defensive, you're mysterious, you're hostile...it's got to be love.'

SHOCK THERAPY to Open at the Lillian Theatre 11/8 by BWW News Desk - Nov 8, 2008

Hollywood…Baum/Lebenzon Productions presents a world premiere comedy, SHOCK THERAPY, written by Tom Baum ('The Manhattan Project,' 'Carny'), produced by Diantha Lebenzon and directed by Jenny O'Hara. SHOCK THERAPY will preview on Saturday, November 1 at 8pm; Sunday, November 2 at 7pm; Thursday, November 6 at 8:00 p.m. and Friday, November 7 at 8p.m. and will open on Saturday, November 8 at 8:00 pm and is scheduled to run for six weeks through Saturday, December 14th, 2008 at The Lillian Theatre, 1076 Lillian Way in Hollywood.

York Theatre Company's MY VAUDEVILLE MAN! Opens 11/7 by BWW News Desk - Nov 7, 2008

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!) announces the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue.

MY VAUDEVILLE MAN! Begins Performances Friday at York by Robert Diamond - Nov 6, 2008

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!), are proud to announce the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue.

JOE'S PUB Adds Bernhard, Lewis, Ferguson and More to Lineup by Faetra Petillo - Nov 3, 2008

Joe's Pub has announced new additions to their upcoming lineup.

Zanna, Don't! to Run December 5-12 by Robert Diamond - Nov 3, 2008

NCTC is proud to announce the Bay Area premiere of Zanna, Don't!. Previews are December 5 - 12, opens on Saturday, December 13th, and runs through January 18, 2009: Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm.

Sterling’s Upstairs Announces August Line-Up by Victoria Myers - Jul 29, 2008

A month into its third year, LA's premier Cabaret Supper-Club, Sterling's Upstairs located at the legendary Vitello's Restaurant in Studio City, CA has been cited by the LA Daily News as presenting the Best Cabaret Entertainment in Los Angeles.

Laurie Beechman Theatre Welcomes Becca Ayers 7/28 by BWW News Desk - Jul 28, 2008

The Laurie Beechman Theatre is very pleased to welcome Broadway's Becca Ayers for a one night only concert that will feature her own music, as well as a special guest appearance from her sister, Heather Ayers. This one night only concert takes place on Monday, July 28 @ 7pm. There is a $15 cover, as well as a $15 food or beverage minimum (a full bar and dinner menu is available). The Laurie Beechman Theatre is located at 407 West 42nd St. (@ 9th Ave), in the heart of New York's theatre district. For reservations, which are recommended, please call 212 695 6909.

Son's Broken Wrist Sidelines O'Donnell from Hollywood Bowl Les Miz; Ruth Williamson to Replace by Robert Diamond - Jul 28, 2008

Les Misérables in Concert makes its Hollywood Bowl debut in a production featuring Melora Hardin as Fantine, Maddie Levy as Young Cosette, Tom Lowe as Enjolras, Michele Maika as Cosette, Michael McCormick as Thénardier, J. Mark McVey as Valjean, Lea Michele as Éponine, Brian Stokes Mitchell as Javert, Sage Ryan as Gavroche and John Lloyd Young as Marius. Rosie O'Donnell, who was to play the role of Madame Thenardier, has withdrawn from the performances in order to care for her eldest son, who broke his wrist. She will be replaced by veteran actress Ruth Williamson.

Photo Coverage: York Theatre Presents The Lady In Penthouse B by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jul 28, 2008

THE LADY IN PENTHOUSE B opened on July 25th, 2008 with book & lyrics by Peter Napolitano and music by Matthew Ward. The cast features Nancy Dussault (Into the Woods, Side by Side by Sondheim, Do Re Mi (Tony Nomination, Theatre World Award) and Bajour (Tony nomination), TV's 'Too Close for Comfort') as Lady Susan with Stephen Bienskie (Chess and Cats), Michael Cone (La Boheme, Rags and Brigadoon) Gordon Stanley (Cabaret, Ragtime and Beauty and the Beast), JD Webster (Wonderful Town, Ragtime and Showboat) and Sally Wilfert (Assassins). The show ran until July 27th.

13, A New Musical, Set For 10/5 Opening On Broadway by Faetra Petillo - Jul 27, 2008

13, A New Musical, with music and lyrics by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, will begin previews on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 and officially open at The Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 W. 45th Street) on Sunday, October 5, 2008.

Photo Flash: 'The Lady in Penthouse B' at the York by Victoria Myers - Jul 24, 2008

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is delighted to announce rehearsals have begun for the second presentation in the New2NY series, which presents st aged concerts of musicals in their NYC premieres.

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.

Creel, DeGarmo, Henry, Leung and More Join GODSPELL Cast; Previews Begin September 29 by BWW News Desk - Jul 22, 2008

Tony Award nominee Gavin Creel (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and 'American Idol' finalist Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray) will star in the new Broadway production of GODSPELL. The first Broadway revival of the landmark rock musical will officially open on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) on Thursday, October 23, 2008. Previews will begin on Monday, September 29, 2008.

Beechman To Welcome Barbara Walsh on 9/8 by Faetra Petillo - Aug 25, 2008

The Laurie Beechman Theatre is very pleased to welcome Broadway's BARBARA WALSH for a one night only concert, as part of our celebrated Voices from the Great White WaySeries. The series has just kicked off with sold out engagements from Becca Ayers (South Pacific),Donna Lynne Champlin (Sweeney Todd) and Luba Mason (Chicago). This one night only concert takes place on Monday, September 8th @ 7pm.

Chess FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Prologue: The Story of Chess
Merano
Press Conference
Anatoly and Molokov
Where I Want to Be
U.S. Versus U.S.S.R.
Arbiter's Song
Chess Hymn
Merchandisers' Song
Chess
Quartet
Florence and Molokov
Nobody's Side
Mountain Duet
Florence Quits
Pity the Child
Embassy Lament
Heaven Help My Heart
Anthem
One Night in Bangkok
Florence and Anatoly
You and I
The Soviet Machine
Interview
The Deal
I Know Him So Well
Frederick and Anatoly
Endgame
The Argument
East or West?
Postponement
A Major Story
How Many Women
Someone Else's Story
Terrace Duet
Hungarian Folk Song
No Contest
A Whole New Board Game
Let's Work Together
Lullaby
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.
If you're wondering about the awards Chess has been nominated for, here's the answer: David Hersey was nominated for Outstanding Lighting Design at the Drama Desk Awards, while Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus were both nominated for Outstanding Music at the same event. Additionally, Philip Casnoff received a Performance nomination at the Theatre World Awards.
Outstanding Lighting Design (Drama Desk Awards) for David Hersey Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Benny Andersson Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Bjorn Ulvaeus Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Philip Casnoff.

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