CHESS at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre

Long before their jukebox musical MAMMA MIA, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, formerly of ABBA, wrote the music for this show, which literally and metaphorically showcases The Game of Kings. With lyrics by Tim Rice (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, EVITA), the story revolves around the two top players, an American and a Russian, in a world chess tournament. They find themselves competing for both the championship and for the affections of the woman who manages one, yet yearns for the other. The thrilling pop score includes “One Night in Bangkok” and “I Know Him So Well.”