CHESS @ Union Theatre 13 Feb - 16 Mar 2013

[David Somerville]

The Union Theatre presents the first London Revival of the hit musical Chess. Chess has music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, formerly of ABBA, and 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.

Directed by: Chris Howell
Choreographed by: Steven Harris
Musical Direction: Christopher Peake

Venue: The Union Theatre, Southwark

First Preview: 13th Feb 2013
Press night: 15th Feb 2013
Last performance: 16th March 2013

http://www.adambrahamcasting.co.uk/#/currently-casting/4561714281

[Owen22]

Oh, please do the Broadway version. Its far from perfect but its the only cohesive Chess ever produced.

[Phantom of London]

I read somewhere else that this is going to happen, which is very exiting, but will mean a final nail in the coffin for the Craig Revel Horwood production, which I really enjoyed.

Nothing on the website as yet.

[rockyhorrorfan]

I thought the Craig Revel Horwood prodction was awful. Glad it won't be seen again.

[Jim Colyer]

CHESS will not die. It is those great melodies. I saw it in Louisville KY US in 1990 and would like to see it again. It seems the plot and characters change with each revival.

[bob8rich]

Already looking forward to this! The Chess score really is fantastic. Always great to see new interpretations of the piece - though have to say I thought that Craig's tour production was simply stunning (by far the best production of Chess I've seen).

Btw - there are going to be some awesome things at the Union before Chess! Call Me Madam starts next week, followed by Steel Pier and Once Upon a Mattress before Christmas!

[mallardo]

Steel Pier?? That's going to be a very crowded little floor.

[bob8rich]

Yes, indeed, mallardo! But having seen what the Union (and the Landor) have been able to do with other seemingly impossiblly "big" shows, I have no doubt Steel Pier will be amazing. And I really love that show (was at closing night on Broadway). I know someone in the cast but still waiting with excited anticipation to hear the full casting for this.

[mallardo]

I haven't seen the show (and look forward to doing so at the Union) but I rate the score very highly. For me it's Kander & Ebb's 3rd best - after Cabaret and Chicago.

[bob8rich]

Yeah, mallardo - love all those Kander & Ebb scores too, though for me their best ever scores are Kiss Of The Spider Woman & The Rink.

But back to Chess at the Union...........I have now learned who will be playing Florence. I can't say who at the moment as the official announcement has not been made yet. But she is amazing! So, getting even more excited about that production now.

[rockyhorrorfan]

I wish, wish, wish someone would do a revival of The Rink. I love the score (I have the OBC and OLC recordings) and have always wanted to see it on stage.

[SoonerOrLater]

So excited to hear this. Love Chess and I also loved the Craig Revel Horwood version. Can't wait to see this (and a long enough run that I should be able to make it down for)

It's a messy piece but the score is stunning too so I love that it's getting (yet another!) chance.

[bob8rich]

It is now official, so I can reveal that Florence will be played by Sarah Galbraith (who will also be playing Rita in Steel Pier at the Union).

Sarah has performed in Phantom on Broadway, on the US tour and in Las Vegas (where she covered and played Christine). She was also Ariel in the US tour of The Little Mermaid. I was lucky enough to hear her sing live last Sunday at the Actors' Church - where she sung JRB's "I'd Give It All For You" and "Summer In Ohio" - and she was really stunning.