Washington, D.C. - - Coming off his epic hit "Evita." the lyricist Tim Rice joined forces with ABBA members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson to create the rock musical "Chess." The original version premiered with critical success in the UK, but the creative team decided that the show needed some new life for American audiences and brought in book writer Richard Nelson. . . . http://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2015/05/10/chess-at-kensington-arts-theatre/
On Writing : The Stage: "Evita" hit-maker Tim Rice brings his new rock musical "Chess" to the nation's capitol by LindaAnn Loschiavo
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I saw the original West End production of Chess back in the '80s (I think) and really loved it. When I saw it in New York not all that long ago, I still enjoyed the music, but London was a lot better, IMO. Highly recommend the soundtrack if you're into that sort of thing.
Critic Anne Vandercook wrote: "The book leaves something to be desired but the music is remarkable." Anne also said this about "CHESS": "Since the plot was so lacking in substance it was hard to sympathize with many of the characters. ..."
Although I can't comment on the book, not having read it, I'd agree with Anne about the music, plot, and characters. The characters fell flat in the American production I saw--much better in London years ago, though I'm not sure I can identify why. Bear in mind, it's a story told through the playing of chess, in and of itself not all that a dramatic endeavor, but I think they did a much better job of visually dramatizing it and raising the stakes in London. More tension. More passion. In general, I'd have to say that the London productions of any Lloyd-Webber and/or Rice have been better than the American. Home court advantage?
As you know, Liz, unions rule on Broadway -- not in London's West End.
@ Liz Warner: in a musical "the book" is the spoken dialogue onstage -- and everything else is the SONGS.
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Inasmuch as so much is adapted from someone's book version of something these days, I can see why I was confused by that comment. No wonder I never read the book, Chess:)
Liz: know you know some of the argot of the theatre industry. By the way, I went to see my friend's new plays this weekend at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre (304 West 47th St.) -- very modern, full decked out building they own (with a solarium!). If you get a chance to see something there, it's a top-notch venue.
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LindaAnn: If that's the theater I think it is, we (husband and myself) were supposed to see The Glass Menagerie there this weekend, but something came up. I've seen various productions of it over the years anyway, but since I always seem to enjoy the story, I was sorry to miss it. Didn't know the digs were so nice, though. I thought it was some dark, dingy 2-storey walk-up! (I know you know what I mean.) Speaking of which, I did see something noteworthy last week--some newbies, but still a promising production with a playwright (Sam Graber) who is willing to take some risks to tell a very modern story. I always like finding these little diamonds in the rough. It's called, What Happened to the Dollar. Kept my interest.
Yes, Liz, you are correct. 47th Street Theatre (304 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036) is owned by the Puerto Rican theatre group. Gorgeous space. "Glass M" closes on May 30th so you still have time.