 CHESS
Music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus :
Lyrics by Tim Rice.
Based on an idea by Tim Rice
Prince Edward Theatre, London - 14 May, 1986 (1209
perfs)
Imperial Theatre, Broadway - 28 April, 1988 (68 perfs)
This highly acclaimed musical develops the ancient and distinguished
game of chess into a metaphor for romantic rivalries and East-West political
intrigue. The principal pawns form a love triangle: the loutish American
Grandmaster, the earnest Russian champion, and the Hungarian-American
female chess second, who arrives at the international championships with
the American but falls for the Russian. From Tyrol to Thailand the players,
lovers, politicians, CIA and KGB make their moves to the pulse of this
monumental rock score. Several numbers, including "One Night in Bangkok"
and "I Know Him So Well", are international hits.
The Cast: M5 F2,
with chorus playing multiple roles
Frederick: arrogant, temperamental, American; 30s.
Florence: attractive, clever confident; 30s.
Anatoly: quiet, gentle, Russian; 40s.
Walter: smarmy, sly, American; middle age.
Molokov: cold, Soviet leader; middle age.
Arbiter: no-nonsense, authoritative; middle age.
Svetlana: domestic, dependent, Russian; 30s.
Musical Numbers:
- Merano
- The Russians and Molokov
- Where I Want To Be
- Opening Ceremony
- A Model of Decorum and Tranquillity (Quartet)
- The American and Florence
- Nobody's Side
- Chess
- Mountain Duet
- Florence Quits
- Embassy Lament
- Anthem
- Bangkok; One Night in Bangkok
- Heaven Help My Heart
- Argument
- I Know Him So Well
- The Deal (No Deal)
- Pity the Child
- Endgame
- Epilogue (You and I; The Story of Chess)
The Scenes
Various interior and exterior settings
Orchestration
Violins A and B, Cello A and B, Bass, Woodwind 1 (Flute/Piccolo), Woodwind
2 (Oboe/Cor Anglais), Woodwind 3 (Clarinet 1), Woodwind 4 (Clarinet
2/Bass Clarinet), Woodwind 5 (Flute 2/Clarinet 3/Baritone Sax), Woodwind
6 (Bassoon), Horn, Trumpets 1, 2 and 3, Trombones 1 and 2, Drums, Percussion,
Guitar, Keyboards 1, 2 and 3
|
