Featuring the iconic music of ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson, lyrics by Tim Rice & Bjorn Ulvaeus and book by Tim Rice, the worldwide stage hit Chess The Musical will debut at Perth Concert Hall for its first professional presentation, in two exclusive performances on Saturday 5 June 2021.
Known as the orchestra that breaks the rules, Perth Symphony Orchestra will co-present Chess The Musical with StoreyBoard Entertainment, producer of the critically acclaimed Barnum, directed by Tyran Parke in Melbourne in 2019.
Chess The Musical is inspired by extraordinary real-life events and first premiered to glowing reviews in London’s West End in 1986 starring the beloved Elaine Paige. The West End season ran for three years, resulting in a BBC listener poll ranking Chess The Musical seventh in a list of “Number One Essential Musicals” of all time.
Featuring hits including I Know Him So Well – recognised in the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest selling UK chart single ever by a female duo – and the upbeat pop favourite One Night in Bangkok, music from Chess The Musical is known the world over, with the original concept album described by Rolling Stone as having a “dazzling score (which) covers nearly all the pop bases”.
Chess The Musical tells the story of a complex love triangle combined with dramatic political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the early 1980s, where Soviet and American forces attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political gains.
The Perth performances of this much-loved musical, which recently premiered in Moscow, will feature the London West End orchestrations with a full orchestra. The stellar Perth cast for this semi-staged concert style event will be announced in February 2021.
“As long as I remember, I have been immersed and intrigued by the musical, Chess,” said director Tyran Parke. “It contains a seductive mix of elements that makes us love musicals; complex relationships, an engaging narrative and, of course, a celebrated score full of hits.”
“I’m thrilled to be putting this spectacular music downstage centre, with a contemporary approach from an all Australian team. It’s time to reconnect with Chess,” added Parke.
Chess The Musical s produced by Bourby Webster from Perth Symphony Orchestra (Sweet Dreaming, Eurythmics Reimagined, Stardust: The music of David Bowie) and Adrian Storey from StoreyBoard Entertainment (Barnum, Follies, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest).
The acclaimed musical will be directed by renowned director Tyran Parke (Barnum, Follies, Sunday in the Park with George) and with Musical Direction by David Piper (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, The Boyfriend, The Boy From Oz), Set & Costume Design by Dann Barber (Barnum, 33 Variations), Sound Design by award-winning designer Michael Waters and choreography by Freya List.
Chess The Musical will play at the Perth Concert Hall in two exclusive performances on Saturday 5 June 2021. For tickets, visit: www.ticketmaster.com.au For more information, visit: www.chessmusical.info or www.perthsymphony.com for details. Tickets on sale Friday 4 December 2020.
Image: Perth Symphony Orchestra (supplied)