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 Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in two exclusive performances on Saturday 24 April 2021.
From StoreyBoard Entertainment, the producer who brought us the critically-acclaimed Barnum and directed by Tyran Parke, 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.
“ I am thrilled to partner again with my collaborator Tyran Parke,” said Producer Adrian Storey. “We have spoken for six years about presenting this show, and as stages come to life once again in 2021 it gives me great joy to bring this incredible production to Melbourne; the home of Australian theatre. This will be an incredibly special performance.”
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 Melbourne performances of this much-loved musical, which recently premiered in Moscow, will feature the London West End orchestrations with a full orchestra. The stellar Melbourne 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 is produced by Adrian Storey from StoreyBoard Entertainment (Barnum, Follies, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) and 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 Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in two exclusive performances on Saturday 24 April 2021. For tickets, visit: www.ticketmaster.com.au For more information, visit: www.chessmusical.info for details.
Join the waitlist for Perth performances on Saturday 5 June with the Perth Symphony Orchestra via www.chessmusical.info
Image: Chess The Musical (supplied)