Cold War Epic Musical Chess for Sydney’s North
Manly Musical Society presents CHESS over two weekends, Friday to Sunday 22-30 May at the Star of the Sea Theatre, Manly.
In CHESS – composed by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (ABBA) with lyrics by Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph, Evita) - the universal meets the personal, passion and politics clash and worlds collide, as a politically-driven, Cold War-era chess tournament is fought out between two men: an American and a Soviet grandmaster. While the world watches their every move, they secretly also fight over the woman who manages one and falls in love with the other.
Including “I Know Him So Well” and “One Night in Bangkok”, the original London production, starring Elaine Page and Murray Head, ran for three years on the West End.
Manly’s production is directed by Ryan Fogwell, with musical director Anthony Cutrupi, choreographer Laura-Beth Wood and producer Keith Muir. The cast features Keira Connelly, Tavis Cunningham, Michael Paton, Carl Olsen, Stephanie Edmonds, Ben Greenwood and Sam Ardasinski as well as a large supporting cast of singers and dancers.
CHESS plumbs the motivations of the opposing powers of the Cold War, and what political manipulation does to individuals caught between two seemingly unstoppable forces on the brink of war. Good guys abandon their lovers, bad guys are redeemed, and the so-called villains are the underdogs. It's impossible to know the right thing to do while political motivations simmer under your feet, and all that's left is to trust in the game of chess.
Manly Musical Society presents
CHESSby Benny Anderson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice
Opening Night - Fri 22 May 7.30pm | Sat 23 May 7.30pm | Matinee - Sun 24 May 2pm
Fri 29 May 7.30pm | Matinee - Sat 30 May 2pm | Closing Night - Sat 30 May 7.30pm
Tickets: Adult $35, concession (seniors & students) $30, Child (under 12) $20
Available at the door (box office opens 30 minutes prior) or online: manlymusicalsociety.com
Star of the Sea Theatre, Manly - Stella Maris College - Corner of Collingwood & Iluka Ave, Manly
Pictured: Tavis Cunningham and Stephanie Edmonds.
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