Brisbane review - Chess - The Musical: fabulous score well performed
By David Wilson
Music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus
Book and Lyrics by Tim Rice
Directed by Trinette Avery
Musical Direction by Jaqueline Atherton
Brought to you by Beenleigh Theatre group
At the Crete Street Theatre until 12 October 2024
Adult tickets $35, concession $30
Chess is a musical based on the Tim Rice book, with music by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus and lyrics by Ulvaeus and Rice.
Written in 1984, Chess tells a story of love and political intrigue, set against the background of the Cold War in the late 1970s/early 1980s, in which superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.
Two of the world’s greatest chess masters, one American, one Russian, are in danger of becoming the pawns of their governments as their battle for the world title gets under way. Simultaneously their lives are thrown into further confusion by a Hungarian refugee, a remarkable woman who becomes the centre of their emotional triangle. This mirrors the heightened passions of the political struggles that threaten to destroy lives and loves. Chess includes the international hit singles ‘I Know Him So Well’ and ‘One Night In Bangkok’, and other well-known songs from including ‘Anthem’, ‘Someone Else’s Story’, ‘Heaven Help my Heart’ and ‘Pity The Child’.
Like the game itself, Chess the musical is a long, complex piece and the team at Beenleigh Theatre Group has done a great job in bringing it to the stage. Trinette Avery’s direction emphasised the serious stillness of the game, and the stand-off between the two sides was highlighted by the minimal movement on stage which helped the audience focus on the plot. This was interspersed by some excellent dance and a few all-cast numbers which upped the energy, all the while set to the fabulous score well performed by the wonderful live orchestra under the musical direction of Jacqueline Atherton.
Sophia Dimopoulos was outstanding as Florence Vassey, the Budapest born immigrant who manages one champion but falls in love with the other. Her character really is the centrepiece of the musical, and her polished and passionate performance captured the character’s strength and tenderness perfectly. Her chemistry with both protagonists was wonderful, and her vocals throughout outstanding, particularly in ‘Heaven help my heart’ and the beautiful ‘I know him so well’.
Adam Goodall was very well cast in the role of Freddie Trumper, the brash, gifted and unpredictable American chess prodigy who thrives on the game surrounding the game. All of Goodall’s charisma and stage presence was on show, breathing much life into the stillness of the musical. As always, Goodall’s vocals and characterisation were on point. His performance of ‘Pity the child’ showcased the vulnerability of both the character and the actor, giving wonderful depth to the performance, and his delivery of the well-known ‘One Night in Bangkok’ was excellent.
Tyler Steven was wonderful as Anatoly Sergievsky, the deeply passionate Russian champion who loves the game but despises the propaganda and politics of the tournament. His portrayal was both powerful and tender, and his on stage chemistry with Dimpopulos a highlight. His characterisation and vocals throughout were excellent, particularly showcased in his magnificent performance of ‘Anthem’.
The three lead performers were all excellent, very well supported by a number of other notable performances.
Jade Enright’s physicality was commanding as Alexander Molotov, the manipulative, dark and dangerous head of the Russian delegation.
Andrew McArthur’s characterisation was excellent, perfectly capturing the slick, ruthlessness of Walter DeCourcey, the head of the American delegation.
Amy Petty added much feeling to the production as Svetlana, the estranged wife of Anatoly. Her vocal performance was outstanding, and her duet with Dimopoulos of ‘I know him so well’ a highlight.
Jackson Muir’s performance as The Arbiter was very strong, his characterisation perfectly capturing the officious, obsessive President of the International Chess Federation, demonstrating wonderful stage presence and charisma.
The rest of the cast was also very committed indeed, including Jemma Skelly and Julianne Clinch who combined to perform the lovely opening ballet number on a large chess board, setting the scene for what lay ahead and revealing that Chess is a musical like no other.
I encourage you to see Chess, a quality musical done well by Beenleigh Theatre Group.
Tickets can be purchased now and start from $30. Season runs until 12 October 2024
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