For our next production we wanted to choose a show that would excite the company and also be a challenge to perform. After going through various options we decided upon a show, that has many similarities to “Evita” – it was originally released as a double LP album, the lyrics were written by Tim Rice, it originally starred Elaine Paige. It opened at the Prince Edward Theatre in London in 1986, when the theatre was vacated by “Evita”.
This is, of course – “CHESS – the Musical” with its amazing score written by the ABBA duo of Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. The chorus has a huge role to play in the show and there are many smaller and larger roles. We will need a big company to do justice to this score and we welcome enquiries from anyone who would like to take part! Chess will be performed at the Gala theatre, Durham between 17th – 23rd May 2020. Make sure you have these dates in your diary!
The committee is delighted to have persuaded Fred Wharton to return and direct the show for us, with Malcolm Moffat as Musical Director and choreography by Kathleen Knox. We are anticipating a pre-rehearsal talk about the show taking place towards the end of September, with singing rehearsals starting about the beginning of October. As soon as they are confirmed we will make further announcements.
Critics have always said that “CHESS” has one of the great musical scores of the late 20th century and this will give us a real opportunity to perform some iconic songs of our musical theatre heritage. Start spreading the word now for this truly exciting project.
Check out the Chess original recording…
