Chess (musical)
Updated: 12/11/2025, 6:08:03 PM Wikipedia source
Chess is a musical with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of the pop group ABBA, lyrics by Ulvaeus and Tim Rice, and book by Rice. The story involves a politically charged, Cold War-era chess tournament between two grandmasters, one American and the other Soviet, and their fight over a woman who manages one and falls in love with the other. Although the protagonists were not intended to represent any real individuals, the character of the American grandmaster was loosely based on Bobby Fischer, while elements of the story may have been inspired by the chess careers of Russian grandmasters Viktor Korchnoi and Anatoly Karpov. Chess allegorically reflected the Cold War tensions present in the 1980s. The musical has been referred to as a metaphor for the Cold War, with the insinuation that the Cold War is itself a manipulative game. Released and staged at the height of the strong anti-communist agenda that came to be known as the "Reagan Doctrine", Chess addressed and satirized the hostility of the international political atmosphere of the 1980s. As with other productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, a highly successful concept album was released prior to the first theatrical production in order to raise money. In the case of Chess, the concept album was released in late 1984 while the show opened in 1986 in London's West End, where it played for three years. A much-altered US version premiered on Broadway in 1988 with a book by Richard Nelson, but survived only for two months. Chess is frequently revised for new productions, many of which try to merge elements from both the British and American versions, but was not revived in the West End until 2018. Chess placed seventh in a BBC Radio 2 listener poll of the UK's "Number One Essential Musicals".
Infobox
Music
Benny AnderssonBjörn Ulvaeus
Lyrics
Tim RiceBjörn Ulvaeus (Swedish translation)
Book
Tim Rice (West End version)Richard Nelson (Broadway version)Danny Strong (Broadway revival version)
Productions
1986 West End1988 Broadway 1990 First US tour 1990 First UK tour2010 Second UK tour2018 West End revival2025 Broadway revival
Awards
Nominated for 1986 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical
Tables
· Original album › Charts › Weekly charts
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report)
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report)
Chart (1984–85)
Australian Albums (Kent Music Report)
Peakposition
35
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)
Chart (1984–85)
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)
Peakposition
17
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)
Chart (1984–85)
Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)
Peakposition
30
European Albums (Eurotipsheet)
European Albums (Eurotipsheet)
Chart (1984–85)
European Albums (Eurotipsheet)
Peakposition
9
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)
Chart (1984–85)
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)
Peakposition
6
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)
Chart (1984–85)
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)
Peakposition
20
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)
Chart (1984–85)
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)
Peakposition
3
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)
Chart (1984–85)
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)
Peakposition
1
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)
Chart (1984–85)
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)
Peakposition
3
UK Albums (OCC)
UK Albums (OCC)
Chart (1984–85)
UK Albums (OCC)
Peakposition
10
US Billboard 200
US Billboard 200
Chart (1984–85)
US Billboard 200
Peakposition
47
| Chart (1984–85) | Peakposition |
| Australian Albums (Kent Music Report) | 35 |
| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) | 17 |
| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) | 30 |
| European Albums (Eurotipsheet) | 9 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) | 6 |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) | 20 |
| Norwegian Albums (VG-lista) | 3 |
| Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan) | 1 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) | 3 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 10 |
| US Billboard 200 | 47 |
· Original album › Charts › Year-end charts
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)
Chart (1985)
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)
Position
29
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)
Chart (1985)
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)
Position
37
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)
Chart (1985)
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)
Position
24
| Chart (1985) | Position |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) | 29 |
| New Zealand Albums (RMNZ) | 37 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) | 24 |
· Principal roles and casting history
1986
1986
Character
1986
West End
1988
Broadway
1990
US National Tour
2018
UK National Tour
2025
Anatoly Sergievsky
Anatoly Sergievsky
Character
Anatoly Sergievsky
West End
Tommy Körberg
Broadway
David Carroll
US National Tour
John Herrera
UK National Tour
Maurice Clarke
West End Revival
Michael Ball
Broadway Revival
Nicholas Christopher
Florence Vassy
Florence Vassy
Character
Florence Vassy
West End
Elaine Paige
Broadway
Judy Kuhn
US National Tour
Carolee Carmello
UK National Tour
Rebecca Storm
West End Revival
Cassidy Janson
Broadway Revival
Lea Michele
Freddie Trumper
Freddie Trumper
Character
Freddie Trumper
West End
Murray Head
Broadway
Philip Casnoff
US National Tour
Stephen Bogardus
UK National Tour
Richard Barnes
West End Revival
Tim Howar
Broadway Revival
Aaron Tveit
Alexander Molokov
Alexander Molokov
Character
Alexander Molokov
West End
John Turner
Broadway
Harry Goz
US National Tour
David Hurst
UK National Tour
Malcolm Rivers
West End Revival
Phillip Browne
Broadway Revival
Bradley Dean
Svetlana Sergievsky
Svetlana Sergievsky
Character
Svetlana Sergievsky
West End
Siobhán McCarthy
Broadway
Marcia Mitzman
US National Tour
Barbara Walsh
UK National Tour
Linda-Mae Brewer
West End Revival
Alexandra Burke
Broadway Revival
Hannah Cruz
Walter de Courcey
Walter de Courcey
Character
Walter de Courcey
West End
Kevin Colson
Broadway
Dennis Parlato
US National Tour
Gregory Jbara
UK National Tour
Paul Haley
Broadway Revival
Sean Allan Krill
The Arbiter
The Arbiter
Character
The Arbiter
West End
Tom Jobe
Broadway
Paul Harman
US National Tour
Ken Ard
UK National Tour
Brett Forest
West End Revival
Cedric Neal
Broadway Revival
Bryce Pinkham
| Character | West End | Broadway | US National Tour | UK National Tour | West End Revival | Broadway Revival |
| 1986 | 1988 | 1990 | 2018 | 2025 | ||
| Anatoly Sergievsky | Tommy Körberg | David Carroll | John Herrera | Maurice Clarke | Michael Ball | Nicholas Christopher |
| Florence Vassy | Elaine Paige | Judy Kuhn | Carolee Carmello | Rebecca Storm | Cassidy Janson | Lea Michele |
| Freddie Trumper | Murray Head | Philip Casnoff | Stephen Bogardus | Richard Barnes | Tim Howar | Aaron Tveit |
| Alexander Molokov | John Turner | Harry Goz | David Hurst | Malcolm Rivers | Phillip Browne | Bradley Dean |
| Svetlana Sergievsky | Siobhán McCarthy | Marcia Mitzman | Barbara Walsh | Linda-Mae Brewer | Alexandra Burke | Hannah Cruz |
| Walter de Courcey | Kevin Colson | Dennis Parlato | Gregory Jbara | Paul Haley | Sean Allan Krill | |
| The Arbiter | Tom Jobe | Paul Harman | Ken Ard | Brett Forest | Cedric Neal | Bryce Pinkham |
· Main characters
Anatoly Sergievsky
Anatoly Sergievsky
Character
Anatoly Sergievsky
Voice Type
Baritone, F2–B♭4
Description
"The Russian": The champion from Soviet Russia—a troubled husband (and father, in the British and Swedish versions) who despises the propaganda and politics of the tournament, eventually deciding to defect from his homeland, even at the cost of deserting his family.
Freddie Trumper
Freddie Trumper
Character
Freddie Trumper
Voice Type
Tenor, B♭2–D♭5
Description
"The American": The champion from the United States—a self-absorbed, fame-and-fortune-seeking, short-tempered, Russophobic bad boy, who either matures and aids Anatoly a year after his own defeat (in the British version), or remains selfish and wins the tournament (in the American version).
Florence Vassy
Florence Vassy
Character
Florence Vassy
Voice Type
Mezzo-Soprano, E♭3–E5
Description
Freddie's strong-willed second and possible paramour, who was separated from her presumably captured or killed father during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956; Florence feels strained by Freddie's brashness and falls in love with Anatoly, eventually becoming his mistress.
Svetlana Sergievsky
Svetlana Sergievsky
Character
Svetlana Sergievsky
Voice Type
Alto, F3–E♭5
Description
Anatoly's estranged wife who, under Molokov's machinations, tries to persuade Anatoly to return to his homeland and family; although upset at Anatoly's betrayal, she also understands that Florence has given Anatoly something she cannot herself.
Molokov
Molokov
Character
Molokov
Voice Type
Bass-Baritone, F♯2–G4
Description
Anatoly's conniving second who is apparently also a manipulative KGB agent; his first name is given as "Alexander" in the British and Australian versions and as "Ivan" in the American version.
Walter
Walter
Character
Walter
Voice Type
Varies
Description
A financial administrator in Freddie's delegation and seemingly a secret CIA agent; his surname is given as "de Courcey" in the British and Australian versions, and as "Anderson" in the American version. Absent in the concept album. In the revised 2018 script, Walter has no "cover" and is overtly a CIA agent.
The Arbiter
The Arbiter
Character
The Arbiter
Voice Type
Tenor, B2–A4
Description
The coldly objective, no-nonsense referee of the championship tournament and also (in the British version and its spinoffs) the president of the International Chess Federation. In the revised 2018 script, this role is expanded as a narrator who "becomes" the arbiter during two chess matches.
| Character | Voice Type | Description |
| Anatoly Sergievsky | Baritone, F2–B♭4 | "The Russian": The champion from Soviet Russia—a troubled husband (and father, in the British and Swedish versions) who despises the propaganda and politics of the tournament, eventually deciding to defect from his homeland, even at the cost of deserting his family. |
| Freddie Trumper | Tenor, B♭2–D♭5 | "The American": The champion from the United States—a self-absorbed, fame-and-fortune-seeking, short-tempered, Russophobic bad boy, who either matures and aids Anatoly a year after his own defeat (in the British version), or remains selfish and wins the tournament (in the American version). |
| Florence Vassy | Mezzo-Soprano, E♭3–E5 | Freddie's strong-willed second and possible paramour, who was separated from her presumably captured or killed father during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956; Florence feels strained by Freddie's brashness and falls in love with Anatoly, eventually becoming his mistress. |
| Svetlana Sergievsky | Alto, F3–E♭5 | Anatoly's estranged wife who, under Molokov's machinations, tries to persuade Anatoly to return to his homeland and family; although upset at Anatoly's betrayal, she also understands that Florence has given Anatoly something she cannot herself. |
| Molokov | Bass-Baritone, F♯2–G4 | Anatoly's conniving second who is apparently also a manipulative KGB agent; his first name is given as "Alexander" in the British and Australian versions and as "Ivan" in the American version. |
| Walter | Varies | A financial administrator in Freddie's delegation and seemingly a secret CIA agent; his surname is given as "de Courcey" in the British and Australian versions, and as "Anderson" in the American version. Absent in the concept album. In the revised 2018 script, Walter has no "cover" and is overtly a CIA agent. |
| The Arbiter | Tenor, B2–A4 | The coldly objective, no-nonsense referee of the championship tournament and also (in the British version and its spinoffs) the president of the International Chess Federation. In the revised 2018 script, this role is expanded as a narrator who "becomes" the arbiter during two chess matches. |
· Differences between the major versions
Original concept (released in 1984)
Original concept (released in 1984)
Version
Original concept (released in 1984)
Notable plot differences
Act 1 set in Merano, Italy; Act 2 in Bangkok, Thailand
Each act presents a separate chess tournament with Act 1 occurring a year before Act 2
During Act 1, Freddie is the champion challenged by Anatoly; during Act 2, Anatoly is the champion challenged by Viigand
Freddie is the primary antagonist throughout the whole show
Anatoly wins (in both tournaments)
Commercial recordings
Chess (1984), the original album
Chess Pieces (1986), the original's Swedish "best of" album
Chess: The Concert Tour (1984)
Chess in Concert (1996), the Gothenburg concert cast recording (in English)
Only this version includes
The song "Argument"
Miscellaneous notes
The characters known as Freddie and Anatoly in all later versions are here known only as "The American" and "The Russian", respectively
The character of Walter (present in most later versions) is not yet conceived
British stage version (premiered in the West End: 1986–1989)
British stage version (premiered in the West End: 1986–1989)
Version
British stage version (premiered in the West End: 1986–1989)
Notable plot differences
Mostly the same as the concept album
Instead of Freddie being the antagonist, the character of Walter is added as a parallel to Molokov, and Freddie is granted a redemption arc.
Florence is given an increased role in the plot, and the subplot of Florence's father potentially being alive is added.
Notable song differences
Addition of 12 new songs
Reordering of songs
Reordering and division of the "Opening Ceremony"
Commercial recordings
Chess: Complete Cast Album (2001), the Danish tour recording (in English)
Chess in Concert (2009), a live recording of the Royal Albert Hall concerts (both as double CD and single DVD of the performances)
Highlights from Chess in Concert (2009), the Royal Albert's corresponding "best of" compilation
Only this version includes
The character of Viigand (extant but unnamed in the concept album)
These songs:
"Commie Newspapers"
"Florence and Molokov"
"One More Opponent"
"The Interview"
"Talking Chess"
Miscellaneous notes
Various songs retitled from the original concept album
Minor lyrical alterations and song reductions or extensions throughout, compared to the original album
Molokov's first name is Alexander; Walter's last name is de Courcey
American stage version (premiered on Broadway: 1988)
American stage version (premiered on Broadway: 1988)
Version
American stage version (premiered on Broadway: 1988)
Notable plot differences
Prologue set in Budapest, Hungary (during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956; Act 1 thirty years later in Bangkok, Thailand; and Act 2 in Budapest again
Both acts feature the same chess tournament with Act 1 showing the first half and Act 2 the second half
Anatoly is the champion challenged by Freddie
Freddie wins
A sub-plot in which Walter introduces Florence to a man deceitfully claimed to be her long-lost father
Notable song differences
Addition of 5 new songs
Omission of 11 British songs
Alterations of Score
Commercial recordings
Chess: Original Broadway Cast Recording (1988)
This was also the direct inspiration for a Chess karaoke CD by Pocket Songs.
Only this version includes
These songs:
"Freddie Goes Metal"
"Hungarian Folk Song"
"Lullaby"
Miscellaneous notes
Many miscellaneous lyrical alterations, new song orderings in the plot, and minor characters now given names (such as Nikolai, one of the Russian delegates, and Gregor, Florence's father)
"Chess Hymn" appears on the recorded album, but was deleted from production after opening night and from the licensed script
"The Arbiter's Song" was cut after opening night, but included as an appendix in the published score and script
Florence's role in the plot is increased further, with the show focusing on her conflicting relationships with Anatoly, Freddie, and her father
Molokov's first name is Ivan; Walter's last name is Anderson
Australian stage version (premiered in Sydney: 1990–1991)
Australian stage version (premiered in Sydney: 1990–1991)
Version
Australian stage version (premiered in Sydney: 1990–1991)
Notable plot differences
Both acts present the same chess tournament in one single setting: Bangkok, Thailand
Anatoly wins
Many new plot points
Notable song differences
Several song alterations
Commercial recordings
None
Only this version includes
The songs:
"Introductions"
"Cocktail Chorus" and other reprises of "One Night In Bangkok"
Extended portions of "Soviet Machine" and "The Deal".
Miscellaneous notes
Florence's nationality here is Czech (not Hungarian), which means the Soviets overran her country in 1968 (not 1956), leading to accompanying alterations in the lyrics of the song "The American and Florence"
Swedish stage version
(Premiered in Stockholm: 2002)
Swedish stage version
(Premiered in Stockholm: 2002)
Version
Swedish stage version
(Premiered in Stockholm: 2002)
Notable plot differences
Prologue set in Moscow, the rest of the story showcases only one tournament in one location, Merano, over the course of four days.
Anatoly purposely loses the match, Freddie wins.
Molokov and Svetlana are each given a more extensive backstory through two new songs.
The subplot with Florence's father possibly being alive is removed.
Notable song differences
Omission of 8 British songs
Various song alterations
Commercial recordings
Chess på svenska (2003), both as CD and DVD
Chess på norsk (2021)
Only this version includes
The songs:
"He is a Man, He is a Child"
"Forget Me If You can"
Miscellaneous notes
Molokov is generally referred to as Sasha (a Russian diminutive of Alexander), and is much closer to Anatoly
The Arbiter is given a name, Jean Jacques van Boren, and occasionally speaks French instead of Swedish
Walter is removed
The story's focus is shifted away from the politics and towards the personal consequences of Anatoly and Florence's affair
| Version | Notable plot differences | Notable song differences | Commercial recordings | Only this version includes | Miscellaneous notes |
| Original concept (released in 1984) | Act 1 set in Merano, Italy; Act 2 in Bangkok, Thailand Each act presents a separate chess tournament with Act 1 occurring a year before Act 2 During Act 1, Freddie is the champion challenged by Anatoly; during Act 2, Anatoly is the champion challenged by Viigand Freddie is the primary antagonist throughout the whole show Anatoly wins (in both tournaments) | Chess (1984), the original album Chess Pieces (1986), the original's Swedish "best of" album Chess: The Concert Tour (1984) Chess in Concert (1996), the Gothenburg concert cast recording (in English) | The song "Argument" | The characters known as Freddie and Anatoly in all later versions are here known only as "The American" and "The Russian", respectively The character of Walter (present in most later versions) is not yet conceived | |
| British stage version (premiered in the West End: 1986–1989) | Mostly the same as the concept album Instead of Freddie being the antagonist, the character of Walter is added as a parallel to Molokov, and Freddie is granted a redemption arc. Florence is given an increased role in the plot, and the subplot of Florence's father potentially being alive is added. | Addition of 12 new songs Reordering of songs Reordering and division of the "Opening Ceremony" | Chess: Complete Cast Album (2001), the Danish tour recording (in English) Chess in Concert (2009), a live recording of the Royal Albert Hall concerts (both as double CD and single DVD of the performances) Highlights from Chess in Concert (2009), the Royal Albert's corresponding "best of" compilation | The character of Viigand (extant but unnamed in the concept album) These songs: "Commie Newspapers Florence and Molokov One More Opponent The Interview Talking Chess" | Various songs retitled from the original concept album Minor lyrical alterations and song reductions or extensions throughout, compared to the original album Molokov's first name is Alexander; Walter's last name is de Courcey |
| American stage version (premiered on Broadway: 1988) | Prologue set in Budapest, Hungary (during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956; Act 1 thirty years later in Bangkok, Thailand; and Act 2 in Budapest again Both acts feature the same chess tournament with Act 1 showing the first half and Act 2 the second half Anatoly is the champion challenged by Freddie Freddie wins A sub-plot in which Walter introduces Florence to a man deceitfully claimed to be her long-lost father | Addition of 5 new songs Omission of 11 British songs Alterations of Score | Chess: Original Broadway Cast Recording (1988) This was also the direct inspiration for a Chess karaoke CD by Pocket Songs. | These songs: "Freddie Goes Metal Hungarian Folk Song Lullaby" | Many miscellaneous lyrical alterations, new song orderings in the plot, and minor characters now given names (such as Nikolai, one of the Russian delegates, and Gregor, Florence's father) "Chess Hymn" appears on the recorded album, but was deleted from production after opening night and from the licensed script "The Arbiter's Song" was cut after opening night, but included as an appendix in the published score and script Florence's role in the plot is increased further, with the show focusing on her conflicting relationships with Anatoly, Freddie, and her father Molokov's first name is Ivan; Walter's last name is Anderson |
| Australian stage version (premiered in Sydney: 1990–1991) | Both acts present the same chess tournament in one single setting: Bangkok, Thailand Anatoly wins Many new plot points | Several song alterations | None | The songs: "Introductions Cocktail Chorus" and other reprises of "One Night In Bangkok" Extended portions of "Soviet Machine" and "The Deal". | Florence's nationality here is Czech (not Hungarian), which means the Soviets overran her country in 1968 (not 1956), leading to accompanying alterations in the lyrics of the song "The American and Florence" |
| Swedish stage version (Premiered in Stockholm: 2002) | Prologue set in Moscow, the rest of the story showcases only one tournament in one location, Merano, over the course of four days. Anatoly purposely loses the match, Freddie wins. Molokov and Svetlana are each given a more extensive backstory through two new songs. The subplot with Florence's father possibly being alive is removed. | Omission of 8 British songs Various song alterations | Chess på svenska (2003), both as CD and DVD Chess på norsk (2021) | The songs: "He is a Man, He is a Child Forget Me If You can" | Molokov is generally referred to as Sasha (a Russian diminutive of Alexander), and is much closer to Anatoly The Arbiter is given a name, Jean Jacques van Boren, and occasionally speaks French instead of Swedish Walter is removed The story's focus is shifted away from the politics and towards the personal consequences of Anatoly and Florence's affair |
· Awards and nominations › Original West End production
1986
1986
Year
1986
Award ceremony
Laurence Olivier Award
Category
Best New Musical
Result
Nominated
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Year
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Award ceremony
Elaine Paige
Category
Nominated
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Year
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Award ceremony
Tommy Körberg
Category
Nominated
| Year | Award ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
| 1986 | Laurence Olivier Award | Best New Musical | Nominated | |
| Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical | Elaine Paige | Nominated | ||
| Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical | Tommy Körberg | Nominated |
· Awards and nominations › Original Broadway production
1988
1988
Year
1988
Award ceremony
Tony Award
Category
Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Nominee
David Carroll
Result
Nominated
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Year
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Award ceremony
Judy Kuhn
Category
Nominated
Drama Desk Award
Drama Desk Award
Year
Drama Desk Award
Award ceremony
Outstanding Actor in a Musical
Category
David Carroll
Nominee
Nominated
Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Year
Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Award ceremony
Judy Kuhn
Category
Nominated
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Year
Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical
Award ceremony
Harry Goz
Category
Nominated
Outstanding Music
Outstanding Music
Year
Outstanding Music
Award ceremony
Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson
Category
Nominated
Outstanding Lighting Design
Outstanding Lighting Design
Year
Outstanding Lighting Design
Award ceremony
David Hersey
Category
Nominated
Theatre World Award
Theatre World Award
Year
Theatre World Award
Award ceremony
Philip Casnoff
Category
Won
| Year | Award ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result |
| 1988 | Tony Award | Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical | David Carroll | Nominated |
| Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical | Judy Kuhn | Nominated | ||
| Drama Desk Award | Outstanding Actor in a Musical | David Carroll | Nominated | |
| Outstanding Actress in a Musical | Judy Kuhn | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical | Harry Goz | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Music | Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson | Nominated | ||
| Outstanding Lighting Design | David Hersey | Nominated | ||
| Theatre World Award | Philip Casnoff | Won | ||
References
- Walter has typically been cast with baritones, but in the Broadway version he sings parts which demand a higher range, c
- "Commie Newspapers" "Press Conference" "Florence and Molokov" "Der Kleine Franz" "Chess #2" "Anatoly and the Press" "One
- The original concept album's "Heaven Help My Heart" and "Pity the Child" are given Act 1 placements, and "I Know Him So
- Split into these separately titled songs: "Diplomats" "The Arbiter" "Hymn to Chess" "Merchandisers" "The Arbiter (Repris
- "How Many Women" (a lyrical rewrite of "Argument" from the original concept album, here set as a Freddie/Florence argume
- "Merano" "Commie Newspapers" "The Russian and Molokov" "Hymn to Chess" "Der Kleine Franz" "Embassy Lament" "One More Opp
- Several songs received major lyrical rewrites, most prominently "You and I", "Mountain Duet" (here titled "Terrace Duet"
- Most of the beginning occurs at a Bangkok hotel and immediately contrasts the romantic couples Freddie and Florence with
- "Introductions" based on the music of "The Deal" is added near the beginning. "One Night in Bangkok" is sung by both Fre
- "Commie Newspapers" "Press Conference" "Difficult and Dangerous Times" "The Merchandisers" "Florence Quits" (parts are r
- Most of the songs are rewritten with new lyrics "The Story of Chess" (named "Historien om schack" in Swedish") is sung b
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/08/theater/theater-does-anyone-make-a-bad-move-in-chess.html
- "Keene on Chess: Viktor Korchnoi"https://web.archive.org/web/20071029002014/http://www.chessville.com/Keene/Korchnoi.htm
- Chess an epic story of love and Cold War politics/
- Graebner, Norman A., Richard Dean Burns & Joseph M. Siracusa (2008). Reagan, Bush, Gorbachev: Revisiting the End of the
- "Chess at Walterdale shows interchangeability of pawns and kings"https://afterthehouselights.com/2016/07/08/chess-at-walterdale-shows-pawns-and-kings-are-interchangeable/
- "BBC – Radio 2 – Elaine Paige"https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/paige/essentialvote.shtml
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/24/theater/chess-seeks-to-shed-its-checkered-past.html
- How to spend £4 million in one night Archived 27 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine, Tim Rice, The Sunday Times, 11 May 19http://icethesite.com/content/ChessPress.aspx
- "Bright Lights Dark Shadows: The Real Story of ABBA", Carl Magnus Palm, p. 471https://archive.org/details/brightlightsdark00carl/page/471
- Chess: the making of a musicalhttps://books.google.com/books?id=4PtLAAAAYAAJ
- The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/1985/05/09/theater/critic-s-notebook-building-a-musical-around-a-record-album.html
- "Chess Production History"https://web.archive.org/web/20100327110533/http://www.timrice.co.uk/cmoves.html
- The Blackwell Guide To The Musical Theatre On Record
- Timehttp://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,141314,00.html
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