Chess opens in Melbourne

Award winning director Gale Edwards’ new staging of the musical Chess will open in Melbourne tonight with a stellar cast, presented by The Production Company.

The season will run for 10 performances only at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne and will star Simon Gleeson, Martin Crewes, Michael Falzon, Silvie Paladino, Bert LaBonte, Mark Dickinson and Alinta Chidze

Originally released as a concept album in 1974, Tim Rice, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson’s musical is set against the backdrop of the Cold War struggle between America and the Soviet Union. Encompassing East-West political intrigue and romantic rivalries which occur within a chess tournament, Chess boasts chart topping hits ‘I Know Him So Well’, ‘One Night In Bangkok’ and ‘Anthem’.

Ken Mackenzie-Forbes The Production Company’s Artistic Director is thrilled with the team he has assembled for the production, which include Gale Edwards, Tony Bartuccio (choreographer) and David Piper (musical director).

“This new staging of Chess is directed by Australia’s most successful female stage director and choreographed by the outstanding Tony Bartuccio. This production will feature seven stars of musical theatre and its monumental rock score includes the mega hits … ‘Heaven Help My Heart’, ‘Where I Want to Be’, ‘Pity The Child’ and ‘Anthem'”, he said.