Chess rehearsals begin, Melbourne

The cast of The Production Company’s second 2012 musical Chess begin rehearsals in Melbourne today ahead of their opening performance on 18 August.

Starring Martin Crewes as the Russian, Simon Gleeson as the American and darling of the stage Silvie Paladino as Florence, Chess will play at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne until Sunday 26 August.

Bobby Fox was originally announced as a cast member of the production, but due to television commitments has been replaced by Michael Falzon (Rock Of Ages) in the role of the Arbiter. Alinta Chidzey (West Side Story) also joins the cast as Svetlana, Bert LaBonte and Mark Dickinson round out the principal cast as Walter de Courcey and Alexander Molokov.

Inspired by the famous Bobby Fischer vs Boris Spassky chess match in 1972, Chess features a score by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA fame and lyrics by Tim Rice. This production will be directed by celebrated Aussie director Gale Edwards, with choreography by Tony Bartuccio and Musical Direction by David Piper.

Ensemble members include Jessica Armstrong, Dave Burrows, Madeline Cain, Rachel Cole, Anthony Costanzo, Nelson Gardner, Jillian Green, Danny Golding, Tyler Hawkins, Crystal Hegedis, Raelene Isbester, Rosa McCarty, Turanga Merito, Jessica Mortlock, Peter Nicholls, Chris Ostrenski, Joel Parnis, Jordan Pollard, Collin Poole, James Shannon, Catherine Shepherd, Esther Stephens, Cameron Thomas, Dean Vince, Matt Ward and Wei Wei Zhang.