Chess the Musical ♛
Ever since my fourth grade teacher introduced me to the game, I have been fascinated by chess. This past December when strolling by the window of an antique store, a large chess set with wooden carved pieces caught my eye. I was so excited to discover the very set wrapped up under the Christmas tree. When Stage Right Performing Arts announced they were putting on the musical Chess this spring, I knew that I wanted to audition. Chess is a little known musical in which a game of chess serves as a metaphor for cold war-era tensions between Russia and America. In light of the war in Ukraine, understanding the history behind these two countries gives this musical new relevance. Not to mention, the music in this show is fantastic! The music is by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of the pop group ABBA, with lyrics by Ulvaeus and Tim Rice, and book by Rice. I was so honored to be cast in the role of Svetlana and put on this show with my talented cast members. I especially liked how the dancers paralleled the moves the chess pieces made on the board. I would like to thank the directors at Stage Right for this incredible experience!
