Chess: Musical Info & Synopsis
Synopsis:
Chess explores the intense world of international chess competitions against the backdrop of political intrigue. Set during the Cold War era, the story revolves around the rivalry between two chess grandmasters, the American Freddie Trumper and the Russian Anatoly Sergievsky. As they face off in a high-stakes championship, their personal lives become entangled with love, betrayal, and loyalty. Chess explores themes of power, competition, and the cost of ambition.
Musical Information
Musical Type: Pre-Contemporary (1984)
Cast Size: 15+
Genre: Drama
Setting: 1950s, 1980s / Hungary, Thailand, USA
Creative Team
Music: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus
Lyrics: Tim Rice
Book: Richard Nelson
Cast Albums
Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra Concert Cast (1994)➝
Royal Albert Hall Concert Cast (2009)➝
Resources
Audition Songs: Theatre Trip
Licensing: Concord Theatricals➝
Sheet Music: Amazon➝
Tags
1980s, Classical, Dramatic, One Word, Politics, Pop, Rock, Sung-Through, True Story
Similar Musicals
If you’re looking to discover new shows, here are some musicals like Chess.
Return to the complete A-Z musicals list »