Chess: The Musical Reviews

Iggy from Toronto

SKEPTIC NO MORE

I was skeptic going in the show. I've been a fan of a few songs from it for a while, but I was afraid the musical might not live up to the standards of the music. I COULDN'T BE MORE WRONG. The musical is TRULY SPECTACULAR! the wardrobe and production design employed extremely clever use of screens, lights, and creative wardrobe. The re-orchestration and the presentation of the orchestra on stage is remarkable, but the best of all, THE CAST BLEW ME AWAY. There was not a single voice I didn't love. Shona White's portrayal of Florence Vassey is heartfelt and her vocals incredible. Tam Mutu's rendition of Anthem is both powerful and beautiful, it is still ringing through my mind. Those are to just highlight a few. The rest of the cast are equally remarkable, but there isn't enough space for me to detail them all. However, don't go in expecting a classic musical where everything is at face value. Lots of subtext between the lines. Must see for all who love theatre above 14 years of age.

Musicallover from Nova Scotia

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING

My entire family went to this show in its opening weekend, and we couldn't have loved it more. We've long been fans of the music, and to see it come to life was incredible. The whole concept, with the musicians, dancers and singers interchanging was just a treat to watch. Such talent! The highlight was Anthem, but there were many amazing numbers...pity the child with the guitar for example...Goosebumps all round! We would have all gone again and again if we lived anywhere near Toronto!

JimLC from Toronto

YOU'LL LOVE IT OR HATE IT

Simple: As you can read on here, some people disliked this production. Our group absolutely loved it, however. Some people don't like a show with actor/musicians, but as a musician myself I couldn't begin to imagine how difficult it is to play a whole score and sing, dance and act! I saw some cast members play at least 3 (might have even been 4) instruments! Aside from that, loved the costumes, acting, and the set was great too - clever projections used etc. The female leads are great (as are the men, but FLorence and Svetlana stood out for me). It is a bit long but I was interested the whole way through.

BlueMan from Toronto

BRILLIANT IDEA

Love the songs in Chess, and I saw Tam Mutu in Love Never Dies in London last year, so I was excited to see this new production. Not disappointed!! He sings flawlessly and is supported by fantastic actors and dancers and singers (and instrumentalists!). Very serious story which isn't for everyone but I loved it. Not something you see every day but that's a good thing!!

TheatreBuff from Barrie, Ontario

A BRAVE, REFRESHING SHOW!

I've known the famous songs from Chess for as long as I can remember and couldn't wait to travel down and see it fully staged. All I can say is 'wow'! This company all PLAY the instruments LIVE ON STAGE whilst singing, acting and dancing - such a showcase of talent! Hard to believe when you're watching. My favourite songs were 'Anthem' and an extraordinary version of 'I Know Him So Well' - breathtaking. Mr Revel-Horwood clearly isn't afraid to portray true passion between his leads - Shona White, Tam Mutu and James Fox (all of whom sing amazingly) which some people seem to think isn't allowed on stage! It is a bit in your face but it's a story about love triangles - and not everything's Rogers and Hammerstein! It's great to see a musical for adults - tricky plot but it was acted and sung so well (and the dancing was strong too - esp from the Kings and Queens in the battle scenes). What a concept, what songs, what a show! See it! Definitely going again. Congratulations to all involve

Kenesis from Sudbury, On

THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

If you do your homework (know the songs and story) before you see Chess,you will be one of the many who loves the show.If you walk in unprepared,you’ll be lost.Contrary to what some wrote,you can see and hear who is singing. You can understand all words. While there is movement,it does not confuse the audience unless you are confused before entering the theatre. The music and vocals easily could have been louder. I say this because I could hear the ringing of cell phones during a few of the songs(phones were not next to me, many seats and rows away). The performers are very capable and they have the chops to pull off the entire performance. The music sounds wonderful and the vocals are powerful. It seems to be a deliberate attempt to make many parts as different as possible compared to the Royal Albert Hall Chess in Concert. For those who were expecting a Royal Albert Hall presentation of Chess, I suggest lessons in time travel and opening your mind to new interpretations.

Fischer/Karpov/Capablanca/Euwe/Lasker from Dowling,On

OH, SO GOOD!

We, two chess pieces and myself, went ready to watch and listen, hoping to pleased with the presentation of a great story & lyrics and an even better musical score. The plastic chess pieces and I couldn't be happier. The 30 performers were great players and very capable singers who didn't disappoint. We were pleased to see the performance was far more exciting than Royal Albert Hall. A mountain of hard work has been done to prepare this show and it shines from start to finish. Other than the odd cellphone ringtone from the audience, we loved what we heard. Visually, including the stage floor, it was spectacular. Although there were only 30 performers, the grandness of the presentation rivals the sound of three times their number. Too bad the drummer and keyboard player weren't visible and setup on the stage, in the corners behind the other performers. Great humour, adventurous and brilliant choreography. Worth seeing multiple times. The arbiter ruled that game!! Oh, so fine!!!!

Page:12345678910111213141516All