Chess: The Musical Reviews

Shirley U Jest from Chelsea

NEW RATING SYSTEM REQUIRED

I saw Chess (same production) a while ago when it was playing here, across the pond from you. After reading so many of your negative reviews of Chess, I think you should change the reviewing scale from number of stars to something more clear cut and simple. I suggest something like: "On" the Mark of Bad or "Off" the Mark of Bad. Since so many of you know it's bad, you can rate it accordingly. Hopefully, all the reviews will be "On" the mark of bad. This way, you can have more “ons” saying Chess really is bad. Come on, who’s with me on this one?

Juha M from Saari Jarvi, Finland

CHESS FOR DUMMIES HELPS

The first time I saw this production of Chess, I was caught up with everything going on and I was confused by the complex story. Thankfully, a friend suggested I get Chess for Dummies and Coles Notes: Chess to help me understand the story. With those resources and the fact that this time there were subtitles for the songs, I was able to understand the layered and complicated story told in Chess. I enjoyed the show far more the second time. I also enjoyed the ending with Florence and Svetlana leaving together this time, leaving Freddie, Anatoly and the Arbiter brooding in the corner. Too bad the theatre didn't hand out the resources I found to be very useful. Even with my limited English, I was able to undistand the story.

I Was Just a Little Dandy from Whitefish

CHESS RULES

Well, I’ve now been to see Chess at the Princess of Wales Theatre four times. I loved every presentation. If I had the money, I would go again. I can’t figure out what all of the fuss causing the negative reviews is about. Some folks love to complain. I must admit, I’ve read many reviews and had even more laughs. My last time seeing Chess was the best. Lucky me: I met Leonard from Montreal and Shirley U Jest. Leonard was very serious and kept mumbling Hallelujah and something about a raincoat. His name isn’t really Leonard, he’s not from Montreal and he’s not connected to the theatre in any capacity. He lives hundreds of kilometres away from Toronto. Shirley U Jest was great fun, but I could never get a serious comment out of her. We all thought Chess was great and want to thank Kenesis for introducing us to Chess long ago. We all think the company is truly fantastic and did a wonderful job. We’re so glad they came to Toronto. Rock on and more!

Dandee Lyon from Barrie

THE WATER TASTES LIKE WINE!

I recently decided to challenge myself and learn to play chess. Imagine my delight when I discovered that a production based on the game was being performed in Toronto! I promptly bought tickets and brought along my notepad to the Princess of Wales Theatre. As I settled into my seat, I began to highly anticipate a tutorial on the game that would give me the skills needed to participate in local chess tournaments. The show blew my mind!!! The players were top notch and gave me incredible insight into how to strategize and plot my moves. I was beyond impressed with the performers ability to both play the game and their musical instruments. It was outstandingly creative and inspiring. I am not sure what show the other reviewers saw but I have never experienced such a viscerally ambitious production. When I returned home, I decided model my chess playing strategy after the marvelous Black Queen. I wore a similar costume and prepared an intense intellectual strategy. Much to my chagrin, my opponent forfeited the game before it even began. Apparently, he was distracted by my dandiness. His loss!!! Thank you to the Mirvish family for bringing Chess to Toronto!! It is highly recommended!

Anonymous from Europe

AWESOME

Astounded at the negative reviews on here. This version of Chess is, in my opinion, simply awesome. I saw this twice during a visit to Toronto and was held spellbound by the sheer talent of the whole company, the stunning orchestrations, the superb staging, costumes - the standing ovations both nights were well deserved!! Yes, this is no "sugar & spice" musical and requires a bit of effort on the part of the audience but the plot and sub plots,the lyrics, raw emotions, betrayal, love, pride are all there and so so much more. Clearly, Canada is not ready for a production that pushes the boundaries of musical theatre!!

Michael Salkeld from London.

SENSATIONAL.

I saw this production in the UK and found it sensational, the performers not only acted and sang, but also played all the music themselves with on stage instruments while dancing at the same time, the costumes were also outstanding. The Musical arrangement of the score was also superb, rather than imitating the original 80s album they integrated the use of the piano accordion which along with the onstage fiddlers made it reminiscent of the Benny Anderson orchestra, (as in Benny and bijon of ABBA)this also brought out the folksy Russian tonality of the score.all in all an outstanding production,

Anonymous from Toronto

BEST MIRVISH SHOW

My mom and I attended this show last October and we thought it was absolutely amazing! Everything was brilliant, the acting, singing, choreography, music, directing and concept. We have both been to several Mirvish shows over the years and we both thought that this production of Chess was spectacular! My congratulations to the cast and crew, we would gladly see this production again.

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