Chess: The Musical Reviews

Maria from Toronto

NOT WHAT I EXPECTED

People need to give this show a chance - the whole audience gave a standing ovation at the end, so some of these reviewers must have missed that. I loved it! Not for kids (swearing and sexual innuendo) but that's ok with me. Definitely not your 'usual' kind of musical but the material is adult and I found the acting and direction fitted that. Loved James Fox (esp. Pity The Child) and other favourite was the White King with a massive crown and fur cloak (costumes were fantastic) striding around and dancing. My husband and I took a while to get into it because it's different to anything we've seen before, but we were up there standing and cheering at the end with everyone else!

Joanna B from Toronto

LOVED IT

Chess is notorious for having a complicated plot and although the story in this production is a little hard to follow at times, I found it thoroughly enjoyable. The leads were great in my opinion and the show had flashes of brilliance. Fabulous costumes, well acted, well sung. The 'One Night in Bangkok' scene is a bit risque for my tastes but others loved it. Had a full standing ovation when I saw it today. Don't know what the other reviewers saw but judging from today's show, this is a great piece of theatre and a chance to see some clever staging and hear some beautiful songs sung well.

Mary Kat from Toronto

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!

It helps to know a bit of the story before you go in, but you will be amazed by the talented musicianship of the cast. Clever set design and great chorus work as chess pieces (that play their own instruments). Excellent performances by most of the cast; I found Shona White as Florence to be a bit spastic in her acting and a harsh British accent/nasal quality to her singing. Great jobs done by the actors portraying Anatoly and Molokov; as well as Freddy. The solo of Pity the Child in the first act brings down the house. Overall excellent music; performances, a joy to watch and experience at the theatre.

J. Fountain from Toronto area

OVERALL, VERY ENJOYABLE...BUT....

Cons: Personally, I would have cast Shona White as Cats' Grizabella. Unfortunately, I found her voice as Florence somewhat shrill and irritating and her "belted" final number seriously detracted from the overall experience. Minor bothers included lighting issues with many of the black pieces (they disappeared against the equally-black background at times) and a bit of seriously sharp singing by Steve Varnom (Molokov) who, otherwise, sounded good. PROS (and these are in the majority): Overall,an excellent performance from the remainder of the cast. Clever set design. Kudos re orchestration and arrangement; having the modest orchestra on stage as active cast was a lovely touch! Other highlights: the white knight's evident pride of tail, the male cast members' generally beautifully-tuned and sometimes minimally-costumed physiques, and some excellent acting by Tam Mutu (Anatoly). Many more 'pros' but not enough space. If I could afford it, I would definitely see it again!

Don Daddy from Cliffs of Dover

ARE THESE REVIEWS SERIOUS?

I can't say it was as bad as many people seem to think. I enjoyed Chess, except for the songs that were edited out. I thought the songs should have been included, despite the fact the show would have been longer. I liked the fact it was weird and/or different. Are some of these reviews serious? I wonder what planet some people are from when I read some of these. Then again, some people may wonder that about me considering I give this show three stars.

Rudy from Trenton

IS THIS THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY?

You won't believe this! It can't be true! Check out what some fools said about this production of Chess before it came to Toronto. Go to: http://www.chess-the-musical.co.uk/ Read: The Buzz. How can they be so wrong and us so right? Who do these foreign chappies think they are? I always thought they understood and knew how to appreciate music. Just because of their thoughts, I'm not going to London next summer for the Olympics.

Rekcus from Brit

WHAT A RELIEF!

I heard the guys that wrote the music for this were from Sweden. No wonder so many of us didn’t like or understand what were heard. The musicians should have played the music in English and not Swedish!. Sure is a good thing not any idiot can come here and write a review. Just think how stupid we’d sound when people from other cities and countries around the world come here to read our thoughts about Chess. 2.5 stars for playing music in a foreign language.

Page:12345678910111213141516All