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!!!!

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!!!!

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!!!!

Florience from Northern Ontario

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Chess and cannot understand all of the vitriole and hate in so many reviews. Were people expecting to see Mary Poppins instead? Chess is a unique story born out of a contentious time in history. It is not a simple tale by any means but it beautifully conveyed complex emotions of love and hate. The music was and always will be the star of the show for me. "Anthem" and "Nobody's Side" were stunning showstoppers. The performers were full of passion and demonstrated so much talent. I was particularly impressed by David Erik as The Arbiter. Refereeing a chess game never looked and sounded so good. Oh so good! The staging was brilliant and visually sumptuous. No, it is not a traditional production like "My Fair Lady" or "Les Miz". I would never expect it to be nor should the audience. Chess is an audaciously ambitious musical that I look forward to seeing again soon. The snow covered mountains of Merano have never been more peaked with excitement!

Pollytzania from Budapest, Hungary

I REALLY CAN'T IMAGINE WHY.....

...there are so many reviews trashing Chess. The audience that I saw Chess with gave the show a standing ovation. There was one fellow in my row that kept yelling "More!" after each song. The musicians were remarkable as they contortioned their bodies as they sang and played their musical instruments. They were a marvel to behold! Sitting in the balcony above the orchestra allowed for stunning visuals of the ever-changing stage. For those who were bored, I am tempted to quote Anatoly and say something about where they should go instead.

Rael Broadway from Merano/Bangkok/Parry Sound

WHERE I WANT TO BE

After reading some reviews posted here, we were worried before we went to see Chess. Once it started, our concerns were washed away just as drinking water from Merano would make one feel. The main characters did a fabulous job singing and acting. The big hits from the show were as one expected: BIG! What surprised us the most, was the strong presence of the other performers/Chess pieces on stage. They lifted the atmosphere and level of presentation to dizzying heights. From the Black Queen through to the Rooks, they were mesmerizing. The riser on the stage floor was used as a projection screen. If you were not sitting higher up, one wouldn't know. The sound quality was very good, but the volume could have been a bit louder. We loved the fact they didn't treat the presentation as family entertainment and made it fun for adults. Thankfully, it is certainly not a Disney-type of affair. The calibre of musicianship is superlative. After seeing it once, I know Where I Want to Be (again)!

Leonard from Montreal

I'M NOT THE KIND TO BE VINDICTIVE!

Great songs, wonderful musicians, superlative singers, sexy costumes, an almost blinding light show and an imaginative interpretation made for three hours of awesome entertainment. Tim Rice loved it. What's the fuss? If it be your will to see Chess,ignore the negative reviews and get out your get up and go and stand in line!

Leonard from Montreal

PERHAPS I AM A WEE BIT VINDICTIVE :)

This should be a place to write reviews, not trash the opinion of others. Thanks to an attack on my thoughts, here I go: Great songs, maybe if you could hear the lyrics- Turn your ipod off and/or remove earphones before the show starts. It's not the New York philharmonic on stage- They need a much bigger venue and I don’t remember the NYPO moving around much or singing when I saw them (x4). DOH!- Glad to see you’re trying new words and expanding your vocabulary. An almost blinding light show, that's a plus? Migraine Sufferers Beware!- Scientific research has proven great light shows reduce headache pain. Studies also suggest if people pay attention, they can hear and understand things much better. An imaginative interpretation See off the wall and bizarre- Again, if one pays close attention, you will or may understand. 3 hours of awesome entertainment, it wasn't for me, It left me nonplussed with a nasty after taste in my mouth- As for that nasty taste, no comment!

Marco from Ajax

WHOA

If the producers were trying to mount a terrifying display of theatre, then 5 stars are more than warranted. Saw this production with having first read the reviews. I had an open mind. The crammed staging, bizarre choreography and ridiculous plot made me spin. Worst acting? The dude doing the nasty Russian accent. Does he hang out with Count Chocula? None of the main characters were worth fighting over. I am convinced that other 5 star reviewers (hello Leonard from Montreal) are paid theatre employees. No wonder Private Lives had a lineup outside the Royal Alex.

Roho from Orillia

SCHOOLING IN CHESS PAYS OFF

Unlike so many of the reviewers, I had been well schooled in Chess. The Royal Albert Hall production is not only brilliant and imminently watchable but also serves as a perfect primer for the theatrical version. I took in the show knowing the words to every song and the singers did not disappoint. There was nothing off-putting about their diction. It was unconventional and certainly not predictable in its staging....which is why I loved it. There was a flamboyant flair to the entire show that kept my eyes glued to the stage. The music was glorious.....the performers were electrifying....I feel sad for those who were disappointed by what they saw. One can only hope that everyone involved in this production feels proud of what they accomplish every night.

Hanna from Berlin

SERIOUSLY?!

Stunned by the negative reviews for Chess on this website. Is Florence taking revenge on Anatoly by writing such disparaging missives? Chess is clearly a love it or hate it production. There does not appear to be any middle ground. Well, I am not on nobody's side, I am on the side of CHESS!!! Loved the entire show from start to finnish and can't wait to see it again with my grandmother.

Juliet from Tiresias, ON

A GREAT REVIEW THAT TRUMPS THE REST!

It is nice to finally see some positive reviews about Chess being posted. Last weekend, I was on King Street and found myself passing the Princess of Wales Theatre. I saw a delightful young couple gleefully taking photographs in front of the cast posters. Their enthusiasm made me curious about Chess and I impulsively bought tickets for that evening's show. Before the show, I did a quick Wiki read of the history of the production and got the gist of the story. I absolutely loved the show!!!! It was stunning in every sense. A chance encounter on King Street made for an amazing evening of theatre. Thank you to the redhead and the tall blonde geek with glasses!

Visionary from Echo Bay

NEW MOVE!!!

After reading reviews here that slammed Chess, I couldn’t wait to see it and hate it. I put on my nice clothes, picked up my honey and went to the theatre. I was so disgusted, I walked out even before it started. I sure think I showed those people who thought they were smart walking out during the intermission a trick or two. My girlfriend stayed to the end an said it was great. She made me give this show five stars.

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.

Tony the Tiger from In a home by the sea.

WE GOTTA GET SOMEONE WHO KNOWS MUSICALS TO TALK

This was a West End hit? Where’s that? When people face east? Tim Rice loved it? Who’s he and what does that guy know about musicals anyway? Who do these one-star people really think they are? My five stars go to the woman playing the Black Queen.

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.

The Mansfields from Kitchener

DELIGHTFULLY DIFFERENT!

Wow...I am amazed at the negative reviews for this fantastic stage show and stage show it is! Visually spectacular and chills up your arms singing. We went to the first afternoon show and if it is not a great show I always find myself zoning out and I see my hubby's eyes close but not at this one! Kept us intrigued and entertained the whole time. Our only complaint is that because we were unfamiliar with this musical and the whole story we did have difficulty trying to follow it by the singers words alone. But, that said we were able to figure it out by the actions alone.This is what I call great acting! Don't be afraid to see this show if you are looking for something wildly different and refreshing!!!

Kim123 from Toronto

BRILLIANT TAKE ON A CLASSIC

Awesome version of this show - clever use of instruments throughout, all played by the cast. Never seen anything like this before! What a clever way to update a show! Talented group - definitely going again. Great songs, Shona White outstanding as the lead. Highly recommended.

Kim123 from Toronto

BRILLIANT TAKE ON A CLASSIC

Awesome version of this show - clever use of instruments throughout, all played by the cast. Never seen anything like this before! What a clever way to update a show! Talented group - definitely going again. Great songs, Shona White outstanding as the lead. Highly recommended.

Hugh Clemence from Toronto

FAR BETTE4 THAN EXPECTED!!!

Several negative reviews made us nervous. Several good ones made us hopeful. The result? It was fabulous! Great music, singing, drama, passion, lighting, the whole experience. If you're looking for a "South Pacific" like show, you could be disappointed. It's more like Jesus Christ Superstar ... Great pop/rock songs, beautiful and intense ballads. It's also a thoughtful show that weaves politics, romance, humour and morality into the story. I guess it's not everyone's pleasure but it scores 5 stars for us.

Hugh Clemence from Toronto /kelowna

FAR BETTER THAN EXPECTED!!!!

Several negative reviews made us nervous. Several good ones made us hopeful. The result? It was fabulous! Great music, singing, drama, passion, lighting, the whole experience. If you're looking for a "South Pacific" like show, you could be disappointed. It's more like Jesus Christ Superstar ... Great pop/rock songs, beautiful and intense ballads. It's also a thoughtful show that weaves politics, romance, humour and morality into the story. I guess it's not everyone's pleasure but it scores 5 stars for us.

Annie from Toronto

CHESS WORKS ON MANY LEVELS

This is the most creative interpretation of Tim Rice's musical I have ever seen. It encompasses the drama of the world chess championship, the Cold War and the fractured family and the three themes are picked up and enhanced by the costumes, the set and the delivery of the songs. There are some amazing performances and some outstanding voices. Bravo to all involved and all the best for the run in London.

Suzanne from Toronto

FANTASTIC SHOW FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE REAL THEATRE

A classic is reborn! Chess has some of the best songs and duets ever, with Tim Rice lyrics driving complex themes of motivation, sacrifice, isolation ("nobody's on nobody's side") along with a love triangle against the backdrop of the ColdWar. May not be your cup of tea if you think musicals all come from Disney with singing teacups. This play is for adults who love theatre .... A play for people who think, feel and reflect! PS standing ovations tonight, so other reviewers who dissed this play must have gone home to watch the Disney Channel!

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.

Tony the Tiger from Home by the sea

WE GOTTA GET SOMEONE WHO KNOWS...

This was a West End hit? Where’s that? When people face east? Tim Rice loved it? Who’s he and what does that guy know about musicals anyway? Who do these five-star people really think they are? My five stars go to the woman playing the Black Queen.

Ros from Toronto

WASTED OPPORTUNITY.

What a disappointment – not only the fact that it all appeared to be the "Village People" sponsored by "The Garden" via some sort of macabre Circus! Musically Shona White has a belting chest voice but didn’t seem able to connect with her head voice which lost all power. More light and shade needed in her singing; shouting does not compensate for lack of dynamics! Anthem is glorious but much of the other singing lacked phrasing and is coupled with poor diction and weak acting, making it difficult to understand what is being sung and attempting to be conveyed. leaving you the theatre goer searching for possible sub texts and looking for hidden meanings behind the overload of imaginary, this isn't challenging it screams this production is a confused mess All in all, more than vaguely disappointing: too much shouting, too little singing and generally too weird for its own good. A terrible pity, Such a wasted opportunity.

London Theatre hack, from London , SW6

CHESS ACTOR/MUSICAN PRODUCTION,

Where to start? The choreography is messy and distracting and partly obscures the main protagonists from the audience most of the time it all looks like a badly rehearsed marching band! The boring lightweight plot and unbelievable two dimensional characters of this production sent many people during the Uk tour either to the exit or asleep. Bizarre production values, muffled sound, weak musicianship coupled with poor acting especially from leading man James Fox (not surprising he is actually a failed reality TV star). Makes this one to miss

Lucy from Toronto

WOW

I was very exicited to get tickets to see Chess, I checked out many videos on line including the show reel to this production it looked awesome. I was shocked at the reality. the acting was poor lots of hands in the air pointing and shouting, the drums over powered the rest of the orchestration, the choreography is imaginative and bold but the dancers are awkward and clumsy, the singing is good but I couldn't understand many of the lyrics because the actors diction was so poor propbably down to the attempted accents,the result was I struggled to follow what was going on I wasn't alone.

Miles \'Maddy\' Petit from Rosedale, Toronto,

CHESS A BIT TOO MESSY

A smaller cast of actor musicians (some of them could easily be banished to the traditional orchestra pit - it's there for for good reason!) To allow the story Chess/love triangle to be more accessible both visually and audibly would be a major improvement as would some better choreography, I liked the touches of comedic irony especially of One Night in Bangkok,the bratty, camp, shaven headed American singing "I get my kicks above the waistline buddy" and " A show that has everything except for Yul Brynner " Hated Chess loved the Arbiter a total hunk.

MDThreatre Critic from Toronto

FRANKLY RIDICULOUS.

There are impossibly huge demands made of the performers. While some of the singing voices on stage are strong, in quality and range, there’s a trade-off against the acting, which can be patchy to put it politely. Exception to this is Shona White, a real musical star who somehow almost makes sense of the difficult and dysfunctional character Florence, a master stroke in its self given none of the characters are granted any substance by the director. There are sound problems too, and when so much of the narrative is reliant on Rice’s clever and complex lyrics, it’s a major failing not to be able to hear them properly. The production is epic, overblown and more than slightly bewildering. There’s no denying the money and effort spent on putting it all on stage. But in the end, it’s full of sound and fury while, for me, it signified nothing very much.

Glenn Harrsion from Toronto

ODD

Odd show, not sure what it is trying to be, it is very showy without being a proper show, I couldn't hear what was being sung, the drummer drowned a lot out and other passages of singing didn't seem to be in English more noises than actual words? so because I could not pick up a lot of what was being sung, or see who was singing it, far too many people on stage! I soon got lost in terms of the story and got bored, I started to look around saw others doing the same and some people sat in front of me walked out, the couple who were beside me failed to return after the interval, I stayed the course hoping it would all come together at the end it didn't.

Ears Ringing from Toronto

END GAME

Not very sound I am told is a UK expression, it sums up this production of chess its far Too busy, too many bodies on stage, too loud and the playing maybe 'live on stage' it;s not of a good quality, I don't understand the point of it employing people who can do lots of things adequately rather one thing well, the plot is lost in a mass of bodies, muttered dialogue and garbled lyrics, As for the dancing, that looks like everyone is loaded. Worse show I have ever seen

P.J. Bell from Toronto

INDECIPHERABLE PAINFUL NOISE

I was seated in the first row of the balcony. I could not decipher 90% of the words to any song. The music was too loud, and the individual songs were painfully loud and fuzzy. I wish I knew what the characters were saying! As a result, the ending made no sense. Everyone in the elevator on the way home felt the same. What a huge disappointment! However, the costumes were very interesting.

Nicola from Toronto

MINDNUMBINGLY AWFUL!

Like many other reviewers this is the first time i have left a show at the interval. I felt bad for the performers, who were all talented but having to perform drivel whilst dressed like display ads for adult S&M Halloween costumes. I hear the second half was better but i have no regrets about not staying to find out. The guy beside me was also unimpressed and commented"it's too loud to even sleep through." Save your money for whatever is coming next.

Craig Leyshon from Toronto

POOR

Poor writing. How many syllables can you really put in one beat of music and still understand the words? Poor direction. The cast sing, dance, act and play the entire score live, sometimes they even manage to look like they have a clue. Unfortunately they never quite pull it off. Impressed NO!

JessieLiu from Toronto, Ontario, Canada

2 TAM HOT

i not know what it about even now 4 that to happen id have to know the songs b4 cos not able understand words dancin wos hugely lame. was sooo mega bored all nite :0( best part 4 me was after being allowed take photos / get sign stuff at the stage door that was awesome tam is soooooo hot ;0) star 4 him he my star now 4eva <3

Max Ewwww from Toronto

BOBBY'S FISSURE GOES RED

I must admit, I'm not a big musical goer, but it's hard to imagine anything worse. One star because it looked like the cast was trying fairly hard. And the theatre kept us dry from the rain. Terrible subject matter for a musical--might as well put music and lyrics to a vacuum cleaner manual. Was the music seriously written by the ABBA folk? Horrendous. There were times when I honestly wanted to cover my ears it was so cacophonous. I couldn't understand the words, which, in an action-less piece, is really all you have left to unravel the plot. No wonder they give you a synopsis of the plot as an insert. You couldn't understand it otherwise. It was a love triangle of sorts, but you didn't care one way or another. How did the lyric go: "Nobody's on nobody's side." Ya, that about sums it up. I've seen more interesting choreography on an actual chess board. And Jimmie Fox had the most annoying twang in his voice, like a cat in heat caught in a C-clamp. It was a train-wreck, couldn't leave.

A armstrong from Toronto

RUN

Awful play we left at intermission also

Chess plus from Toronto

CHECK MATE

Just finished watching the first act and had to leave. The best thing about this show is when the players are acturally playing chess because no one is singing then.

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