Slowburn Theatre, West Boca’s own professional theatre company opens its latest musical, Chess, Friday at 8 pm. Based on a concept album by British lyricist Tim Rice and two of the musicians from ABBA, the show originally ran in London’s west end for a few years back in the 1980s.
The story blends a cold war rivalry between two chess players with a love triangle. The best known song is “One Night in Bangkok.”
The lead roles will be played by Matthew Korinko (Anatoly), Rick Peña (Freddie) and Amy Miller Brennan (Florence).
Time Magazine called the music: “One of the best rock scores ever produced.” Slowburn offers a hint of the music, below:
It’s not a typical show. Critics reviewing both the London and Broadway productions were mixed, with some loving it and other hating it. The most positive review of the Broadway run gives you some idea of what to expect:
This is an angry, difficult, demanding and rewarding show, one that pushes the boundaries of the form” (Time, May 9, 1988).
