CHESS

September 17th, 2007
Ford Amphitheatre, Hollywood CA
Musical Concert Charity Benefit, We went with Pam

Starring: Susan Egan, Kevin Earley, Matthew Morrison, Ty Taylor, Cindy Robinson, Tom Schmid, Thomas Griffith


I'm blown away that these dedicated professionals learned this very demanding musical so quickly, with only a week's rehearsal. But then again, I've seen talented Broadway performers do this time and again.

According to a friend of Tim Rice that we spoke with, this was only the 2nd professional production of CHESS in the United States. Not only was the audience filled with people supporting this amazing charity (Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids), but it was full of delightfully geeky theatre-fans who were beyond excited to be seeing the show.

The entire production was throughly entertaining and surprisingly polished, but our personal highlights would have to be hearing Kevin Earley sing Anatole (the Russian) and the equally wonderful Matthew Morrison (Hairspray, Light in the Piazza ~ original leads/casts) who clearly blew everyone away as The Arbiter. The music and songs are challenging and also demanding of the listener, yet this cast kept the audience's attention without any trouble.

For those who know the musical... this production combined the original London version with the (arguably) dumbed-down (butchered) Broadway version (keeping "Someone Else's Story" and their version of "Mountain Duet"). We were thrilled to be able to hear the original lush arrangements and big-voiced numbers, as well as the charming and rich quartets.

And it was all to benefit a wonderful charity that makes life easier for millions.
Another great evening of theatre in Los Angeles.