The 2008 production of "Chess in Concert" is a masterpiece in my view. Moreover, it contains my favorite score of music ever composed for the stage. For someone like me who loved the original production back in 1984, it's like an old friend coming back to life. No, we don't have the sexy little blonde, Elaine Paige, to hit all the high notes with ease but we have a lot of other things.
Anyone who views the storyline of "Chess" as trivial is simply wrong. I remember back in 1972, when Bobby Fischer beat the Russians and the chess world was sent tumbling. Even a person with no interest in chess could sense how the Soviet mystique was shattered.
16 years later, the USSR collapsed and the West had won the cold war. Bobby Fischer may have flipped out later on and embarrassed himself but he did his part in helping mankind survive. In January, 2008, he died in Reykjavik, Iceland, the place where he won his world title. Rest in peace, Bobby.
Back on "Chess in Concert," Tim Rice says "after 25 years we may finally be getting it right." My wife and I agree. What Sir Tim and his collaborators have given us are 2 ½ hours of one great song after another, joined to a now-coherent story, and beautiful visual effects. It all builds to a stirring conclusion that surpassed all our expectations.
The show has everything--drama, humor, dance, visuals, music, and some of the best lyrics anywhere. If critics continue to say that it's too cerebral that's their problem. I think I know when something's good and this is very good indeed.
Which songs do we love most? Are they the lively ones, like "One Night in Bangkok?" "The Arbiter?" Or, the playful witty pieces like "Merano?" "The Diplomats Lament?" "The Merchandisers?" "A Model of Decorum and Tranquility?"
Then what about the moving ballads? "Where I Want to Be?" "Heaven Help My Heart?" "Anatoly's Anthem?" "I Know Him So Well?" "Someone Else's Story?" "You and I?"
Even the rough-edged numbers like, "Nobody's Side," "Difficult and Dangerous Times," and "Pity the Child" are dramatic and memorable. Pick a favorite or high point? You make the call. I certainly can't. There's so much here that the uninitiated might want to view Act 1 the first night and save Act 2 for another time.
Comparing this cast and performances to those of 25 years ago is not easy. There still is a lot to recommend the 1984 cast and staging. Nevertheless, the new version has Josh Groban; he is a marvel in his role as Anatoly, the defecting Russian. The range and power of Josh's voice are well-suited to his part.
Did Idina Menzel make us forget Elaine Paige? Maybe not. But Idina has a big voice, too, and fine stage presence. To me, she holds her own in the comparison. My wife and I see the role of Florence as key to the whole show. Idina carries it off beautifully.
Well into Act 2, Kerry Ellis appears as Anatoly's estranged wife Svetlana and almost steals the show. Her rendition of "Someone Else's Story" is as moving a song on lost love as we've ever heard. Later on, Kerry sings a duet with Idina in "I Know Him So Well." Would someone help me to my feet?
There are several other cast members worthy of note, including Adam Pascal as Freddie, the American champion; Clarke Peters as Walter, the West's impressario; David Bedella, as Molokov, the Russian head man; and Marti Fellow, as the Arbiter. They all turn in fine performances.
We also have the western diplomats, the marvelous dancers, the 50-piece orchestra, and the 100-person choir. Masterful coordination is done by the director, Hugh Wooldridge and David Firman, the conductor. Yes, Sir Tim, you've got it right.
At 2 hours and 15 minutes into the program, my wife and I were exhausted. (Who knows how the cast was able to keep going?) I couldn't imagine musical theater getting any better. But then the finale came with Josh and Idina singing "You and I" at the top of their lungs while holding hands. Wow, is all I can say.
To our surprise, PBS did a broadcast of "Chess in Concert" the day before the DVD was released. For those who might have recorded the program off TVa question might be why buy the DVD? Answers include widescreen format and the ease of a) adding Subtitles, b) invoking SurroundSound, c) navigating to favorite songs, and d) reading end credits.
Video transfer of this DVD concert is impeccable. Nevertheless, more "making of" interviews and features would be nice. Maybe those will come with a Collector's Edition? If so, we might hear from the Swedish geniuses, Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus. Without them there'd be no ABBA music, no "Mamma Mia," and no "Chess in Concert."
Is "Chess in Concert" perfect? No. Why Sir Tim Rice would throw in an "F--- You," from the American to the Russian toward the end was vulgar and out-of-place. But I'm giving this work five (5) stars for all its grand design, innumerable classic songs, choral and instrumental accompaniment, choreography, and stunning visual effects. At twice its current price, this DVD is a real bargain.
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Chess In Concert
Josh Groban
(Actor),
Idina Menzel
(Actor),
Hugh Wooldridge
(Director)
&
0
more Rated: Format: DVD
NR
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Genre | Pop-music |
Format | NTSC, Multiple Formats, Color |
Contributor | Hugh Wooldridge, Josh Groban, Adam Pascal, Idina Menzel, David Bedella |
Language | English |
Runtime | 2 hours and 25 minutes |
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Product Description
Filmed at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2008, this live rendering of the album by Abba's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, and lyricist Sir Tim Rice, features Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, and Wet Wet Wet singer, Marti Pellow.
Product details
- Aspect Ratio : 1.78:1
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- MPAA rating : NR (Not Rated)
- Product Dimensions : 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 2.72 ounces
- Item model number : 4787173
- Director : Hugh Wooldridge
- Media Format : NTSC, Multiple Formats, Color
- Run time : 2 hours and 25 minutes
- Release date : June 16, 2009
- Actors : Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, David Bedella
- Subtitles: : English
- Language : Unqualified, English (PCM Stereo), English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
- Studio : Reprise
- ASIN : B0028SVXVM
- Number of discs : 1
- Best Sellers Rank: #38,131 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
- #358 in Musical Soundtracks & Scores
- #753 in Music Videos & Concerts (Movies & TV)
- #13,699 in Pop (CDs & Vinyl)
- Customer Reviews:
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5 Stars
i was there!
i was at both performances. night two, DOG and i saw all the actors running around in the basement of RAH before the show.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2009
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2009
Since its debut in 1984, Chess has been relentlessly reworked in productions and recordings around the world. In its liner notes and introduction, Tim Rice explains that "Chess in Concert" was produced to be the definitive version. However it may be reworked in the future, this is the vision of its creators. Having never seen or heard any of the prior productions or recordings, I have no frame of reference for comparison. Judging this production on its own merits, however, it is a breathtaking success.
To be fair, there is plenty to nitpick. As a concert, there is very little in the way of staging. A large screen reveals setting changes and is used for other effects. Whereas there are some hokey chess square graphics, the screen was largely used to good affect. The chorus' participation particularly in "Merano" was a bit over the top. Yet how else could they create a sense of fanfare? You pretty much have to go all the way if you attempt it at all. Is that rapping I hear in "One Night in Bangkok"? Rap can certainly fit naturally into a musical (e.g. "In the Heights"), but here it sounds too contrived (someone trying to be edgy). Despite this, that chorus is awfully catchy! The modern choreography for "The Arbiter" was equally jarring on first pass (it has grown on me since, however). The dancers have some truly beautiful choreography throughout. Regarding the story itself, the character of Florence Vassy seems insufficiently developed. Knowing she lost her family and that she follows her heart does not seem to be enough for such a pivotal character. Finally, the ending leaves a lot in the air. No tidy conclusions here.
Despite these qualms (which really are minor), the production succeeds brilliantly where it needs to most. The cast was superb. Adam Pascal fully commits to the role of Freddie Trumper. Josh Groban is equally convincing as Anatoly Sergievsky. They are in top form vocally and all three leads (including Idina Menzel as Florence) should be commended for portraying their flawed characters so sympathetically. The other major characters were also played with verve and passion. Kudos also to the dancers and soloists who have prominent roles and perform admirably.
Equally as important, the score is largely phenomenal. There are beautiful ballads and powerful anthems. The melodies are instantly catchy but complex enough not to lose their appeal after repeated listens. They strike a strong emotional chord - equal to any other I have experienced in musical theater. The crescendo in "Endgame" where a man firmly resolves to remain true to himself though he fails everyone and everything else is simply compelling drama. Several of the songs grip the heart in one way or another.
One highlight exhibiting the genius of the story is "The Deal". Here, in his silky smooth voice, the Arbiter narrates the political and emotional wrangling of the characters as just another game of chess. The device is ingenious, the devious interactions are captivating. "Nobody's on nobody's side," indeed.
If unlike me you love a previous version of Chess, you may not benefit from this production. If you are new to Chess, however, prepare to be blown away by an engrossing human drama.
To be fair, there is plenty to nitpick. As a concert, there is very little in the way of staging. A large screen reveals setting changes and is used for other effects. Whereas there are some hokey chess square graphics, the screen was largely used to good affect. The chorus' participation particularly in "Merano" was a bit over the top. Yet how else could they create a sense of fanfare? You pretty much have to go all the way if you attempt it at all. Is that rapping I hear in "One Night in Bangkok"? Rap can certainly fit naturally into a musical (e.g. "In the Heights"), but here it sounds too contrived (someone trying to be edgy). Despite this, that chorus is awfully catchy! The modern choreography for "The Arbiter" was equally jarring on first pass (it has grown on me since, however). The dancers have some truly beautiful choreography throughout. Regarding the story itself, the character of Florence Vassy seems insufficiently developed. Knowing she lost her family and that she follows her heart does not seem to be enough for such a pivotal character. Finally, the ending leaves a lot in the air. No tidy conclusions here.
Despite these qualms (which really are minor), the production succeeds brilliantly where it needs to most. The cast was superb. Adam Pascal fully commits to the role of Freddie Trumper. Josh Groban is equally convincing as Anatoly Sergievsky. They are in top form vocally and all three leads (including Idina Menzel as Florence) should be commended for portraying their flawed characters so sympathetically. The other major characters were also played with verve and passion. Kudos also to the dancers and soloists who have prominent roles and perform admirably.
Equally as important, the score is largely phenomenal. There are beautiful ballads and powerful anthems. The melodies are instantly catchy but complex enough not to lose their appeal after repeated listens. They strike a strong emotional chord - equal to any other I have experienced in musical theater. The crescendo in "Endgame" where a man firmly resolves to remain true to himself though he fails everyone and everything else is simply compelling drama. Several of the songs grip the heart in one way or another.
One highlight exhibiting the genius of the story is "The Deal". Here, in his silky smooth voice, the Arbiter narrates the political and emotional wrangling of the characters as just another game of chess. The device is ingenious, the devious interactions are captivating. "Nobody's on nobody's side," indeed.
If unlike me you love a previous version of Chess, you may not benefit from this production. If you are new to Chess, however, prepare to be blown away by an engrossing human drama.
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2022
I love this musical and have seen it twice on stage. It is always different as they were always trying to find a version that “worked.” This one is not perfect, but the music is always terrific. This is probably the closest to seeing the play that you can get. It is a concert version, but they do act it out to a degree and the singers are all strong. It is not my favorite cast. I prefer Tommy Korberg from the original cast and Judy Kuhn from the Broadway production, these are all strong singers. I really enjoyed this and am glad I purchased it.
Top reviews from other countries
PeterC
5.0 out of 5 stars
I am an addict to musical theatre and have been to most of the great hits such as Phantom
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2015
Much to my regret I I never saw the West End stage version of CHESS back in the eighties although I was familiar with some of the music. I have waited ever since for the show to return but this just did not happen. I am an addict to musical theatre and have been to most of the great hits such as Phantom, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables . Blood Brothers, The Sound of Music, Starlight Express, Evita , Camelot, Rent, West Side Story, Oliver, Billy Elliot, The King and I. Jesus Christ Superstar .Godspell, .and even Salad Days!.....all have been enjoyable and many quite superb. How this concert version contrasts with the original stage show I shall probably never know....but I can say that you will never get together such a brilliant ensemble cast of musicians, singers and actors to support the incredibly talented Josh Groban , Idina Menzel , Adam Pascal, David Bedella, Kerry Ellis , Clarke Peters and Marti Pellow who play the main characters. The music by Benny and Bjorn is deservedly legendary and memorable and Tim Rice,s lyrical input is masterful.. The plot is I must admit is complex but if you read the synopsis by Tim Rice in the brochure that comes with the DVD beforehand this may help. My advice would be to get your copy before they sell out ...I have just ordered a second as a reserve disk as I know my first one will be played many times over !. As Tim Rice rates this as his favourite version of the show that may also tempt you ...for what it is worth this now ranks in my top 3 musicals and may even move into the no 1 slot. after a few more plays!
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lara
5.0 out of 5 stars
Long Live the Subtitles!
Reviewed in Canada on December 5, 2011
CHESS is a very difficult musical to get to know and to appreciate - but once one has fallen in love with it, there is no turning back... And this DVD definitely helps one understand the endurance and appeal of CHESS - thanks to the subtitles! This DVD made me fall in love with Chess because I finally managed to understand what it was all about... I personally thing the casting was superb - except for Kerry Ellis - her singing is good, but anybody with a decent voice could have fit that role; however, the way she looked on the stage definitely didn't suit the role and didn't make Svetlana alive... Tim Rice lyrics are amazing - but in majority of live productions they are simply impossible to hear and/or understand which makes the plot very difficult, often impossible, to follow... This DVD simply has it all - I highly recommend it for all the lovers of Chess and for all the lovers of musical theatre!
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T.punkt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wie irre, nein wie irre...!
Reviewed in Germany on February 6, 2011
...hab ich während des ersten Anhörens und Ansehens gestern abend immer wieder vor mich hinstammeln müssen, angesichts dieser genialen und qualitativ toll besetzten Aufführung in der Royal Albert Hall mit solch tollen Solisten, Chören, Orchestern, Tänzern, etc.
Also, ich bin seit den 80ern bereits Fan des Musicals. Damals noch von einer Schulfreundin von Vinyl auf Cassette aufgenommen. Hat leider nicht auf eine 120 min ganz draufgepasst. War mir aber egal. Das Muscial gefiel mir. Auch abgehackt und unvollständig.
In den 90ern hatte ich keinen Cassettenrecorder mehr, aber die Doppel-CD gefunden. Genial! Ich verliebte mich erneut in dieses tolle Musical. Dieses Mal komplett als "Highlights".
Übrigens finde ich, dass man Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson und Tim Rice in diesem Zusammenhang arg unterschätzt!
Vor einiger Zeit las ich dann, dass es diese Chess-in-Concert-DVD gibt. Ich war vorher persönlich nie ein Fan von Josh Groban - seit gestern bin ich es!
Marti Pellow, als Sänger von Wet Wet Wet war mir ein Begriff. Die anderen Solisten nicht.
Das hat sich geändert.
Die wunderbare Elaine Paige konnte Florence damals nicht besser singen. Idina Menzel ist großartig!
Kerry Ellis als Svetlana - göttlich!
David Bedella als Molokov - sehr charismatisch.
Josh Groban - singt wie ein Engel
Marti Pellow - immer noch eine solide gesangliche Leistung.
Hugh Woolridge als Dirigent der City of London Philharmonics - richtig gut.
Alles anderen ebenfalls hervorragend besetzt. Und der Chor ist eine einzige Freude!
Also, wer sich noch ein bisschen an die Geschichte der Schachkämpfe zwischen UdSSR und USA erinnert, wer Spaß an einer musikalisch angelegten geradezu griechischen Tragödie hat, an genialen Stimmen und überraschenden Arrangements, der wird dieses Bombast-Musical lieben!
Für mich ein großer musikalischer Genuss.
Also, ich bin seit den 80ern bereits Fan des Musicals. Damals noch von einer Schulfreundin von Vinyl auf Cassette aufgenommen. Hat leider nicht auf eine 120 min ganz draufgepasst. War mir aber egal. Das Muscial gefiel mir. Auch abgehackt und unvollständig.
In den 90ern hatte ich keinen Cassettenrecorder mehr, aber die Doppel-CD gefunden. Genial! Ich verliebte mich erneut in dieses tolle Musical. Dieses Mal komplett als "Highlights".
Übrigens finde ich, dass man Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson und Tim Rice in diesem Zusammenhang arg unterschätzt!
Vor einiger Zeit las ich dann, dass es diese Chess-in-Concert-DVD gibt. Ich war vorher persönlich nie ein Fan von Josh Groban - seit gestern bin ich es!
Marti Pellow, als Sänger von Wet Wet Wet war mir ein Begriff. Die anderen Solisten nicht.
Das hat sich geändert.
Die wunderbare Elaine Paige konnte Florence damals nicht besser singen. Idina Menzel ist großartig!
Kerry Ellis als Svetlana - göttlich!
David Bedella als Molokov - sehr charismatisch.
Josh Groban - singt wie ein Engel
Marti Pellow - immer noch eine solide gesangliche Leistung.
Hugh Woolridge als Dirigent der City of London Philharmonics - richtig gut.
Alles anderen ebenfalls hervorragend besetzt. Und der Chor ist eine einzige Freude!
Also, wer sich noch ein bisschen an die Geschichte der Schachkämpfe zwischen UdSSR und USA erinnert, wer Spaß an einer musikalisch angelegten geradezu griechischen Tragödie hat, an genialen Stimmen und überraschenden Arrangements, der wird dieses Bombast-Musical lieben!
Für mich ein großer musikalischer Genuss.
heartless
5.0 out of 5 stars
enfin
Reviewed in France on November 27, 2010
Apres trois mois d'attente, le voici. Cela dit, envoi soigné dans un emballage sécurite. Livraison rapide meme si envoi longuet. DVD en tres bon état, et que du bonheur a regarder. Dommage pour la rupture de stock passagère. Je dois admettre cependant, que je c'est la première fois que je vois un site d'achat me tenir aussi bien informée sur le suivi de ma commande. J'adore. Enfin pour ce qui est du produit, je suis tres tres tres loin d'etre décue. Pour le site, je ne manquerais pas de le recommander quand je le pourrais.
ピパ
5.0 out of 5 stars
コンサート形式のミュージカルとして傑作
Reviewed in Japan on October 5, 2013
「チェス」は名曲揃いでアルバムは大ヒット、でも舞台にするとなぜかヒットしにくいという不思議な作品。私も舞台を見たことはないのですが、曲を聴く限り、間違いなくミュージカル作品として完成されていて、名曲揃いの傑作。クラシカルな曲からからポップス、ロック風と、幅広い音楽で飽きないです。たまに入る大合唱が、ライブ感を味わわせてくれます。
イマイチ舞台で大ヒットしなかったのは、ストーリーの前提が、「チェス」とか「米ソ冷戦」てところが、地味でウケにくいからでしょうか。演出の仕方によっては、大人向きのシブい舞台になりそうな気もしないでもないのですが……。歌だけで表現するコンサートという形式の方が、この作品には合っているのかもしれません。
ストーリーは、イタリアのメラノで行われるチェスの国際試合から。国際チャンピオンのアメリカ人・フレディに、ソ連人のアナトリーが挑戦。が、フレディのセコンド(マネージャー?)で恋人のフローレンスとアナトリーが恋に落ち、フレディは試合に敗北。
二幕目は、その翌年。既に選手は引退して解説者になったフレディは、イギリスに亡命したアナトリーと、彼の恋人として行動を共にするフローレンスと再会する。チャンピオンとなったアナトリーにバンコクの試合で挑戦するのは、またもやソ連が送り込んだチェス・マシーン! フレディはフローレンスに戻ってきてくれ、と頼む。さらに、アナトリーの妻(アナトリーは妻子持ち!てことは、フローレンスとは不倫てことだ)もバンコクに。
この人間関係に加え、国家の思惑とか、フレディがどうやら母親に愛されて育ったわけではなさそう、とか、フローレンスが子供の頃、ソ連に父親を殺されてハンガリーから母親と西側に脱出した、とか、そんなエピソードが物語を重層的にしている感じです。(このフローレンスの父親の話は、二幕目で物語の重要なファクターになってくる。)
作詞は、『ジーザス・クライスト・スーパースター』や『エビータ』『ライオン・キング』のティム・ライス。アルバムがヒットしたり、舞台がコケたり、でもコンサート形式ではウケて世界中で上演されたりしてきたティム・ライス自身は、この2008年のコンサート版で、『チェス』が「やっとあるべき形になった」というようなことを言っています。(このDVDでは、最初にサー・ティム・ライスが登場して、ちょっとした挨拶と出演者の紹介をしています。)知的で緻密な歌詞が、このチェスという作品にはベストマッチです。考えてみたら、アナトリーなんて、ソ連の妻子を捨てて、自分だけ自由な西側に亡命して女と一緒になる、というかなり勝手な男なのですが、ティム・ライスの歌詞のせいか何となく説得力が出てしまう。
作曲はABBAのベニー・アンダーソンとビョルン・ウルヴァース。さすがABBAというか、耳になじみやすい曲ばかり。(実際に歌うとなると、けっこう難曲だろうけれど。)
アダム・パスカル、イディーナ・メンゼルという日本でもミュージカルファンにはおなじみの二人が、フレディとフローレンスを演じています。
アダム・パスカルは、一幕目は若い短絡的なアメリカ人青年、二幕目では、フローレンスにも去られ、引退もして、なかなかオトナの男になっているという役どころ。一幕目は『Rent』、二幕目は『AIDA』を彷彿とさせます。
個人的に、メンゼルのちょっとキンキンした声と聞き取りづらいアメリカ英語は好きではないのですが、うまいので、まぁ良いです。チェスのチャンピオン選手のセコンドで恋人、という役どころなのだから、もう少し大人っぽい声の女優さんの方が、私は好みですかねぇ。しかもフローレンスは、子供の頃ハンガリーから逃げて、今はイギリス人。(私の英語力では、さだかでなないですが……。)いくらアメリカ人のフレディの恋人だとしても、もっとイギリス英語っぽいの方が自然な気がするし。でも、メンゼルの歌う“Heaven Help My Heart”は良かったです。
アナトリー役のジョシュ・グローバンのクラシカルな雰囲気の声が良くて、どんな俳優かと調べたら、そもそも本業はミュージカル俳優ではなく、歌手のようでした。ぜひ、他のミュージカル作品でも活躍していただきたい人だー。この人が一幕の終わりで歌う“Anthem”が、この作品の中で一番好きです。
グローバンの柔らかい声と、パスカルのロックな歌声の対比が、ソ連とアメリカという国の対比まで、よりハッキリ表現させているように思いました。
アンドリュー・ロイド=ウェーバーのポピュラーな作品は大好きだけど、たまには目先の変わった作品を気軽に楽しみたい、と言っても、最近ポピュラーになった(?)のウィーンだとかフランスものは、流行に乗っちゃった感じでイヤ、という方は、いきなりソンドハイムに行く前に、この『チェス』を楽しんでからでも良いのでは。
テーマが、チェスとか冷戦とか、国家と個人がどうとかなので地味ですが、重厚すぎず軽すぎず、という内容が、私には絶妙でした。舞台の上にシャンデリアが落ちてきたり、バリケードが組まれたりしなくていいから、こういう感じのミュージカル、もっと増えないかなぁ。
イマイチ舞台で大ヒットしなかったのは、ストーリーの前提が、「チェス」とか「米ソ冷戦」てところが、地味でウケにくいからでしょうか。演出の仕方によっては、大人向きのシブい舞台になりそうな気もしないでもないのですが……。歌だけで表現するコンサートという形式の方が、この作品には合っているのかもしれません。
ストーリーは、イタリアのメラノで行われるチェスの国際試合から。国際チャンピオンのアメリカ人・フレディに、ソ連人のアナトリーが挑戦。が、フレディのセコンド(マネージャー?)で恋人のフローレンスとアナトリーが恋に落ち、フレディは試合に敗北。
二幕目は、その翌年。既に選手は引退して解説者になったフレディは、イギリスに亡命したアナトリーと、彼の恋人として行動を共にするフローレンスと再会する。チャンピオンとなったアナトリーにバンコクの試合で挑戦するのは、またもやソ連が送り込んだチェス・マシーン! フレディはフローレンスに戻ってきてくれ、と頼む。さらに、アナトリーの妻(アナトリーは妻子持ち!てことは、フローレンスとは不倫てことだ)もバンコクに。
この人間関係に加え、国家の思惑とか、フレディがどうやら母親に愛されて育ったわけではなさそう、とか、フローレンスが子供の頃、ソ連に父親を殺されてハンガリーから母親と西側に脱出した、とか、そんなエピソードが物語を重層的にしている感じです。(このフローレンスの父親の話は、二幕目で物語の重要なファクターになってくる。)
作詞は、『ジーザス・クライスト・スーパースター』や『エビータ』『ライオン・キング』のティム・ライス。アルバムがヒットしたり、舞台がコケたり、でもコンサート形式ではウケて世界中で上演されたりしてきたティム・ライス自身は、この2008年のコンサート版で、『チェス』が「やっとあるべき形になった」というようなことを言っています。(このDVDでは、最初にサー・ティム・ライスが登場して、ちょっとした挨拶と出演者の紹介をしています。)知的で緻密な歌詞が、このチェスという作品にはベストマッチです。考えてみたら、アナトリーなんて、ソ連の妻子を捨てて、自分だけ自由な西側に亡命して女と一緒になる、というかなり勝手な男なのですが、ティム・ライスの歌詞のせいか何となく説得力が出てしまう。
作曲はABBAのベニー・アンダーソンとビョルン・ウルヴァース。さすがABBAというか、耳になじみやすい曲ばかり。(実際に歌うとなると、けっこう難曲だろうけれど。)
アダム・パスカル、イディーナ・メンゼルという日本でもミュージカルファンにはおなじみの二人が、フレディとフローレンスを演じています。
アダム・パスカルは、一幕目は若い短絡的なアメリカ人青年、二幕目では、フローレンスにも去られ、引退もして、なかなかオトナの男になっているという役どころ。一幕目は『Rent』、二幕目は『AIDA』を彷彿とさせます。
個人的に、メンゼルのちょっとキンキンした声と聞き取りづらいアメリカ英語は好きではないのですが、うまいので、まぁ良いです。チェスのチャンピオン選手のセコンドで恋人、という役どころなのだから、もう少し大人っぽい声の女優さんの方が、私は好みですかねぇ。しかもフローレンスは、子供の頃ハンガリーから逃げて、今はイギリス人。(私の英語力では、さだかでなないですが……。)いくらアメリカ人のフレディの恋人だとしても、もっとイギリス英語っぽいの方が自然な気がするし。でも、メンゼルの歌う“Heaven Help My Heart”は良かったです。
アナトリー役のジョシュ・グローバンのクラシカルな雰囲気の声が良くて、どんな俳優かと調べたら、そもそも本業はミュージカル俳優ではなく、歌手のようでした。ぜひ、他のミュージカル作品でも活躍していただきたい人だー。この人が一幕の終わりで歌う“Anthem”が、この作品の中で一番好きです。
グローバンの柔らかい声と、パスカルのロックな歌声の対比が、ソ連とアメリカという国の対比まで、よりハッキリ表現させているように思いました。
アンドリュー・ロイド=ウェーバーのポピュラーな作品は大好きだけど、たまには目先の変わった作品を気軽に楽しみたい、と言っても、最近ポピュラーになった(?)のウィーンだとかフランスものは、流行に乗っちゃった感じでイヤ、という方は、いきなりソンドハイムに行く前に、この『チェス』を楽しんでからでも良いのでは。
テーマが、チェスとか冷戦とか、国家と個人がどうとかなので地味ですが、重厚すぎず軽すぎず、という内容が、私には絶妙でした。舞台の上にシャンデリアが落ちてきたり、バリケードが組まれたりしなくていいから、こういう感じのミュージカル、もっと増えないかなぁ。