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Chess
Chess was performed between Monday 24th September and Saturday 29th September 2001.
This highly acclaimed musical develops the ancient and distinguished game of chess into a metaphor for romantic rivalries and East-West political intrigue. The principal pawns form a love triangle: the loutish American Grandmaster, the earnest Russian champion, and the Hungarian-American female chess second, who arrives at the international championships with the American but falls for the Russian. From Tyrol to Thailand the players, lovers, politicians, CIA and KGB make their moves to the pulse of this monumental rock score. Several numbers, including "One Night in Bangkok" and "I Know Him So Well", are international hits.
Chess, as a rock musical, was quite a departure for the society but, as usual, it was pulled off with huge audiences and great reviews. We were the first to present Chess on the amateur stage in the county and this was, also, the first time we performed at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton (we had previously performed at the Co-Op Arts Theatre - now called the Nottingham Arts Theatre - in Nottingham city centre).
The world chess championship is being held in the northern Italian town of Merano. The brash American champion relishes the crowd's affection, while his Russian challenger and Molokov, his second (actually a KGB agent), watch with curiosity and disdain on TV. The opening ceremony features an arbiter insisting on holding the proceedings together, US and Soviet diplomats vowing their side will win, and marketers just looking to make a buck. The American storms out of a rules meeting, leaving his second, Florence, in an argument with the Arbiter and the Russians. She later scolds him, but he insists that she, a child Émigré who escaped Hungary during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, should support him. Instead, she reflects that "nobody's on nobody's side." The first game of the match goes badly, with dirty tricks nearly evolving into a brawl. A meeting to smooth things over goes badly and ends with the Russian and Florence together, where they quickly develop feelings for each other. As the matches continue, the American flounders and blames Florence, who leaves him. The Russian wins the championship, then defects to the west. Answering reporters's questions about his loyalties, his "Anthem" declares that "my land's only borders lie around my heart."
A year later, the Russian is set to defend his championship in Bangkok, Thailand. The American is already there, chatting up locals about the nightlife. Florence and the Russian are now lovers, and upon hearing the news on the television that the Russian's wife has been allowed to leave the USSR to attend the match, the couple argue. The wife and Florence both reflect on their relationships with him. The American goes to the Russian with information about Florence's long-lost father, claiming that instead of being a hero as she believed, he was a collaborator. The Russian, and later Florence, dismiss him, unwilling to hear what he has to say. The American reflects on his life and his obsession with chess as a way to escape an unhappy childhood. In the deciding game of the match, The Russian manages an exceptional victory, and realizes that it may be the only success he can achieve--his wife castigates him for wallowing in the crowd's empty praise. Both acknowledge they are doomed to care only for themselves. Later, he and Florence reflect on their story that seemed so promising, and how they "go on pretending/ stories like ours/ have happy endings."
All around us we hear that it is a world of change and without doubt that includes Beeston Operatic Society. Not only has there been a change of choice for the annual presentation, but the venue is another talking point.
The move to the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton from the Co-op now the Nottingham Arts Theatre in George Street is one that was forced upon the society for reasons that have been well documented. Hopefully it will meet with your approval as the final curtain falls on the presentation of Tim Rice’s musical “Chess”. Amongst the firsts we record this year is the outstanding one that we have been privileged to be the first to present “Chess” on the amateur stage in the county and you can rest assured that the thirty plus member cast have become involved with relish.
All concerned have given, as ever, of their best and so continue the proud reputation that has been built up over the past thirty five years which thankfully has been aided by constant loyal support from you dear readers.
As you will know, during the year the society gives musical presentations to many charity organisations and this keeps the Members well engaged between the annual major shows, but for the future we again appeal for your continued and if possible, extra support. The latter can be enhanced by obtaining new Patrons to add to those who have given their backing and can be seen listed in the programme.
So finally as President of Beeston Operatic Society for the past twenty five years, I say “Thank You” for the part you have played in aiding and furthering of the Arts so proudly presented in the Beeston and surrounding area of the district of Broxtowe.
Now sit back and enjoy the show for that is the next move in our presentation of “Chess”.
Walter Hayes, President
Merano (Chorus & Freddie )
Commie Newspapers (Freddie & Florence)
Anatoly & Molokov
Where I Want to Be (Anatoly)
Diplomats (Walter, Molokov, Florence & Chorus)
The Arbiter (Arbiter & Chorus)
Hymn To Chess (Chorus)
The Merchandisers (Chorus)
Chess (Orchestra (instrumental))
The Arbiter (reprise) (Arbiter)
A Model of Decorum and Tranquillity (Molokov, Florence, Arbiter & Anatol)
Florence and Molokov
1956 Budapest is Rising (Florence & Freddie)
Nobody's Side (Florence)
Mountain Duet (Florence & Anatoly)
Chess (Orchestra (Instrumental))
Florence Quits (Freddie & Florence)
Pity The Child (Freddie)
Someone Else's Story (Florence)
Embassy Lament (Civil Servants)
Heaven Help My Heart (Florence)
Anatoly & the Press
Anthem (Anatoly)
One Night In Bangkok (Freddie & Chorus)
One More Opponent (Florence & Anatoly)
You And I (Florence & Anatoly)
The Soviet Machine (Molokov & Chorus)
The Interview (Freddie & Anatoly)
The Deal (Arbiter, Molokov, Florence, Svetlana, Freddie & Walter)
I Know Him So Well (Florence & Svetlana)
Talking Chess (Freddie & Anatoly)
Endgame (Anatoly, Florence, Svetlana, Molokov, Walter & Chorus)
You And I (Anatoly & Florence)
Alexander Molokov - John Henson
Anatoly Sergievsky - Colin Richmond
Florence Vassy - Carrie-Anne Corner
Frederick Trumper - Rob Corner
Svetlana Sergievskaya - Anita Boyer
The Arbiter - John Maddison
Walter de Courcey - David Heard
French Horn - Mary-Ann Dye
Keyboard - Andrew Booth, Becky Entwistle, Derek Hunt
Lead Guitar - Lee Bartlet
Percussion - Brian Rodwell
Trombone - Jane Pendery
Trumpet - Charley Pender, Kev Dye
Woodwind - Alison Dennison, David Eno, Pete Bullock
Director - Philippa Lewis
Lighting Engineer - Mark Lewis
Musical Director - Russ Singleton
Property Manager - Margaret Knight
Publicity Assistants - Claire Farrand, Barbara Doughty
Répétiteur - Ruth Viles
Set Designer - Celia Birch
Sound Engineer - Andy Onion
Stage Manager - Stuart Veitch
Stagecrew - David Hinchliffe, Michael Dowdeswell
Video Engineer - Steve Mills
If you took part in this show and have memories to share or don't have a profile, and would like one, we'd love you to contact us.
"A 40 strong cast under the direction of Philippa Lewis... are to be congratulated on their efforts in a really demanding show which was special in many ways."
"A stunning set... a clever use of video footage and a superb orchestra... playing the monumental rock score, set the seal on a production that was a credit to all."
"This Nottinghamshire premier of Chess will go down in the society's annals as one of the finest ever staged and was well received by Long Eaton audiences."
Chess
Chess was performed between Monday 24th September and Saturday 29th September 2001.
This highly acclaimed musical develops the ancient and distinguished game of chess into a metaphor for romantic rivalries and East-West political intrigue. The principal pawns form a love triangle: the loutish American Grandmaster, the earnest Russian champion, and the Hungarian-American female chess second, who arrives at the international championships with the American but falls for the Russian. From Tyrol to Thailand the players, lovers, politicians, CIA and KGB make their moves to the pulse of this monumental rock score. Several numbers, including "One Night in Bangkok" and "I Know Him So Well", are international hits.
Chess, as a rock musical, was quite a departure for the society but, as usual, it was pulled off with huge audiences and great reviews. We were the first to present Chess on the amateur stage in the county and this was, also, the first time we performed at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton (we had previously performed at the Co-Op Arts Theatre - now called the Nottingham Arts Theatre - in Nottingham city centre).
The Story of Chess
Act 1
The world chess championship is being held in the northern Italian town of Merano. The brash American champion relishes the crowd's affection, while his Russian challenger and Molokov, his second (actually a KGB agent), watch with curiosity and disdain on TV. The opening ceremony features an arbiter insisting on holding the proceedings together, US and Soviet diplomats vowing their side will win, and marketers just looking to make a buck. The American storms out of a rules meeting, leaving his second, Florence, in an argument with the Arbiter and the Russians. She later scolds him, but he insists that she, a child Émigré who escaped Hungary during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, should support him. Instead, she reflects that "nobody's on nobody's side." The first game of the match goes badly, with dirty tricks nearly evolving into a brawl. A meeting to smooth things over goes badly and ends with the Russian and Florence together, where they quickly develop feelings for each other. As the matches continue, the American flounders and blames Florence, who leaves him. The Russian wins the championship, then defects to the west. Answering reporters's questions about his loyalties, his "Anthem" declares that "my land's only borders lie around my heart."
Act 2
A year later, the Russian is set to defend his championship in Bangkok, Thailand. The American is already there, chatting up locals about the nightlife. Florence and the Russian are now lovers, and upon hearing the news on the television that the Russian's wife has been allowed to leave the USSR to attend the match, the couple argue. The wife and Florence both reflect on their relationships with him. The American goes to the Russian with information about Florence's long-lost father, claiming that instead of being a hero as she believed, he was a collaborator. The Russian, and later Florence, dismiss him, unwilling to hear what he has to say. The American reflects on his life and his obsession with chess as a way to escape an unhappy childhood. In the deciding game of the match, The Russian manages an exceptional victory, and realizes that it may be the only success he can achieve--his wife castigates him for wallowing in the crowd's empty praise. Both acknowledge they are doomed to care only for themselves. Later, he and Florence reflect on their story that seemed so promising, and how they "go on pretending/ stories like ours/ have happy endings."
All around us we hear that it is a world of change and without doubt that includes Beeston Operatic Society. Not only has there been a change of choice for the annual presentation, but the venue is another talking point.The move to the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton from the Co-op now the Nottingham Arts Theatre in George Street is one that was forced upon the society for reasons that have been well documented. Hopefully it will meet with your approval as the final curtain falls on the presentation of Tim Rice’s musical “Chess”. Amongst the firsts we record this year is the outstanding one that we have been privileged to be the first to present “Chess” on the amateur stage in the county and you can rest assured that the thirty plus member cast have become involved with relish.
All concerned have given, as ever, of their best and so continue the proud reputation that has been built up over the past thirty five years which thankfully has been aided by constant loyal support from you dear readers.
As you will know, during the year the society gives musical presentations to many charity organisations and this keeps the Members well engaged between the annual major shows, but for the future we again appeal for your continued and if possible, extra support. The latter can be enhanced by obtaining new Patrons to add to those who have given their backing and can be seen listed in the programme.
So finally as President of Beeston Operatic Society for the past twenty five years, I say “Thank You” for the part you have played in aiding and furthering of the Arts so proudly presented in the Beeston and surrounding area of the district of Broxtowe.
Now sit back and enjoy the show for that is the next move in our presentation of “Chess”.
Walter Hayes, President
Musical Numbers
Act 1
The Story of Chess (Chorus & Arbiter)Merano (Chorus & Freddie )
Commie Newspapers (Freddie & Florence)
Anatoly & Molokov
Where I Want to Be (Anatoly)
Diplomats (Walter, Molokov, Florence & Chorus)
The Arbiter (Arbiter & Chorus)
Hymn To Chess (Chorus)
The Merchandisers (Chorus)
Chess (Orchestra (instrumental))
The Arbiter (reprise) (Arbiter)
A Model of Decorum and Tranquillity (Molokov, Florence, Arbiter & Anatol)
Florence and Molokov
1956 Budapest is Rising (Florence & Freddie)
Nobody's Side (Florence)
Mountain Duet (Florence & Anatoly)
Chess (Orchestra (Instrumental))
Florence Quits (Freddie & Florence)
Pity The Child (Freddie)
Someone Else's Story (Florence)
Embassy Lament (Civil Servants)
Heaven Help My Heart (Florence)
Anatoly & the Press
Anthem (Anatoly)
Act 2
The Golden Bangkok (Orchestra (Instrumental))One Night In Bangkok (Freddie & Chorus)
One More Opponent (Florence & Anatoly)
You And I (Florence & Anatoly)
The Soviet Machine (Molokov & Chorus)
The Interview (Freddie & Anatoly)
The Deal (Arbiter, Molokov, Florence, Svetlana, Freddie & Walter)
I Know Him So Well (Florence & Svetlana)
Talking Chess (Freddie & Anatoly)
Endgame (Anatoly, Florence, Svetlana, Molokov, Walter & Chorus)
You And I (Anatoly & Florence)
Photo Gallery
The Cast
Alexander Molokov - John HensonAnatoly Sergievsky - Colin Richmond
Florence Vassy - Carrie-Anne Corner
Frederick Trumper - Rob Corner
Svetlana Sergievskaya - Anita Boyer
The Arbiter - John Maddison
Walter de Courcey - David Heard
The Chorus
Anthea Hinchliffe, Barbara Doughty, Carolyn Smith, Cheryl Camm, Cheryl Mills, Claire Farrand, David Artiss, Dorothy Woodall, Emma Brown, Fiona Newbould, Jane Cottee, Jane Hough, John Carley, Katie Solomon, Luis Ogando, Mollie Harword, Naomi Wakefield, Nyree Griffin, Paul Lemon, Roma Drinkwater, Ruth Maddison, Terry Payne, Val Sutton, Yvette GriffinThe Orchestra
Bass Guitar - Jeff WiddowsonFrench Horn - Mary-Ann Dye
Keyboard - Andrew Booth, Becky Entwistle, Derek Hunt
Lead Guitar - Lee Bartlet
Percussion - Brian Rodwell
Trombone - Jane Pendery
Trumpet - Charley Pender, Kev Dye
Woodwind - Alison Dennison, David Eno, Pete Bullock
The Production Team
Assistant Musical Director - John MaddisonDirector - Philippa Lewis
Lighting Engineer - Mark Lewis
Musical Director - Russ Singleton
Property Manager - Margaret Knight
Publicity Assistants - Claire Farrand, Barbara Doughty
Répétiteur - Ruth Viles
Set Designer - Celia Birch
Sound Engineer - Andy Onion
Stage Manager - Stuart Veitch
Stagecrew - David Hinchliffe, Michael Dowdeswell
Video Engineer - Steve Mills
If you took part in this show and have memories to share or don't have a profile, and would like one, we'd love you to contact us.
Show Trivia
The programme for Chess had an advert in it for the show for the next year - Me and My Girl, in 2002. It also advertised the show for 2003 as Copacabana. This show choice was later changed and we performed Kismet instead.Newspaper Clippings
What They Said
The Press...
"Rob Corner and Colin Richmond... were outstanding.""A 40 strong cast under the direction of Philippa Lewis... are to be congratulated on their efforts in a really demanding show which was special in many ways."
"A stunning set... a clever use of video footage and a superb orchestra... playing the monumental rock score, set the seal on a production that was a credit to all."
"This Nottinghamshire premier of Chess will go down in the society's annals as one of the finest ever staged and was well received by Long Eaton audiences."
