Chess - The Musical

Taking on the immense challenge of this complex musical, after a 3 year hiatus, was no mean feat for DMTC. This dedicated, evolving and talented company, with many new young faces joining stalwart experienced members to finally perform Chess to a highly appreciative first night audience.

The open stage was designed with iconic chess board floor, multifunctional rear stage raised dais and changing backdrop projection. Scene changes were slickly set with minimal furnishings, while props and gauze were effectively used to create an impact during the front cloth scenes.

The opening was cleverly choreographed and featured the strong vocals of The Arbiter, (Eve Daniell), who maintained a very commanding presence throughout and led ‘The Story of Chess’, while a black and white ensemble adding quintessential visual and vocal drama. With the entrance of the colourfully attired locals and monochrome ‘Pop Group’, the dynamic ‘Merano’ number became the uplifting and welcoming back drop for the welcome entrance of the competitors in thechess competition.

The role of Hungarian, Florence Vassy, was well and truly perfectly cast. Ren Forteath realised a lifetime ambition to live this intensive and demanding star role. She embraced every ounce of passion, drama and emotion within the role and amazed us with her stunning portrayal. Solos, ‘Heaven Help My Heart’ and ‘Nobody’s Side’ were superb and the heart-rending tearful finale ‘Anthem’ with ensemble was spine-tingling. The passionate duets with Anatoly, ‘ Mountain Duet’ and ‘You and I’ proved that their vocal pairing could not have been better, while joined in the complicated ’Quartet’ with Arbiter and Molokov, featured her versatility and the expertises of a professional. Probably the best known duet from the show, ‘I know Him So Well’, would not have been misplaced in a West End production. Svetlana, (Katy van der Burgh) must also be given huge credit for her beautiful vocal contribution in the iconic ‘I Know Him So Well’, playing the estranged Soviet wife of Anatoly. Her rendition of ‘Someone Else's Story’ gave her a perfect opportunity to prove her vocal prowess in her superb emotional solo.

The Soviet champion Anatoly, (Jason Reekie) and USA champion Freddie, (Ruairi McCormack) were both excellently cast. Their passionate interaction with Florence was, on both accounts, on point, albeit different complex relationships as well as the tangible conflict between the two men. Anatoly’s powerful solo vocals particularly shone in ‘Where I Want To Be’ and ‘Anthem’, which closes Act One. He plays a strong character in a complicated relationship with Florence, Molokov and Freddie. The ‘End Game’, being dramatically and vocally challenging was superbly delivered, culminating in an emotional farewell as he leaves Florence to return to his homeland and family. Freddie’s youthful exuberance, erratic arrogance and hidden vulnerability, was captured by this talented young actor. The evidence was fully visible in his realisation that he had lost Florence and his self analysis in ‘Pity The Child’ was very poignant and dramatically delivered. The fast moving and diverse opening to Act Two, ‘One Night In Bangkok’, was confidently narrated and sung, portraying the total contrast in Freddie’s character. A young man with a bright future in amateur theatre.

The character of Ivan Molokov was in perfect hands, played with strength and conviction by Dave Ford. The ‘Soviet Machine’ was powerful and built momentum, led by this divisive, manipulative Russian diplomat. In character he connected well with Florence, Anatoly and Walter De Courcey, the latter being well played by Logan Fry.

Much credit also goes to the choreography team, two of which performed on stage in their own balletic chessmatch interpretation in opposing black and white cortumes. The choral work throughout was very welldirected and the small band  complimented each and every number. All the cameo roles were well cast and added to the drama of the musical. Even the Director made his contribution on stage.

Without doubt you all have much to celebrate. A superb show! Thank you again for outstanding hospitality.

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