Chess is a musical with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of the pop group ABBA, featuring lyrics by Ulvaeus and Tim Rice and a book by Rice. Set during the Cold War, the story centers on a politically charged chess tournament between an American and a Soviet grandmaster, complicated by a romantic entanglement with a woman who manages one player and falls in love with the other. While fictional, the narrative draws loose inspiration from real chess figures, including Bobby Fischer and Russian grandmasters Viktor Korchnoi and Anatoly Karpov.
The musical is notable for its acclaimed score, which includes hits like "One Night in Bangkok" and "I Know Him So Well," and for its exploration of political and personal conflicts against the backdrop of international competition. Since its original production in the 1980s, Chess has maintained a cult following and has been revived in various forms, contributing to its lasting impact on musical theater.
Recently, Chess has garnered media attention due to its high-profile opening on Broadway. Reports from outlets such as Playbill and The New York Times have highlighted the new production's premiere and featured insights from the cast, underscoring the renewed interest in this classic show. This Broadway staging marks a significant moment, introducing the musical to a new generation of theatergoers.
Latest related news
- Chess Opens on Broadway November 16 - Playbill 2025-11-16 13:00 · Playbill
- The Stars of ‘Chess’ Know the Score - The New York Times 2025-11-12 18:01 · The New York Times