CNY Playhouse announces April production: Chess
The show runs for 10 performances, April 13 through 28, (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.) .
Tickets are $25 Fridays and Saturdays, $22 Thursdays and Sundays. Buy tickets before 11:59 p.m. tonight (April 9) to get early bird pricing at https://cnyplayhouse.org/tickets/. (Early bird pricing not valid on phone or email orders.)
Groups of more than 10 should inquire about special pricing at sales@cnyplayhouse.org
Chess is a musical with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of the pop group ABBA, and with lyrics by Tim Rice. The story involves a politically driven, Cold War-era chess tournament between two men – an American grandmaster and a Soviet grandmaster – and their fight over a woman who manages one and falls in love with the other.
Chess was a significant and powerful piece of music theater for its time, as it allegorically reflected the Cold War tensions present in the 1980s, with the show embodying the government manipulations and paranoia, and the xenophobic attitudes present in the political climate of the time. The musical has been referred to as a metaphor for the whole Cold War, with the insinuation being made that the Cold War is itself a manipulative game.
Released and staged at the height of the strong anti-communist agenda that came to be known as the ‘Reagan Doctrine,” Chess played a powerful role in addressing and satirizing the hostile political atmosphere of the 1980s.
Cast & Production Team
Anatoly Sergievsky Benjamin J. Sills
Freddie Trumper Paul Thompson
Florence Vassy Ceara Windhausen
Alaxander Molokov Garrett Robinson
Svetlana Sergievsky Kate Crawford
Walter de Courcey Christopher James
The Arbiter Stephen Gamba
Ensemble: Cassie Angerosa; Phil Brady; Lauren Puente; Brannon Barr; Hali Greenhouse; Natasia White; Isaac Betters; Tyler Iannuzi; Martikah Williams; Rich Bocek; Annie McVicker; Eric Ziegler; Michael Bolio; Lisanne Petracca
Director Robert G Searle
Musical Director Abel Searor
Choreographer Shannon Tompkins
Producer Korrie Taylor
Stage Manager Jane Garlow
Lighting Designer Sarah Anson
Sound Designer Robert G Searle
Costume Designers Jane Garlow & Christina Huffaker
Set Design Robert G Searle & Christopher J Lupia
We are opening our first weekend to critical review. Performances on April 13 and 14 are at 8pm; April 15 are at 2 pm. Reserve critics passes by contacting our box office at rsvp@cnyplayhouse.org or 315-885-8960. Arrangements can also be made for other performances/rehearsals in some cases.
For more information about this show including ticket sales, visit www.cnyplayhouse.org, or call (315) 885-8960 to make reservations.
We hope to see you at the show!
About the Central New York Playhouse
The Central New York Playhouse is a 501c3 organization and artistic home in Syracuse, providing a venue uniquely dedicated to local performers and theatrical entertainment in a friendly, open and creative atmosphere. Our 4500 square foot space is located at 3649 Erie Blvd E Suite # B201 Syracuse, NY 13214 in the second level of Shoppingtown Mall, near Mall Entrance 4. We produce a variety of entertainment including plays, musicals, cabarets, improvisational and stand-up comedy shows. We welcome your patronage and support.