Chess - The Musical (thing)

As well as the board game, Chess is the title of a musical by Tim Rice (of partnership with Andrew Lloyd Webber fame), Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (the two guys from Abba). First performed in 1984 with the following principal singers:

• Elaine Paige as Florence;
  
• Murray Head as The American;
  
• Tommy Korberg as The Russian;
  
• Denis Quilley as Molokov;
  
• Barbara Dickson as Svetlana; and
  
• Bjorn Skifs as The Arbiter.
  

The musical tells the story of the nameless World Chess Championship protagonists The American and The Russian, and The American's aide Florence. A somewhat bitter diatribe on love and relationships rendered with Tim Rice's trademark witty lyrics, some of the topical content of the storyline may have dated in these halcyon post-perestroika days, but the music remains fresh and inspiring. In addition, the points made---especially in the second act---about the nature of relationships are eternal. But then I may be just bitter and cynical.

The following songs are included in the score:

Act One:

1. Merano
   
2. Where I Want To Be
   
3. Opening Ceremony
   
4. Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility)
   
5. Nobody's Side
   
6. Mountain Duet
   
7. Florence Quits
   
8. Embassy Lament
   
9. Anthem
   

Act Two:

1. One Night in Bangkok
   
2. Heaven Help my Heart
   
3. Argument
   
4. I Know Him So Well
   
5. The Deal (No Deal)
   
6. Pity the Child
   
7. Endgame
   
8. Epilogue: You and I/The Story of Chess