I am a huge ABBA fan for over four decades. I adore their music but am not a fan that worships all of their work. I have favorites, and can admit any missteps. Mamma Mia! was corny as hell, but it knew it and provided a great time. ABBA's latest album Voyage was mostly mediocre at best, although their London concert stage show (avatar concert ABBA Voyage) was unlike anything I've seen and was absolutely out of this world. A must see. No joke.
Chess. Sigh. I've seen regional versions of Chess, and had almost no clue as to what the hell was going on. The music sure packed a punch, but what was all this about, and why should I care and why am I falling asleep and checking my watch? I had zero clue or concern as to what was going on in previous Chess performances. All the political intrigue and wife swapping and drama over a board game? But Lord knows those melodies and arrangements were otherworldly! Thanks Benny and Bjorn. I blame Rice for the original book flaws.
Back to the revival. I did understand this new version of Chess thanks to the enhanced Arbiter role, which is a miracle in itself. Bryce Pinkham was outstanding. But I don't like the way he spoke directly to the audience and spoke of current day topics. (RFK, Biden, "man that was hot"!). This completely took me out of the story. His role can be a snarky narrator without references to current day politicians or events. I think the producers could cut the current day jokes and the speaking directly to the audience because imo that actually made fun and light of the convoluted book / show itself. They need to stay in the 1980s where the story lies. I think critics will take issue with this as well.
I didn't expect to empathize with Freddy, but I did. OMG! He was struggling with some major personal issues at a very stressful time, as well as mental illness. He was a jerk, but there was good reason for it. Stress does that to us! Heart wrenching to me. I felt very bad for the character, and I do feel like he truly evolved by the end. Aaron was in great voice.
Anatoly/Nic was composed and was stellar in his role. He broke loose on Anthem. That song, coupled with the visual of him shirtless was worth the ticket price. JFC!
Florence/Lea was in great/fine form and sounded great. I liked her. Svetlana likely had the best Russian accent of the cast (along with KGB dude). She was good.
Orchestra was great.
The first act felt a tiny pinch too long, but not horribly so. However, I truly don't know that any other song could be cut.
Odd note, during intermission and trying to get to the bathrooms, the usher staff was yelling and screaming military style, really scolding people standing in the wrong area trying to find the toilets. I had to pee but that sh!t stressed me out so I went back to my seat. Ha!
The ensemble sang and danced their sexy selves and asses off. I thought it odd that they all wore formal grey business suits the whole time, but since they sat on stage for the entire duration of the show, if they were all in individual colorful attire, it would be very distract visually from the leads. I guess? Yet why were they on stage the whole time?
The set reminded me of a Chicago and Next to Normal hybrid. It was in an amped up concert style. It worked, but I may have preferred a more traditional set.
At the end, I liked this version of the show which says a lot. It was an entertaining few hours. It may have been an odd topic for a musical but they worked it out. Those songs, those melodies!
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Updated On: 11/3/25 at 02:16 PM
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