CHESS Previews- Page 7

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 4:39pm

CopleyScott17 said: "Unless I slipped into a brief coma, the dream ballet was cut completely on Saturday night. I know they're in previews, but I think this revival would have benefitted greatly from an out-of-town tryout. If you are charging Broadway prices you should be further along."

Well they did 4 concerts in 2018 and a concert in 2022 and the main trio spent some time during the summer working on it with Michael and Danny before rehearsal started.  Also I was under the impression previews were for exactly this, working out how the show did in front of an audience pre opening night and clearly they need to get the show down from nearly 3 hours.

I'm not disagreeing about the pricing being high for previews, but people know they are previews so vote against the prices by not going if you don't want to pay those prices.  if people still go in previews when they are still working on the show that's on them.  I personally wouldn't go to a preview and pay thise prices.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 5:36pm

So this already legendary slash excised ballet is making me think of 1) "Tick Tock" in Company, and 2) the nude Sandahl Bergman doing "Airerotica" in All That Jazz. Am I way off?

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 10/19/25 at 11:53pm

Jarethan said: "
I actually saw the London show in the 80s fourtimes in the 3or so years it was open, as I was traveling to London on business regularly. After the first viewing, I accepted the fact that the show had a decent number of boringparts and I continued to re-visit itbecause the highs, i.e., most of the score, were so high. It was very bloated, not in a good way, which is why Nunn wanted to take a new look at it. I truly do not remember whether it was sung through and, if so, whether there was recitative or actual melodies.

When I saw it is NYC in 1987 or 1988 (I think), I thought it was much worse than the London version, despite the good voices.Nunn's vision was a total bore. I had an opportunity to see it a second time for free in the 10 weeks it was open, but I felt it was so lousy that I had no interest in seeing it again. I did continueto listen to the original London cast recording on a regular basis, since it is probably to this day myfavorite cast recording ever."

Right, obviously one of the biggest "what ifs" is what would the London Chess been like if Michael Bennett were able to stay with it, and Nunn wasn't unhappy feeling stuck with his approved designs.  As I think has been mentioned here, that Original London Cast Album is actually the concept album, with different song order and selection, orchestrations and some different cast members than opened in the London production.  The London one--which was indeed fully sung--is only represented on CD via the Danish Tour cast (which does add in Someone Else's Story.)

 

[DanS3]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 3:30pm

Wow! The ticket prices for this show! I was going to see this show with my sister-in-law and niece, but, at the time had other plans. Those plans fell through and I’m now thinking of going with them. When we were  originally looking at tickets, we were able to get decent orchestra seats for $185.  Those seats were $255 a couple of weeks ago and now they are $311.  I hate dynamic pricing (for Broadway and concerts), but, it is what it is.  I can get “partially obstructed view” seats in the orchestra for $165.  Does anyone know anything about these.  How bad is the view?  I mean, would I be able to see any of the show (lol)?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 3:37pm

It's really the average price for Broadway right now, and January/February pricing is very fair. 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 3:41pm

DanS3 said: "Wow! The ticket prices for this show! I was going to see this show with my sister-in-law and niece, but, at the time had other plans. Those plans fell through and I’m now thinking of going with them.When we were originally looking at tickets, we were able to get decent orchestra seats for $185. Those seats were $255 a couple of weeks ago and now they are $311. I hate dynamic pricing (for Broadway and concerts), but, it is what it is. I can get “partially obstructed view” seats in the orchestra for $165. Does anyone know anything about these. How bad is the view? I mean, would I be able to see any of the show (lol)?"

Someone posted about this a page back at #130 and #131.

[DanS3]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 4:21pm

MemorableUserName said: "Someone posted about this a page back at #130 and #131."

Thank you!

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 4:23pm

Dan, it truly depends on the seat location. Are there any specific seats you had in mind? The Imperial is a big place. I will say, I don't think this is a Maybe Happy Ending situation in which unless you are in the center, you are completely screwed.

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 5:25pm

So, I am now thinking of trying for a rush seat. Has anyone sat in them. Any obstruction? Any info is appreciated.

 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 7:50pm

[Robbie2]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 7:53pm

Robbie2 said: "

[Tenor8674]

Posted: 10/20/25 at 8:10pm

Tried for rush today, but those were all gone. Only tix left were $300. I ended up buying an obstructed view for the first matinee this Saturday in the orchestra, $149. Only have seen one professional and one community theater production,  both using the Broadway version. 

[suzcap]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 2:02am

10/20/25 - Lea wore a white dress and had shorter hair as seen in audience videos.

Question anyone think it would be interesting if they had multiple endings?  Has a musical every done that before?

 

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 3:21am

''Question anyone think it would be interesting if they had multiple endings?  Has a musical every done that before?''

''The Mystery of Edwin Drood,'' the 1986 Tony-winning musical, had multiple endings, depending on who the audience voted on as the killer.

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 8:29pm

DanS3 said: "Wow! The ticket prices for this show! I was going to see this show with my sister-in-law and niece, but, at the time had other plans. Those plans fell through and I’m now thinking of going with them.When we were originally looking at tickets, we were able to get decent orchestra seats for $185. Those seats were $255 a couple of weeks ago and now they are $311. I hate dynamic pricing (for Broadway and concerts), but, it is what it is. I can get “partially obstructed view” seats in the orchestra for $165. Does anyone know anything about these. How bad is the view? I mean, would I be able to see any of the show (lol)?"

I got a $69.00 ticket for front row rear mezz, unobstructed view for tomorrow night. 

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 9:30pm

I saw others ask this question, but didnt see an answer: what are the extreme side views from the front mezz like?

[The Bandstand]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 9:41pm

Happy birthday Aaron tveit!!

[Mary_Poppins]

Posted: 10/21/25 at 10:34pm

PipingHotPiccolo said: "I saw others ask this question, but didnt see an answer: what are the extreme side views from the front mezz like?"

Posts #157 #155 #130 and #131

Edit: also #168


Mayer even got criticized for his blocking because so much of the action is at the center.

Also try 

https://aviewfrommyseat.com/venue/Imperial+Theatre/

https://aviewfrommyseat.com/venue/Imperial+Theatre/seating-chart/


and maybe compare with the Chess curtain call pics and videos that people have posted on social media.

Updated On: 10/22/25 at 10:34 PM

[Jarethan]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 12:04am

Finally saw this tonight.

I have only seen 4 productions of this (original London, original NYC, Signature in VA, and tonight.  I far enjoyed this far more than any other version.  

Major plusses: 

The four lead performances, including Bryce Pinkham.  I thought the narration worked much better than a lot of prior posters did.  Part of the reason was that it did help to lend clarity to a story that has always been as clear as mud at times.  The other factor is that Pinkham is a very charming performer (although I wish they would get him a better suit...his suit looked ugly to me).

All three leads sang at the top of their game, with Christopher's held note in Endgame as thrilling as any of Nicole Scherzinger's last season.  That said, I actually was most impressed with Aaron Tveit's overall performance.  His singing was on par with the other two IMO, but I thought his acting was more impressive (this coming from someone who has never been a huge fan).  I genuinely felt sorry for Freddie in a way I have never felt before.  for the very first time ever, I felt he was charismatic on stage.

How often do you see a show in which each of the three leads had at least two genuine show-stoppers.  They brought down the house deservedly in all cases, with the two biggest ovations going to Anthem and Pity the Child.

The orchestra did justice to the score, amazing with only 17 people. That score remains to me one of the all-time greats; to have such strong singers was a huge plus.

I felt that the book helped the show a lot, even if there was quite a bit more dialogue than I ever would have expected.

I enjoyed seeing the orchestra on stage and like the basic set and projections.

Quibbles:

Don't remember the title off the top of my head, but I missed the 'Oh my dear, how boring, he's defecting' song.  It added humor, although the narrator did provide a good amount.

I did not remember hearing two of the songs before (one Svetlana, one Florence) and would need to hear them more to assess whether they are in the same league as the rest of the score; but on first hearing, they did not seem memorable.

Act 2 started a little slow.  IT was not helped by the fact that the actress who played Svetlana was very shrill in her first song; and, although she got better, I was unimpressed by her.

There were a couple of really stupid choreographic choices in the first act.  The wave had been mentioned by a number of posters; I thought the choreography for that entire number was awful, although it did not have much impact on my overall enjoyment...just as some stupid touches in SB last season did not keep me from finding the overall show thrilling.

Bottom line:  Loved it!  

 

PS -- I was in front mezzanine A401 and 402, which was pretty far to the side, if not extreme.  Not once did we feel that our seats were deficient, since the action was really kept pretty stage center.  IF the seats further to the side are cheaper, I would definitely buy them.  All you will miss IMO is seeing part of the orchestra on the side of the stage in which you are seated.

PPS -- Perhaps I was having a senior moment that lasted awhile, but I do not remember any dance in the second act that reflected the triangle.  There was dancing in One Night in Bangkok that occasionally had three people dancing together.  It was the closest thing the show has to a traditional production number and no trio stood out among the crowd.  IF anyone else was there tonight, was I looking at something else when this dance was happenin?.  IF I saw it, it made no impression.

Updated On: 10/22/25 at 12:04 AM

[EvaLupone]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 12:59am

This!  

I agree with everything expected Svetlana. I thought she was great. 

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 1:17am

Jarethan said: "Finally saw this tonight.

I have only seen 4 productions of this (original London, original NYC, Signature in VA, and tonight. I far enjoyed this far more than any other version.

Major plusses:

The four lead performances, including Bryce Pinkham. I thought the narration worked much better than a lot of prior posters did. Part of the reason was that it did help to lend clarity to a story that has always been as clear as mud at times. The other factoris that Pinkham is a very charming performer (although I wish they would get him a better suit...his suit looked ugly to me).

All three leads sang at the top of their game, with Christopher's held note in Endgame as thrilling asany of Nicole Scherzinger's last season. That said, I actually was most impressed with Aaron Tveit's overall performance. His singing was on par with the other two IMO, but I thought his acting was more impressive (this coming from someone who has never been a huge fan). I genuinely felt sorry for Freddie in a way I have never felt before. for the very first time ever, I felt he was charismatic on stage.

How often do you see a show in which each of the three leads had at least two genuine show-stoppers. They brought down the house deservedly in all cases, with the two biggest ovations going to Anthem and Pity the Child.

The orchestra did justice to the score, amazing with only 17 people. That score remains to me one of the all-time greats; to have such strong singers was a huge plus.

I felt that the book helped the show a lot, even if there was quite a bit more dialogue than I ever would have expected.

I enjoyed seeing the orchestra on stage and like the basic set and projections.

Quibbles:

Don't remember the title off the top of my head, but I missed the 'Oh my dear, how boring, he's defecting' song. It added humor, although the narrator did provide a good amount.

I did not remember hearing two of the songs before(one Svetlana, one Florence) and would need to hear them more to assess whether they are in the same league as the rest of the score; but on first hearing, they did not seem memorable.

Act 2 started a little slow. IT was not helped by the fact that the actress who played Svetlana was very shrill in her first song; and, although she got better, I was unimpressed by her.

There were a couple of really stupid choreographic choices in the first act. The wave had been mentioned by a number of posters; I thought the choreography for that entire number was awful, although it did not have much impact on my overall enjoyment...just as some stupid touches in SB last season did not keep me from finding the overall show thrilling.

Bottom line: Loved it!



PS -- I was in front mezzanine A401 and 402, which was pretty far to the side, if not extreme. Not once did we feel that our seats were deficient, since the action was really kept pretty stage center. IF the seats further to the side are cheaper, I would definitely buy them. All you will miss IMO is seeing part of the orchestra on the side of the stage in which you are seated.

PPS -- Perhaps I was having a senior moment that lasted awhile, but I do not remember any dance in the second act that reflected the triangle. There was dancing in One Night in Bangkok that occasionally had three people dancing together. It was the closest thing the show has to a traditional production number and no trio stood out among the crowd. IF anyone else was there tonight, was I looking at something else when this dance was happenin?. IF I saw it, it made no impression."

According to others the ballet in Act 2 was cut on Saturday. 

Updated On: 10/22/25 at 01:17 AM

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 3:55am

Elle's Belles: Lea Michele, Kristin Chenoweth & Nichelle Lewis Dish About Broadway & Beyond

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdjXaiOlwb0&t=7s

[merrily_we_roar_on.11]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 10:12am

Going into it, I wasn't expecting to like it that much based off what I read on here and my hatred for ABBA's music. Yet ultimately, I had a really great time and would definitely recommend this show. The performances were all insane and out of this world. Lea Michele may unfortunately be serious competition against Caissie Levy for the Tony. Aaron Tveit was giving one of the best performances of his career and it was refreshing to once again see him in a role that suited him vocally (sweeney trauma). Pity The Child had me actually crying and One Night in Bangkok has been stuck in my head for 12 hours. Nicholas Christopher (to no one's surprise) was probably giving the best performance of the entire show and had the entire audience captivated. I also thought it was so kind of him to go through and talk to every person at that hellishly crowded stage door! 

The strongsuit of the material itself was definitely the music. I don't have the knowledge to compare this to previous productions but I thought the book was pretty decent so thanks Doyle from Gilmore Girls. The main three had slightly less dimension than I hoped they would but it wasn't that awful. I also didn't really have a problem with the narrator and his modern jokes. Sometimes it was a bit tongue and cheek but it felt good to have a laugh. 

My biggest complaint was the stiff staging and misutilization of the screens. The staging and choreo, mainly for the ensemble, was very clearly restricted by that strange large set piece and it made some of the movement feel slightly awkward. I also wasn't a fan of just having the ensemble sit down in the background when they're not being used; I found it slightly overwhelming. It was sort of reminding me of the staging of the current Chicago revival. With the screens, I thought it could've been good had it been carried out properly. Some of the graphics were sort of crappy, and the large back screen is very obstructed by the metal bars of the set piece which felt like confusing placement.

It's a good time and pretty decent overall, but it obviously doesn't stand a chance against Ragtime for best revival.

[gibsons2]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 10:26am

merrily_we_roar_on.11 said: "Lea Michele may unfortunately be serious competition against Caissie Levy for the Tony."

Why unfortunately? Lea's performance was always going to be the benchmark in the Tony race. Having seen both revivals, Lea has no competition so far. Your post is hilarious.

 

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 10/22/25 at 10:38am

It's a good time and pretty decent overall, but it obviously doesn't stand a chance against Ragtime for best revival."

The producers of CATS: The Jellicle Ball would kindly like a word...