ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre have announced details for their 2011 Summer Season Show:Chess The Musical which will open on Thursday, July 21.
With music by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and book and lyrics by Tim Rice, there will be performances through to Saturday, August 27.
Last year’s record breaking production of Chicago will be hard to beat but the Arts Centre will be reuniting the same team from 2010, this time turning their attention to a more recent musical, and a new one for Aberystwyth audiences.
Chess tells the tale of a woman who is torn between relationships with two World Champion chess players – one Russian, one American. Set at the height of the Cold War, it soon becomes the players are pawns in a much bigger game – far more is at stake than a simple game of chess.
With a love story at its heart, the story promises to draw audiences into a heady and competitive world where East and West collide.
The musical features a stunning score from the musical geniuses behind ABBA and Mamma Mia, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, and the lyrics of Tim Rice.
It’s a musical that has garnered a hugely loyal following around the world. Well known numbers include ‘I Know Him So Well’, ‘One Night in Bangkok’, ‘Anthem’ and ‘Pity the Child’.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre director Alan Hewson said:“Last year’s production of ‘Chicago’ was such an outstanding show that we know we’ve set the mark very high, but we are determined that we will be even better this year.
"“Chess” is something completely different for us, being a more rock orientated musical than our usual productions, but with the magic of ABBA ‘s Benny and Bjorn and Tim Rice’s lyrics I’m sure that our team will work their magic on it and create a show that will really wow audiences.”
With a large, professional cast of performers, a live band, and extravagant set and costumes, Aberystwyth Arts Centre continues to raise the standard with its summer productions, which it has been presenting for more than 30 years.
More than 10,000 people saw last year’s show of ‘Chicago’ and it received rave reviews.
Auditions for the main acting roles in ‘Chess’ will take place over the next month, as the cast and company are assembled ready for the summer run.
The run will include matinees on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Bookings are open now via the box office 01970 623232 or online at www.aber.ac.uk/artscentre .