I was aware that this production was vastly different to that that recently toured the UK and before I set foot into the auditorium I expected a leaner, darker production. I wasn't too far off the mark.
Director and choreographer Anthony Williams clearly aimed for clarity in his production and he largely succeeds. Whilst not all his choices were to my liking, nor his choreography exceptional, he has created a production that was more dramatic and emotionally honest than the UK tour.
Williams has adapted the book and includes new dialogue which I found surplus to requirements. Whilst they tend to reinforce the narrative they don't serve to drive the plot forward any more than the already existing text although the ad-libs by Tim Rogers as 'Freddie' are the most successful of the additions.
Rogers is part of a superb cast which also features Tom Solomon as 'Anatoly' and both male leads handle themselves assuredly although Rogers tends to outshine Solomon with his charisma (I had previously seen Rogers as 'The Man' in 'Whislte Down The Wind' but here I realised that he's not as tall as he seems, adding to his charm).
Stephen McCarthy is perfect as 'Walter' handling the greasy TV exec with ease. As his political opposite James Dinsmore plays 'Molokov' with a knowing glance and a higher vocal range than normally attributed to the part.
Leighton Rafferty's 'Arbiter' is at once cool, charismatic and unmovable and he is blessed with a strong, commanding presence and voice.
Lori Haley Fox plays 'Svetlana' and gives the character dignity and class and blesses her with a wonderful voice shown off in her solo 'Heaven Help My Heart', normally a song for 'Florence', which the audience lapped up.
As 'Florence' Julie Stark has the weight of the show on her shoulders but she carries it with such ease it's a joy to watch. Stark can sing gently and belt like the best of them. Hers was a performance that was pitched perfectly. 'Nobody's Side' and 'Someone Else's Story' were stirring moments; the former a powerhouse number, punched out effortlessly, whilst the latter was delivered gently but with assurance.
And both ladies sing 'I Know Him So Well' to such near-perfection that I have rarely heard it sung better.
The (primarily young) Ensemble also handles themselves well adding to the blend of wonderful voices this production is blessed with. Kudos to the casting; the cast fit wonderfully together and their voices blend together excellently.
There was something a little incongruous with the costume but the set design of sliding panels which meet to form chess piece silhouettes was elegant and simple. Projections were also used sparingly and to good effect with footage of 'Florence' and 'Freddie' during happier times being a brilliant and moving juxtaposition to the song 'Someone Else's Story'.
Musical direction is by Michael Morwood who also arranged the score for the six piece band and whilst I do miss the full orchestra the simpler arrangements do not detract from the music which is otherwise handled with skill by Morwood.
'Chess' is not a short musical and Williams should have worked on scene transitions a bit more to shorten the duration but this is only a peeve of mine and does not detract from the enjoyment of the show.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre has created an excellent production of a difficult show and they are blessed with a great cast, so if you get a chance do go and see it!
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