As I recently discovered, Chess had an interesting beginning. Tim Rice (Evita, Joseph, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, etc.) teamed up with Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson (both formerly of ABBA) to write the musical and released it as a concept album before it even hit the stage. Which was probably smart because listeners loved the ABBA/rock influence which made it sound very unlike most musicals that had been written up until that time. However, when it was produced on the stage in London - it received mixed reviews. And when they tried to produce it on Broadway - it was a complete flop. Mainly because it has very empty characters and a ridiculously complicated plot. But fans love the music just the same.
After I introduced my kids to the music (after "bleeping" out a few words) I found out that there was a DVD of Chess in Concert that was performed about a year ago with Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Josh Groban. I watched it with my kids and it was pretty good - amazing talent of course! I wouldn't recommend it unless you really love the music - which I do - and so I really enjoyed it. And again, I hate to recommend something for kids without giving the warning that there is some swearing.
With the subject of chess floating around the house - I decided to rent another DVD: Searching For Bobby Fischer (PG). This is a great movie that my older kids have enjoyed watching. I had forgotten that this movie has such a fabulous cast! Check it out!
And to continue the chess theme, the kids are playing chess with each other every chance they can get.
6 comments:
I love Chess as well. My parents took me to see it in London for my 13th birthday. One of my favorites.
I remember Chess from way back. I will have to check it out again. And I LOVE Josh Groban, so that will be pretty cool to watch. :) BTW, Wicked is coming to Kansas City in December and we are taking Syd to see it. We love the music too, but have never seen it on stage. We are pretty excited.
I also love Chess, and saw both performances at the Royal Albert Hall. just want to mention that it's Josh GrobAn!
I love "Chess" when I was on bed rest I caught the stage concert on PBS and it made everything all better for the time. And I did the same thing, became all obsessed with the game. I love hearing taht there are other lovers out there. The best part about watching it on PBS is all the bad language was bleeped out.
Happy Birthday to I.
I do believe it is the original recipe, but I've had it so long it could be a legend for all I know.
Chess is great exercise for the brain, I hear. I have to say that I've never even played. Maybe your kids could teach me.
I haven't thought about Chess in years, and it's one that I loved too. Thanks for the word about the PBS performance. We'll have to go look for it at the library. Thanks!
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