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Thursday, December 6, 2012
New Stage Version of Chess Musical to Premiere in London in February
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2012
Hi everyone,
Elaine Page, pictured with Chess creators Benny (right) and Bjorn, had a No 1 hit with I Know Him So Well
Here is a nice news story about the great musical 'Chess'. The BBC reports that a new version of the 1980s musical Chess is to premiere at a small London theatre in February.
Sir Tim Rice, who co-wrote the original music with Abba stars Benny Andersson and Benny Ulvaeus, has given exclusive permission to the Union Theatre to premiere the new stage adaptation. The updated work was first performed at the Royal Albert Hall in concert in May 2008, with Wet Wet Wet's Marti Pellow. Sir Tim has called it "the definitive version" of the 1984 love story.
'Grease' and 'Chess' songs among top-selling duets of all time in the UK
Chess news and chess trivia blog (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011
Hi Everybody,
This is so delightful. According to a list recently released by the Official Charts Company, songs from the film version of the long-running Broadway musical 'Grease' and the concept album for the ABBA-Tim Rice musical 'Chess' are among the ten top-selling duet recordings of all time in the U.K.!
'You're the One That I Want' and 'Summer Nights,' both performed by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the movie musical 'Grease,' and Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson's duet of 'I Know Him So Well' from the first recording of Chess, made the 'Top 10 list', which is as follows.
1. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John -- "You're The One That I Want" 2. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John -- "Summer Nights" 3. Puff Daddy and Faith Evans -- "I'll Be Missing You" 4. Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue -- "Especially For You" 5. Elton John and Kiki Dee -- "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" 6. Windsor Davies and Don Estelle -- "Whispering Grass" 7. Elaine Paige and Barbara Dickson -- "I Know Him So Well" 8. Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder -- "Ebony And Ivory" 9. David Bowie and Mick Jagger -- "Dancing In The Street" 10. Phil Collins and Philip Bailey -- "Easy Lover"
The Official Charts Company is a joint venture between the BPI (The British Recorded Music Industry) and ERA (Entertainment Retailers Association). It is responsible for the commissioning, marketing, distribution and management of the U.K.'s official music and video charts.
Washington is raving about Chess by Signature Theatre
Jill Paice and Jeremy Kushnier singing
'You Want To Lose Your Only Friend'.
Euan Morton, Chris Sizemore, and Jeremy Kushnier.
Hello Everyone,
These days Washington is talking about chess - not a tournament, not a street club but Chess - the play - being presented by Signature Theatre. You can find out about the entire cast of the play here.
The setting is a chess match between two masters of the game back during the cold war. They are competing for a world championship and for love.
It was to be held from August 10 – September 26, 2010. But has now been extended till October 3 due to the audience response.
Based on the book by Richard Nelson, it includes music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, lyrics by Tim Rice and has been directed by Eric Schaeffer.
Originally produced on Broadway in 1988, this Tony®-nominated cult rock musical explores the classic themes of love, loss and betrayal. It features the hit single 'One Night in Bangkok', and unforgettable songs like 'Anthem,' 'I Know Him So Well,' 'Nobody's Side,' and 'Pity the Child.'
The Signature Theatre presentation has a revised storyline!
We found a nice review of 'Chess' at showbizradio.net. They've got some great photos as well.
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12th Women's World Chess Champion
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