Event

CHESS

Austin Playhouse and SummerStock Austin proudly present the Austin Premiere of CHESS!

Performances are July 6 - 22, Thursday - Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 7pm at Austin Playhouse at Mueller.

Set at the height of the Cold War, the story involves a romantic triangle between two top players, an American and a Russian, in a world chess championship. However their greatest battle is for the love of a woman, forming a richly complex romantic triangle all in the context of the larger struggle for world domination between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Featuring music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of ABBA and lyrics by Tim Rice, hits from the show include "One Night in Bangkok" and "Heaven Help my Heart."

The hot-headed American champion is played by Jacob Trussell, the Russian champion is played by David Gallagher. Florence, the woman caught in the middle of their rivalry is played by Marita Stryker. Other featured cast members are Josie Yount as Svetlana, Brian Coughlin as Walter, Joe Penrod as Molokov, and Philip Kreyche as the Arbiter. The ensemble includes Joey Banks, Kimberly Barrow, Ryan Borses, Kristi Brawner, Ann Pittman, and Wade Walker. SummerStock Austin participants will enhance the ensemble.

Michael McKelvey is the music and stage director. Lara Toner serves as Associate Director. Danny Herman and Rocker Verastique are the choreographers. Set design is by Leilah Stewart, costume design is by Glenda Barnes, lighting design for Austin Playhouse at Mueller performances is by Patrick Anthony.