What's Happening?
Danny Strong, known for his work on TV series like Empire and Dopesick, has taken on the task of rewriting the musical 'Chess' to address its historically confusing plot. Originally penned by Tim Rice,
the musical follows two chess grandmasters during a Cold War tournament, intertwined with a love triangle. Strong's version introduces a narrator to guide the audience and heightens the political context of the era. The revamped musical, starring Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit, and Nicholas Christopher, is set to start previews on Broadway on October 15, with an official opening on November 16. Strong's approach includes cutting some songs and adding more dialogue to make the storyline clearer and more engaging.
Why It's Important?
The musical 'Chess' has a cult following due to its rock score by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, despite its narrative challenges. Strong's revision aims to make the musical more accessible and comprehensible, potentially attracting a broader audience and revitalizing interest in the show. By infusing Cold War elements and focusing on interpersonal drama, Strong hopes to elevate the stakes and emotional impact of the story. This effort reflects a broader trend in theater to revisit and rework shows that have strong musical foundations but struggled with narrative execution.
What's Next?
The success of Strong's version of 'Chess' could lead to more revivals of musicals that have historically faced narrative challenges. If well-received, it may encourage producers to invest in reworking other shows with beloved scores but problematic plots. Strong's collaboration with director Michael Mayer and the positive reception from the original creators suggest potential for further theatrical projects, including Strong's musical 'Galileo,' which he hopes to bring to Broadway soon.
Beyond the Headlines
The reimagining of 'Chess' highlights the importance of narrative clarity in musical theater. Strong's approach to integrating historical context with personal drama could set a precedent for future adaptations, emphasizing the need for a balance between musicality and storytelling. This development may influence how musicals are crafted, with a focus on ensuring that audiences can follow and connect with the narrative.
