Chess’ a musical with intensity

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster.”
So sings the arbiter in “Chess,” an intense musical about the international chess championship, now on the Piedmont Players’ stage.
Although the story is at times confusing, a strong cast made up for weaknesses in the script, based on an idea by Tim Rice.
Rice, a collaborator on “Jesus Christ Superstar” and composer for such movie hits as “The Lion King,” comes up with a variety of music, including the pop hit, “One Night in Bangkok.”
It opens the show, set on a huge chessboard, and sets the tone as Steve Pharr, who was excellent in “Pirates of Penzance,” turns in another impressive performance as the Arbiter, the judge of the chess matches.
The competitors are Anatoly Sergievsky, the Russian, played by John Biggers, and Freddie Trumper, the American, played by Robert M. Van Geons.
Both are Piedmont veterans with good voices, a must in this almost all-singing production.
But, good as they are, they were at times overwhelmed by the orchestra, which is unfortunate, since you must hear and understand the songs to follow the story.
As simple as a love triangle during an international chess match, the tale is much more complex underneath. The two champions have little else in their lives but chess. Trumper was a neglected child who feels he constantly has something to prove.
Sergievsky, the more introspective of the two, is looking for the joy of his dream to come back. He’s doing what he wants, as he sings in “Where I Want to Be,” but he just isn’t happy.
That may be why he turns to Florence, Trumper’s second, for a new passion.
Florence, played by Wendy Piper, a professional actress, is a complex character, looking for success and love and relying, first on Trumper, and then on Sergievsky, for both.
Piper has an incredible voice, singing shrilly as she argues with Trumper over her disappointment in him; turning sweet as she sings of her love for Sergievsky in “Heaven Help My Heart.”
She and Jenny Carroll, who plays Svetlana Sergievsky, have a stunning duet, “I Know Him So Well.”
Carroll’s sweet voice is perfect for the confused Russian wife, who has always loved and supported Sergievsky. And she understands why he wants his fantasy and his freedom. She shines in “Someone Else’s Story,” as she looks back at her life.
Van Geons’ outstanding number, “Pity the Child,” is at turns a bittersweet ballad and an angry diatribe about a life spent striving.
Biggers, who has a powerful voice, stands out especially in his “Anthem” at the end of the first act.
Both chess players, however, get lost in loud swells from the superb orchestra, particularly in moments at the chessboard.
An able supporting cast includes Marc Trent Tucker, the scheming Ivan Molokov, Sergievsky’s second. For Molokov, the competition is not necessarily about winning, but how the game is played.
The story takes place in 1983, a particularly hot time in the Cold War, when chess is just a metaphor for the greater tensions in the world.
The mostly rock score contains several memorable moments, boosted by the talent of the players.
Director Reid Leonard’s stark set is ideal for this story of victory, heartbreak and disillusionment. The play runs about 2 hours, with a 15-minute intermission.

“Chess,” underwritten by Rowan Health & Fitness Center, continues at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, June 6-9 and June 14-16, and at 2:30 p.m. June 3 and 10, both Sundays. For tickets, call 704-633-5471.
Contact Deirdre Parker Smith at 704-797-4252, or dp1@salisburypost.com .