351 posts
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Chess
Jun 28, 2017 13:34:16 GMT
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Post by sam22 on Jun 28, 2017 13:34:16 GMT
I had a CD a.few years ago which someone gave to me which I loved. It is sung in English but I am fairly sure it is from the Danish tour (Wikipedia suggests 2001ish). Florence's vocals are great so worth trying to get hold of.
I was trying to remember if I had the Swedish version starring Helen Sjöholm but it seems that was sung in Swedish but there are clips of her singing in English on YouTube which may be what I am thinking of.
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449 posts
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Chess
Jun 28, 2017 13:43:38 GMT
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jun 28, 2017 13:43:38 GMT
I had a CD a.few years ago which someone gave to me which I loved. It is sung in English but I am fairly sure it is from the Danish tour (Wikipedia suggests 2001ish). Florence's vocals are great so worth trying to get hold of. I was trying to remember if I had the Swedish version starring Helen Sjöholm but it seems that was sung in Swedish but there are clips of her singing in English on YouTube which may be what I am thinking of. Yes. I'm a huge fan of Chess's music and own every cast recording. You're referring to the 2001 Scandinavian Tour recording starring Stig Rossen (London Valjean, 1998) I must confess I don't care much for that recording, though. Rossen sounds far too much like Tommy Körberg (unsurprising considering Rossen himself is a big fan and said in interviews he is trying to emulate him in the role), but he's easily the best on the recording. It sounds pedantic but the accents are really annoying on that recording, particularly the chap playing Freddie. They all sound sooo Scandinavian, with very thick accents, and it's rather distracting. Coupled with some not-great vocals, I don't often get that dusty old CD out!
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4,590 posts
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Chess
Jun 28, 2017 14:05:43 GMT
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jun 28, 2017 14:05:43 GMT
Scandinavian accents in Scandinavia ? Shocking
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2017 14:16:12 GMT
I was trying to remember if I had the Swedish version starring Helen Sjöholm but it seems that was sung in Swedish but there are clips of her singing in English on YouTube which may be what I am thinking of. Helen Sjöholm = Perfection, no matter what language she sings in. And I am unanimous in that. 'nuff said.
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449 posts
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Chess
Jun 28, 2017 14:20:19 GMT
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jun 28, 2017 14:20:19 GMT
Scandinavian accents in Scandinavia ? Shocking In an English language recording where actors are pretending to be from Switzerland, Britain, America and Russia, it's grating for everyone to be all "hurdy gurdy, bork bork bork".
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2017 16:13:24 GMT
Scandinavian accents in Scandinavia ? Shocking In an English language recording where actors are pretending to be from Switzerland, Britain, America and Russia, it's grating for everyone to be all "hurdy gurdy, bork bork bork". I know. It's the same as when Tommy Körberg tries that awful Russian accent during 'Anthem' and fails miserably. And don't get me started on Josh Groban and Kerry Ellis with their attempts at sounding like they're from downtown St Petersburg in the Albert Hall show.
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1,907 posts
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Post by sf on Jun 28, 2017 16:22:03 GMT
It sounds pedantic but the accents are really annoying on that recording, particularly the chap playing Freddie. They all sound sooo Scandinavian, with very thick accents, and it's rather distracting. Coupled with some not-great vocals, I don't often get that dusty old CD out! Freddie is played on that recording by Zubin Varla, who is British.
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2,563 posts
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Chess
Jun 28, 2017 16:56:28 GMT
Post by viserys on Jun 28, 2017 16:56:28 GMT
I was trying to remember if I had the Swedish version starring Helen Sjöholm but it seems that was sung in Swedish but there are clips of her singing in English on YouTube which may be what I am thinking of. Helen Sjöholm = Perfection, no matter what language she sings in. And I am unanimous in that. 'nuff said. I was lucky enough to see that version of Chess at the Cirkusteatern in Stockholm and I think it was probably as good as this musical is ever going to get. It's got tons of great tunes, but the story never worked for me. Doubt it will improve in another incarnation but I'm happy to be proven otherwise.
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449 posts
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Chess
Jun 28, 2017 17:00:44 GMT
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jun 28, 2017 17:00:44 GMT
It sounds pedantic but the accents are really annoying on that recording, particularly the chap playing Freddie. They all sound sooo Scandinavian, with very thick accents, and it's rather distracting. Coupled with some not-great vocals, I don't often get that dusty old CD out! Freddie is played on that recording by Zubin Varla, who is British. Really?! Wow, now that I did not realise! I really like Zubin Varla on the Jesus Christ Superstar recording with Steve Balsamo. I wonder why his accent is so bizarre in Chess?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2017 17:01:55 GMT
Helen Sjöholm = Perfection, no matter what language she sings in. And I am unanimous in that. 'nuff said. I was lucky enough to see that version of Chess at the Cirkusteatern in Stockholm and I think it was probably as good as this musical is ever going to get. It's got tons of great tunes, but the story never worked for me. Doubt it will improve in another incarnation but I'm happy to be proven otherwise. Me too, I thought it was terrific. Helen Sjöholm and (the sadly late but fabulously great) Josefin Nilsson singing 'Jag vet vad han vill' (I Know Him So Well) was just so goosebumpingly glorious. The whole main cast was wonderful though.
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449 posts
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Chess
Jun 28, 2017 17:02:00 GMT
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jun 28, 2017 17:02:00 GMT
In an English language recording where actors are pretending to be from Switzerland, Britain, America and Russia, it's grating for everyone to be all "hurdy gurdy, bork bork bork". I know. It's the same as when Tommy Körberg tries that awful Russian accent during 'Anthem' and fails miserably. And don't get me started on Josh Groban and Kerry Ellis with their attempts at sounding like they're from downtown St Petersburg in the Albert Hall show. Norm Lewis's accent is also hilarious. I get off on this stuff! Ha!
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1,871 posts
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Chess
Jul 2, 2017 18:33:44 GMT
Post by distantcousin on Jul 2, 2017 18:33:44 GMT
Are you sure Barbara Dickson actually played Florence or was she just rumoured for this at the time? There is no mention of this on Barbara's bio. I have heard this 'rumour' before but struggle to find any evidence that she actually played Florence anywhere. I would love to hear her in the role though. See my posts. I remember hearing about her doing it back in 1997!
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1,871 posts
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Post by distantcousin on Jul 2, 2017 18:34:31 GMT
Blistering version - La Paige at the height of her powers!
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1,445 posts
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Chess
Jul 2, 2017 18:37:01 GMT
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Post by steve10086 on Jul 2, 2017 18:37:01 GMT
I just think they should give up working out new versions of Chess! I thought the version at the Royal Albert Hall was supposed to have been Tim Rice's definitive version. It's a show about Cold War politics and a board game - it's never going to be a popular sell. Just accept that and get on with singing the amazing songs!
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1,330 posts
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Chess
Jul 2, 2017 18:46:31 GMT
Post by CG on the loose on Jul 2, 2017 18:46:31 GMT
Are you sure Barbara Dickson actually played Florence or was she just rumoured for this at the time? There is no mention of this on Barbara's bio. I have heard this 'rumour' before but struggle to find any evidence that she actually played Florence anywhere. I would love to hear her in the role though. See my posts. I remember hearing about her doing it back in 1997! Not sure you'd class Wiki as evidence Scswp but "A later Australian production played at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, in 1997, with Barbara Dickson as Florence (she had sung Svetlana on the original studio cast album). Co-stars included Derek Metzger and Daryl Braithwaite." ETA: But this has full cast list - www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/11631
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Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2017 19:03:56 GMT
Blistering version - La Paige at the height of her powers! A particularly lively rythm section & a lot of excellent pointing from Ms. Paige. The other video of this I have a soft spot for is Julia Murney's rehearsal. She must be pretty near the top of actresses I'm dying to see.
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3,927 posts
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Post by Dawnstar on Jul 2, 2017 21:18:27 GMT
I wonder if anyone has ever written a dissertation comparing how the 1986 musicals that Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice wrote for their respective lovers portray relationships. It could be an interesting analysis.
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6,328 posts
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Chess
Jul 2, 2017 21:38:22 GMT
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Post by danb on Jul 2, 2017 21:38:22 GMT
Was Tim Rice the russian or Freddie? Absolutely love his autobiography (and would love a second volume!). If anyone is going to his q&a please mither him for another book.
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3,927 posts
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Chess
Jul 2, 2017 21:51:46 GMT
Post by Dawnstar on Jul 2, 2017 21:51:46 GMT
Was Tim Rice the russian or Freddie? Absolutely love his autobiography (and would love a second volume!). If anyone is going to his q&a please mither him for another book. I've sometimes wondered if he was Anatoly & Chess was his way of telling Elaine Paige that he wouldn't leave his wife & marry her. Admittedly that's a heck of a convoluted & expensive way to end a relationship! Yes, I hope he does a second volume at some point.
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243 posts
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Chess
Jul 3, 2017 14:07:16 GMT
Post by musicallady on Jul 3, 2017 14:07:16 GMT
I've listened to most versions and for me the best version by far was the UK tour with Maurice Clarke, Rebecca Storm and Chris Corcoran.
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Chess
Jul 3, 2017 14:20:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2017 14:20:21 GMT
I've listened to most versions and for me the best version by far was the UK tour with Maurice Clarke, Rebecca Storm and Chris Corcoran. That was the first UK tour and i still remember seeing it in Wimbledon. I wonder what happened to those people, they were all big names in the early 90's.
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243 posts
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Chess
Jul 3, 2017 14:31:30 GMT
Post by musicallady on Jul 3, 2017 14:31:30 GMT
I've listened to most versions and for me the best version by far was the UK tour with Maurice Clarke, Rebecca Storm and Chris Corcoran. That was the first UK tour and i still remember seeing it in Wimbledon. I wonder what happened to those people, they were all big names in the early 90's. Showing my age I can remember seeing Chris Corcoran as Joseph in the Kenwright tour. I saw this tour of Chess at every venue it played. Maurice Clarke had a superb voice. Must hunt out my recording.😉
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18,800 posts
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Chess
Jul 3, 2017 16:58:07 GMT
Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 3, 2017 16:58:07 GMT
Someone stop him.... please
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449 posts
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jul 3, 2017 17:40:32 GMT
Admittedly that's a heck of a convoluted & expensive way to end a relationship! It was a chequered one indeed... I'll get me coat... It's not as black and white as it seems, maybe you could check, mate?
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74 posts
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Chess
Jul 4, 2017 3:51:12 GMT
Post by rosscoe on Jul 4, 2017 3:51:12 GMT
See my posts. I remember hearing about her doing it back in 1997! Not sure you'd class Wiki as evidence Scswp but "A later Australian production played at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, in 1997, with Barbara Dickson as Florence (she had sung Svetlana on the original studio cast album). Co-stars included Derek Metzger and Daryl Braithwaite." ETA: But this has full cast list - www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/event/11631OMG that was one of the worst productions ever, it come with the now famous "Shopping Trolley Ballet"
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10 posts
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Chess
Jul 5, 2017 2:10:48 GMT
Post by holbee22 on Jul 5, 2017 2:10:48 GMT
I have to put in a good word for the semi-reviled Broadway Trevor production. I loved it. I actually go back every couple years to Lincoln Center to watch it. I found the book by the now-worshiped American playwright Richard Nelson. It is the only version I have ever seen where I actually cared about the characters, wondered about their backstories, bought the love story at its center. A magnificent cast as well. It's obviously political but puts the emphasis on the people. There is actual heart there. The "Heaven Help My Heart" scene between Florence and Molokov is beautiful. It had the audacity to cut favorite numbers from the black album because they didn't make any theatrical sense (somewhat like the new trend of giving "Someone Else's Story" to Svetlana--wha..huh?). I have seen many Chess's since (including the truly ridiculous S&M Chess Board Chorus/Orchestra Clive Revel UK touring production) but none have come close to the cohesion of the original Broadway production. I know I am in the minority, but I hated the idea of the cuts when I heard about it originally and only went because I was literally just walking by the theatre and someone offered me a 10.00 ticket. I fell in love with the show and saw it three more times, including the final performance. One of my absolute favorite theatre experiences of my lifetime.
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Post by danb on Jul 5, 2017 10:21:39 GMT
I do remember being disappointed with this when my 17 year old self got it on import down the Arndale. Why would they mess about with it said I, only knowing it as a cd full of songs not an attempt at a cohesive show. Once I actually saw the tour the next year it was clear that this was a load of fab songs in search of something to hang them from, and perhaps the Yanks/Nunn were right to try & make some sense of it.
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617 posts
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Post by loureviews on Jul 6, 2017 12:37:22 GMT
The book is a mess because the premise is bad. The pretence that chess is a dramatic and sexy spectator sport can't be sustained - hence the emphasis on back story. Freddie's got a line to some club girl while he's grinding away on a Bangkok disco floor... "I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine"... which is ludicrous in itself and sums up (for me) the show's problem. The score is great, though. I always thought that line meant he got his kicks from intellectual pleasures ie playing chess rather than physical ones.
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449 posts
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jul 6, 2017 12:55:18 GMT
Also, Freddie Trumper - "the man who revitalised chess single handed" - is an expy of Bobby Fischer, who beat a Soviet during the Cold War, in a tournament held in neutral Iceland. According to Wiki, he became "reclusive and erratic", he famously accused the USSR of cheating, raising tensions between the countries in a crucial time politically.
Trumper is Fischer; almost everything Tim Rice has ever written is based on existing text (Evita is based on a very unflattering and now historically questionable biography written by an anti-Peronist) so it's no surprise for Rice to have gone this route.
Fischer - and therefore Trumper - really did revitalise chess single handed according to historical accounts. He was a bit of a "rock star" of the sporting world, arrogant, outspoken and anti-communist. All of the things Trumper (aka "The American" are shown to be.
My point is that the lyrics on their own are accurate and strong. The BOOK however, being the story set within the universe, is the problem.
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449 posts
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Chess
Jul 6, 2017 12:56:46 GMT
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jul 6, 2017 12:56:46 GMT
The book is a mess because the premise is bad. The pretence that chess is a dramatic and sexy spectator sport can't be sustained - hence the emphasis on back story. Freddie's got a line to some club girl while he's grinding away on a Bangkok disco floor... "I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine"... which is ludicrous in itself and sums up (for me) the show's problem. The score is great, though. I always thought that line meant he got his kicks from intellectual pleasures ie playing chess rather than physical ones. And I am sure this is the author's intention.
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