Near West Theatre announces AUDITIONS for

CHESS

Summer Teen & Young Adult Cast (Ages 16-25)

May 6, 7 & 8, 2019

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Come one of these evenings. Plan to stay for the entire time specified.

See list of roles below!

Chess

July 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28; August 1, 2, 3, 4, 2019

Rehearsals begin Sunday, May 27, 2018

AUDITION SITE:

Near West Theatre

(6702 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102)

If you are unable to audition on the dates listed above, or you have questions,

call our office at 216-961-9750, Mon.-Fri. 11am-4pm

or EMAIL info@nearwesttheatre.org

ABOUT THE AUDITION:
This is a group audition in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. No experience or preparation required. Dress for movement. Please plan to stay for the entire time specified, and arrive 15 minutes before audition time to register. Anyone arriving after the starting time will not audition that day.

At Near West Theatre we encourage everyone to audition. People of all experience levels, races, ethnicities, neighborhoods, sizes, gender identities and backgrounds are needed. We use theater to build community and relationships. We’re a great place to express yourself and make friends.

Come try us! Bring a friend!

ABOUT THE SHOW

Secrets, lies, collusion and betrayal? Love, courage and loyalty? Checkmate! In this highly acclaimed rock musical, the ancient and distinguished game of chess becomes a metaphor for romantic rivalries and super-power political intrigue as two great chess masters—American and Russian—meet in Bangkok to battle for the world championship at the height of the Cold War. From Bangkok to Budapest the players, lovers, politicians, CIA and KGB make their moves to the pulse of this soaring and monumental score, a collaboration between legendary rock band ABBA and Tony Award-winning lyricist Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Joseph) featuring international hits "One Night in Bangkok" and "I Know Him So Well.”

Directed by Kelcie Dugger. Choreographed by Josh Landis. Musically Directed by Scott Pyle

Music by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. Lyrics by Tim Rice. Based on an idea by Tim Rice. Book by Richard Nelson

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Freddie Trumper (“The American”) - Rock tenor (to C).

The American chess champion, a cross between Bobby Fisher and John McEnroe. Arrogant and temperamental, but a genius; his chess playing is revolutionary. He is dangerously obsessed with his art.

Anatoly Sergievsky (“The Russian”) - Baritone (to G sharp).

The Russian chess champion. Unexpectedly charming. He doesn't seem a romantic hero at first, but becomes one through his personality. An intelligent, feeling, passionate man. Falls in love with Florence, but is married to Svetlana. Must decide two things: 1) Is his duty to his country, or to himself? 2) What does he love more: the game, or the women in his life?

Florence Vassy- strong belt voice (to E).

Hungarian-born. She is clever, theatrical, touching, vivacious, volatile. Frederick's chess second. She’s worked very hard to become the cosmopolitan woman she is today, and sometimes she tries a little too hard. Falls in love with Anatoly. Starts by focusing on the game (and Freddie), ends focusing on her heart (and Anatoly).

Alexander Molokov - Bass (down to F sharp).

Anatoly’s second—and a KGB agent. Not above manipulating others to further his political aims. Intellectually formidable and fiercely patriotic. Must use Russian accent.

Svetlana Sergievsky

Anatoly's wife. Domestic, wholesome, homey, but still effortlessly elegant. Loves her husband, but knows that she’ll never be able to combat his flaws and obsessions.

Walter de Courcey- Bass-Baritone (down to G sharp).

A media personality. Seemingly respectable, substantial, trustworthy—but secretly a manipulative CIA agent.

The Arbiter- rock high baritone (up to A).

International businessman. Smooth, but with a quick temper, he’s the chess tournament’s referee.

Lenoid Vigand- Tenor.

Anatoly’s Russian opponent in Act Two, a “machine” of a chess player.

Ensemble

Requires a large chorus of very strong singers, actors and/or dancers