The Story of Chess
What is the story of Chess? The answer to that question is often as diverse as the actual productions of the musical! Below are synopses of the storylines of the significant versions of Chess throughout the years.
What makes a version of Chess significant?
I'm looking for, essentially, a clear-cut change in the storyline between versions of the show, or a major alteration in how the songs are integrated or arranged. Only professional, commercial productions of Chess need to be listed here; what goes on in Piscataway, NJ or Lexington, KY is not really "significant." Minor variations, such as the performance scripts available in the United States and the United Kingdom, will be listed with their "parent" versions. If you come upon more information, or know of another significant production of Chess, email me.
1984 Concept Album
1986 Prince Edward Theatre, London, Production
1988 Imperial Theatre, Broadway, New York, Production
1990 American Tour Production
1990 Lincolnshire Marriott Theatre, Chicago, Production
1990 British Tour Production
1991 Theatre Royal, Sydney, Australia Production
1991 Casa Manana Musicals, Fort Worth, Texas Production
1992 Off-Broadway Production
1992 New Zealand Concert Tour Production
2002 Cirkus, Stockholm, Sweden Production