Chess Reviews

Los Angeles Times- Recommended

"...Their fervor nearly obscures the fact that the property's Reagan-era metaphors and old-school romantic triangle are dated and hollow. Still, devotees of this perennially adventurous company should flock. "Glee" and "Smash" fans will be enraptured."

LA Weekly- Somewhat Recommended

"...If only the story were as resonant as the vocals, this musical could really be something."

Edge- Recommended

"...There's much more to say about this vivid production, but its best left to experience yourself. There are things here and there that were different from previous productions of the show ("Someone Else's Story" and "Pity the Child" are both moved to the first act, albeit fairly effectively) and the love story needed a little bit more oomph to be wholly effective, but for a show that rarely gets produced, Dang should be commended for tackling the challenge - and in doing so, exceeding expectations. Well done."

Stage and Cinema- Not Recommended

"...This checkered outing includes the following: Miscast actors who were clearly utilized for purposes of multiculturalism, not because they are right for the roles (one of the reasons for the mediocre performances); director Tim Dang's atrocious staging; and a band overwhelmed by the complex, shape-shifting music. I can only wonder what sort of involvement and thought process Dang had to take a flawed ruby and deliver rubbish instead of refinement."

StageHappenings.com- Somewhat Recommended

"...The new production at East West Players doesn't really solve the problems of the story nor does the staging by Tim Dang help clarify things. For instance, when the hit song One Night in Bangkok is being performed we watch two nearly naked go go boys instead of the singers. The singers are excellent and worth hearing. I was especially moved by Joan Almedilla as Florence and Elijah Rock as Anatoly. Unfortunately there is no chemistry between the two performers but they can really sing."

Advice To The Players- Recommended

"....Though Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' Chess may now and forever remain a musical that "needs work," there are ample reasons to catch Tim Dang's multiethnic revival of the West End hit at East West Players, not the least of which is the singular opportunity to see Chess Not In Concert-but rather as a fully-staged production, with performances, direction, choreography, costumes and lighting all combining to make for a thrilling evening of theater, despite its source material's undeniable flaws."

LA Downtown News- Not Recommended

"...Musicals rarely recover after a weak first few scenes. That's precisely the situation here, and it's too little, too late when the second act finally finds a heart and a few memorable songs."