The Muny Announces New Partnership with Saint Louis Chess Club and World Chess Hall of Fame to Promote the Game of Chess
Chess makes another big move in Saint Louis, the home of the first world championship, and onto the Muny stage for the first time. The Muny, America’s largest and oldest outdoor theatre, today announced a new collaboration with the Saint Louis Chess Club (STLCC) and World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) to bring “CHESS: The Musical” to Saint Louis. The musical will run on The Muny Stage July 5-11, 2023.
Before “Mamma Mia!,” members of the pop group ABBA teamed up with Sir Tim Rice (“Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Lion King,” “Evita”) to create a dynamic drama, “CHESS,” centered around the world chess championship; mirroring the 1980s Cold War tensions of USA vs. Soviet Russia. The dazzling and beautiful pop rock score became a worldwide smash, including the hit single “One Night in Bangkok.”
“CHESS,” which originated in London’s West End in 1986, features music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, lyrics by Ulvaeus and Sir Tim Rice – adapted from the book by Sir Tim Rice.
“Creating ‘CHESS’ for The Muny audience is a long-held dream,” said Mike Issaacson, Artistic Director and Executive Producer, The Muny. “We are grateful to work with two of the world’s leading chess organizations to be able to offer this outstanding musical for the first time in Saint Louis history. Their inspiration, guidance and knowledge about the world of chess is unparalleled.”
Serving as the principal show sponsors, the STLCC and WCHOF are responsible for driving the resurgence of chess in the United States and helping Saint Louis be recognized as America’s Chess Capital. Together with The Muny, the organizations will collaborate to enrich the experience for theatre goers and chess enthusiasts alike through events and special promotions this May through July.
“We are excited to collaborate with The Muny to share the love of chess with the Saint Louis community in yet another innovative form,” Shannon Bailey, Chief Curator, World Chess Hall of Fame. “‘CHESS’ offers a unique metaphor of romantic rivalries and political intrigue and is a fantastic reminder for us all to continue to explore the connection of chess to art, culture and history.”
