imthegugu

Great Performances: Chess in Concert (2009)

Disappointing overall

Josh Groban was surprisingly good singing musical theater. I'd like to see him do more in the future.

Idina Menzel did sound like she was shouting most of her performance. I don't think this was a good part for her, it was kind of jarring when taken with the whole performance.

Kerry Ellis was vastly underused.

Adam Pascal was unexpectedly excellent as The American. I figured he'd do well, but his performance was really a treat in this performance.

I realize this piece has been a work in progress for what - 25? 30 years now? But I don't think it's any great improvement on the original concept album. Tim Rice once commented on his disappointment in the relative commercial failure of Chess - that I think the changes made to this show over the time have only made it choppier and, yes, a little dumbed down for the populace. It's too bad - if you haven't heard it, get the original concept album (with Elaine Paige, NOT the US Broadway cast album) and listen to it. It's a gem.