Actors’ Theatre: What is it about CHESS that made you want to be a part of creating this production?

Scott Mellema: Chess was one of my favorite musicals as a teenager going from high school into college. In college, we had the songbook and would constantly spend nights singing music from it. The show has always intrigued me because the story is so complex and (as we hear in the “Story of Chess” song) has so many variations.  I still remember how excited I was to perform in the chorus of the Circle Theatre production in the early 90s.  The music was fun, but difficult,  and the story was a little jumbled.  As a director, I’ve spent time over the years considering what I might bring to the table and how I might stage the show.  Specifically, how might we clarify some character points to make the story more human and accessible to the audience.  Luckily, we are starting with a much cleaner script, that provides an amazing foundation for the music to shine.

Scott Bell: Chess has always been one of my “Bucket List Shows.”  My first exposure to the music, was dancing in a club and hearing, “One Night In Bangkok.” I had Flock Of Seagulls hair…that should give you an idea of how long ago that was.  I have been fortunate enough to have performed selections from the show with different groups over the years. I am looking forward to finally getting to perform the entire piece.

The creative team at work! Photo credit: Dave Kagan

Erin Kacos: The music is what drew me in. I listened to the soundtrack and didn’t even need to read the script before committing to the show. The music is unique, clever, and moving. I especially love the use of duets, quartets, and the epic ensemble numbers. There are so many interesting components in the score, it gave me a lot to work with movement-wise.

Actors’ Theatre: What can the audience expect to get out of this production of CHESS?

Scott Mellema: The audience can expect many peaks and valleys. They’ll be able to see the characters grow from point a to point B in what, I hope, will be an engaging story. Most importantly, they’re going to hear all the songs that they love from the show sung by a truly outstanding and focused cast.

Scott Bell: There is an edginess to this music, that often seems to get lost. Very real and raw emotions that are able to come forward, when the score isn’t over sung and over orchestrated. The audience can expect to really hear this cast share this story, uncluttered.

Erin Kacos: They can expect to be entertained by the fast moving ensemble and the stunning vocal performances, as well as challenged by the diverse themes explored in the storyline.
  
Actors’ Theatre: How does this show fit into Actors’ mission (…providing West Michigan with the best in Entertaining, Innovative, Challenging, and Thought-Provoking theatre.) 

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