Were You There?
May 10, 1998
Chess BC/EFA Benefit

Tonight, the 10th of May, saw the first of two performances of CHESS in Concert, to benefit BC/EFA.

This concert was magnificent in every respect. The actors/singers could not have been chosen more wisely by Rob, who doubled as the Russian Anatoly, and the show's producer and guiding hand. Molokov, the KGB man was played with panache by Ray McLeod, also of J/H. Florence was played by Christiane Noll, and Alice Ripley played Anatoly's wife, Svetlana. Brian Darcy James played Freddie, the outrageous American chessmaster. His rendition of Pity the Child was surpassed only by Anatoly's masterful and moving ANTHEM. The Arbiter, the ruler of the game itself, was played by Danny Zolli, who hit some high notes that I cannot even find the words to describe.

This was very hard work, since most of the performers are in shows now, and rehearsals had to be squeezed in at odd times, between other professional commitments. I was fortunate enough to work as a production team member, and let me tell you all the work was worth the result!!!

If you are lucky enough to have a ticket for next week's show, your spirits will be raised to new heights of awe, joy, and pleasure - and all to benefit BC/EFA.

See you there!

Linda Russak