Chess in Concert (2009) (TV)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Hugh Wooldridge

Release Date:

17 June 2009 (USA)

Genre:

Musical

Cast

Gavin Ryder	...	Backing SInger
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Grant Anthony	...	Soloist
David Bedella	...	Alexander Molokov
Cantabile	...	Civil Servants
Stephanie Carswell	...	West End Chorus
Kerry Ellis	...	Svetlana Sergievsky
Josh Groban	...	Anatoly Sergievsky
Adi Konfino	...	West End Chorus
Debbie Kurup	...	Soloist
Idina Menzel	...	Florence Vassy
Aoife Mulholland	...	Soloist
Adam Pascal	...	Frederick Trumper
Marti Pellow	...	Arbiter
Clarke Peters	...	Walter de Courcy
Andrew Playfoot	...	Soloist
Jon Robyns	...	Soloist

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Ireland:PG

Filming Locations:

Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington, London, England, UK

Quotes:

Arbiter: [singing] I've a duty as a referee, at the start of a match. On behalf of all our sponsors I must welcome you, which I do - there's a catch: I don't care if you're a champion, No one messes with me. I am ruthless in upholding what I know is right, black or white, as you'll see.

Soundtrack:

Pity the Child #1

Amazing!

I've loved the music from way back when but tonight listening (and watching) this on PBS really moved me to another level. Josh Grobhan ---- what an amazing voice! The ensemble was fabulous, but Josh stood head and shoulders above the others. Wow, wow, wow!!!! I have the original cast recording. I will dig it out and listen again but I doubt I will hear Josh's amazing rendition.

My one negative comment will be Idina Menzel who sang Florence -- great voice but very discordant to me in this role. She seemed to shout the vocals and it was not pleasant to listen to. Great performance, great music, and think Chess works very well in this format.