Live Music From the Stars of Broadway's 'Chess'
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This special episode of All of It on WNYC features a live broadcast from the green space in SoHo, spotlighting the new Broadway revival of the musical 'Chess.' Hosted by Alison Stewart, the program brings together the cast and creative team—including Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, Nicholas Christopher, director Michael Mayer, and librettist Danny Strong—for an intimate conversation and performance. The discussion dives into the challenges of reviving a notoriously complex and underproduced musical, with Danny Strong revealing how he reimagined the story by adding Cold War political subtext to make it relevant for today’s audiences. The cast shares insights into their characters: Aaron Tveit on Freddie Trumper’s narcissism and mental health struggles, Lea Michele on Florence’s emotional restraint and vulnerability, and Nicholas Christopher on Anatoly’s internal conflict as a Soviet grandmaster. The episode includes live performances of key songs like 'Where I Want to Be,' 'What a Scene, What a Joy,' 'Heaven Help My Heart,' and the poignant 'You and I,' showcasing the show’s powerful score and emotional depth. The cast album, recorded in January, is now available, and Lea Michele will depart the role on June 21st, replaced by pop star Joanna Jojo-Levesque. The event underscores the collaborative spirit behind the revival and the enduring power of theater to reflect global tensions through personal stories.
Revising 'Chess' with Cold War political context made the story more relevant and emotionally resonant for modern audiences.
The show’s score, written by ABBA members, blends pop sensibilities with operatic depth, requiring extraordinary vocal versatility from performers.
Characters like Florence and Anatoly embody emotional restraint and inner turmoil, offering complex portrayals of strength and vulnerability.
The revival’s success stems from cutting excess material to focus on high-impact songs, making each one a 'banger.'
The collaboration between director Michael Mayer and actors, especially Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher, created a deeply trusting, peer-level creative environment.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Broadway on the Radio: The Chess Revival
“This is Broadway on the radio. For the next hour, we'll be joined by the team behind the Broadway musical Chess.”
Introducing the Cast and Creative Team
The cast and creative team are introduced, including Aaron Tveit as Freddie Trumper, Lea Michele as Florence Vassie, Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergios, director Michael Mayer, and librettist Danny Strong. The band is also acknowledged.
Deconstructing Anatoly: The Inner Life of a Soviet Grandmaster
“This is the first time that we get to see his inner thoughts. And then he closes back up, and then we don't really get to see that until Florence is introduced into his life.”
Danny Strong’s Vision: Reimagining Chess for Today
“It needed clarity first and foremost. So it needed clarity and it needed... character deepening.”
The Power of Florence: Strength, Trauma, and Vocal Mastery
“I don't want heaven help my heart to be this sweet love song of, you know, devotion. I wanted to be a woman who feels so vulnerable and so raw for the first time.”
“Because our governments have lost their souls doesn't mean we have to as well.”
“I don't want heaven help my heart to be this sweet love song of, you know, devotion. I wanted to be a woman who feels so vulnerable and so raw for the first time.”
“It needed clarity first and foremost. So it needed clarity and it needed character deepening.”
Host
Guests
Chess
other
Alison Stewart
person
Lea Michele
person
Nicholas Christopher
person
Aaron Tveit
person
Michael Mayer
person
Danny Strong
person
WNYC
organization
ABBA
other
Green Space
other
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