Kevin Thomas
, SF GLBT Arts ExaminerOctober 10, 2011 - Like this? Subscribe to get instant updates.
The Willows Theatre Company likes to take chances.
After having the mainstage dark for quite some time, they reopened this past March with “Once on This Island,” a little seen but acclaimed musical. And now they take on the musical “Chess.”
Having only played on Broadway for a mere 68 performances, the Willows is gambling on a little seen show that takes the Cold War and sets it to a game of chess. In many ways, it pays off.
Even if you’re unfamiliar with the show – you know these songs as some of taken on a life of their own. “Chess The Concert” has played to sold out crowds while “Chess” the staged musical has fared less.
The songs are written by Tim Rice (of “Evita,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “The Lion King” fame) and Benny Anderssson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (who were half of the popular band ABBA). So if the story isn’t familiar you might know the songs “I Know Him So Well” recorded in the States by Whitney Houston and Barbra Streisand (not a duet, separate recordings). And a 1980s tribute can’t be complete without hearing “One Night in Bangkok.”
The production values of this production are mostly exceptional – aside from the few times the microphones had feedback or went out completely. But that doesn’t make this a rave.
“Chess” the show really isn’t that interesting. The long first act has a few good moments and they are enhanced by the keen direction of Eric Inman and the clever choreography of Stacu Arriaga. Song wise, I wasn’t blown away by any of the first act numbers with the exception of the last song, “Anthem.”
Act two is another story. The second act is vibrant, tight and well executed and has the best songs! Acting wise Zachary Franczak is AMAZING! His Russian accent seems real and authentic, he is sincere in his delivery of his lines and his singing is of Broadway caliber. I’ve made a note of his name as I plan to follow his career – you should too.
The other cast members also do well. I was really enjoying Florence Vassy as Lena, the love interest, until Rebecca Pingree came and blew her away. Pingree’s stronger voice is more on the level of Franczak, perhaps making this a more dynamic duo.
It was also nice to see John R. Lewis, who was so memorable earlier this year in a production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” He shows great range as an actor, putting behind him his meek “Shop” character and creating a more ruthless agent much like that of Jeremy Piven in TV’s “Entourage.”
Even though I only like the second act, I still applaud the Willows for bringing shows that we have never seen on the West Coast. Everyone can do “Annie” – but should they? I mean really!!
Looking ahead, I am excited about next season as well with the beautiful “Light in the Piazza” (a show I love despite not liking the songs), “9 to 5” (big undertaking as it had more set changes than any show in Broadway history) and at the Willows Cabaret “Bright Lights, Big City.”
And Willows staff – “Carrie” the musical would fill in great for your “to be announced show” next fall and “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” would do wonderfully at the Cabaret.
To get tickets for “Chess” or to learn more about the Willows, go to www.willowstheatre.org.
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