Benny Andersson, Tim Rice and Björn Ulvaeus’ Chess is a musical that blends Cold War politics with the personal struggles of love, loyalty, and ambition, all set against the backdrop of an international chess tournament. It’s a complex story part love triangle, part political allegory that can be difficult to follow if you’re unfamiliar with its plot. At its heart, though, the show is about the tension between duty and desire, as characters are forced to choose between personal happiness and political obligation.
NOVA’s production embraced the challenge with a clear vision, though at times the execution was hindered by technical issues. The most notable drawback was the sound balance: the orchestra, while musically strong, frequently overpowered the vocalists. This made it difficult to fully appreciate some solo numbers, and when the ensemble sang together, the lyrics were often lost completely. Given that Chess relies heavily on its score to carry the narrative, this was a significant obstacle for the audience.
Visually, the set was pared back but effective. Its simplicity suited the scale of the stage and allowed the focus to remain on the performers. The minimalist design also underscored the starkness of the story, creating a fitting environment for the high-stakes world of international competition.
Among the cast, three performers stood out as exceptional. Leighton Garwin delivered a commanding performance, balancing vocal precision with an emotional depth that brought nuance to his character. Natalie Carden was a powerhouse, combining a rich vocal presence with a strong stage persona that anchored every scene she was in. Sean McBride impressed with both his acting and vocal delivery, capturing the complexities of his role with clarity and conviction. These performances elevated the production, ensuring the emotional core of the story was felt even when the technical challenges threatened to obscure it.
Overall, NOVA’s Chess had moments of brilliance, particularly thanks to its standout performers and thoughtful staging. While sound issues held the production back from reaching its full potential, the commitment of its cast shone through, making it a memorable interpretation of a notoriously demanding musical.
