The Benny Andersson · Tim Rice · Björn Ulvaeus musical CHESS – Benny and Björn’s first post-ABBA project – is undergoing quite a revival at the moment.
March saw the South African premiere of the musical in Johannesburg, which moves to Capetown in June.
An small theatre group in Massachusetts, USA staged a production in February.
The musical was also stage in Tartu, Estonia in January.
A short run production opens next week in Watford in London.
Next month sees an all-star concert version at the Royal Albert Hall in London, to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the original London production. Rumour has it this concert may be recorded for CD or DVD release.
May also sees a short-run production in Sydney, Australia, in the same theatre as the musical played in 1990.
Another short run production plays in Harrogate in Yorkshire, England in May.
An all new production opens in Los Angeles in May 2009, apparently with the “world premiere” of a brand new book.
Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the original concept album’s release.