1) Product Description
Starring multiplatinum artist Josh Groban, Tony-winning Idina Menzel (Wicked) and Tony nominated Adam Pascal (RENT), Chess In Concert revives the eclectic yet wonderfully pop 1984 concept album featuring the music of ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and lyrics of Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King, Evita). Recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall in May 2008, this spectacular Chess In Concert - introduced by Rice and with the 50- piece City of London Philharmonic and 100-voice West End Chorus - finally fulfills the promise of the popular cult musical.

1) Chess in Concert a memorable experience   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
I envy the people who had the good fortune to attend this concert. I don't know if this was a one-time concert or was performed several times. I had goose bumps when I saw hundreds of performers onstage. When the choir sang "Merano" at the beginning of the concert, I knew it would be an experience I will remember and appreciate. I am very pleased that the producers filmed this concert for all to see. Josh Groban was a real treat. What a voice and he can act. Idina Menzel was also good, but a bit her voice a bit strained. The remaining cast was excellent. I also enjoyed the immense screen that expanded the story. When first viewed, I would recommend watching the subtitles because you cannot always understand the lyrics and the meaning of the story.

2) WoW!   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
I bought the original concept album while in college and just fell in love with the music. I missed the production on Broadway (but from what I have heard I didn't miss much). However, I did get to see a production at the Playhouse in Delaware with a few college friends. When I heard of the concert version and the impeccable casting of Idina Menzel, Adam Pacal, Josh Groban and Kerry Ellis I thought, "I 'REALLY' need to see this." I never thought I could enjoy the music more than I did on the original concept album but this cast completely blew me away. THIS would be my dream cast! The only thing that could have possibly made this DVD better is if it had been an actual full out production! SO, Time Rice, are you listening? Get this cast on the stage and do it up, all out! It would take Broadway by storm!!!!

3) Captivating story, deeply affecting music, superb cast   [Rating: 5 out of 5]
Since its debut in 1984, Chess has been relentlessly reworked in productions and recordings around the world. In its liner notes and introduction, Tim Rice explains that "Chess in Concert" was produced to be the definitive version. However it may be reworked in the future, this is the vision of its creators. Having never seen or heard any of the prior productions or recordings, I have no frame of reference for comparison. Judging this production on its own merits, however, it is a breathtaking success.To be fair, there is plenty to nitpick. As a concert, there is very little in the way of staging. A large screen reveals setting changes and is used for other effects. Whereas there are some hokey chess square graphics, the screen was largely used to good affect. The chorus' participation particularly in "Merano" was a bit over the top. Yet how else could they create a sense of fanfare? You pretty much have to go all the way if you attempt it at all. Is that rapping I hear in "One Night in Bangkok"? Rap can certainly fit naturally into a musical (e.g. "In the Heights"), but here it sounds too contrived (someone trying to be edgy). Despite this, that chorus is awfully catchy! The modern choreography for "The Arbiter" was equally jarring on first pass (it has grown on me since, however). The dancers have some truly beautiful choreography throughout. Regarding the story itself, the character of Florence Vassy seems insufficiently developed. Knowing she lost her family and that she follows her heart does not seem to be enough for such a pivotal character. Finally, the ending leaves a lot in the air. No tidy conclusions here.Despite these qualms (which really are minor), the production succeeds brilliantly where it needs to most. The cast was superb. Adam Pascal fully commits to the role of Freddie Trumper. Josh Groban is equally convincing as Anatoly Sergievsky. They are in top form vocally and all three leads (including Idina Menzel as Florence) should be commended for portraying their flawed characters so sympathetically. The other major characters were also played with verve and passion. Kudos also to the dancers and soloists who have prominent roles and perform admirably.Equally as important, the score is largely phenomenal. There are beautiful ballads and powerful anthems. The melodies are instantly catchy but complex enough not to lose their appeal after repeated listens. They strike a strong emotional chord - equal to any other I have experienced in musical theater. The crescendo in "Endgame" where a man firmly resolves to remain true to himself though he fails everyone and everything else is simply compelling drama. Several of the songs grip the heart in one way or another.One highlight exhibiting the genius of the story is "The Deal". Here, in his silky smooth voice, the Arbiter narrates the political and emotional wrangling of the characters as just another game of chess. The device is ingenious, the devious interactions are captivating. "Nobody's on nobody's side," indeed.If unlike me you love a previous version of Chess, you may not benefit from this production. If you are new to Chess, however, prepare to be blown away by an engrossing human drama.

4) The Little Musical That Might   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
Chess is a really odd musical. Despite the music being quite fitting, the story fits together a bit like a mad lib. The cast of this performance however does a spectacular job of making the best of what they have. Particularly good are David Bedella and Adam Pascal- both commit to their characters and are quite enjoyable to watch. Josh Groban does a interesting interpretation of Anatoly, making him a very sympathetic character; although a closer analysis of Anatoly also makes it apparent that he could just as easily be a rather callous jerk. Altogether, this musical is very enjoyable if you are willing to engage in a suspension of disbelief with regard to the story.

5) impressive singing   [Rating: 4 out of 5]
I saw the origional play and there have been some changes to the show, but overall I really enjoyed it.