Chess In Concert Reviews

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

"...Both the direction by Jeffrey Cass (also BrightSide's artistic director) and music direction (Aaron Zimmerman, who also conducts and plays keys) are solid. In particular, there is more dramatic oomph to carry the spoken dialogue (of which there is considerably more in this, the American version, compared with the concept album and the original West End version) than one might expect. Cass also divvies up smaller roles to a variety of ensemble members, all of whom do quite well."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...In addition to being a clever metaphor about the Cold War, this show is really all about its music. After all, “Chess” began as a concept album and eventually found its way to the stage. Here it is in concert version, BrightSide’s fourth in their series. As directed by Jeffrey Cass, the production is precise and spirited. He utilizes every inch of the Madden Theater. American and Russian flags adorn the cabaret tables and hang over the performance space. Specific colored lighting effects help the audience recognize the chess moves; and the cast is costumed in blue, for the Americans, and red, to identify the Russians. Unfortunately the choppy, uneven script doesn’t totally complement the gorgeous score, but audiences will certainly enjoy the story as they fall in love with the music."