Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...The anthemlike sections (this was the early 1980s, remember) sound spectacular under musical director Ryan Brewster. The staging (which features sparkly little choreographic interventions) takes this nonsense just seriously enough for the score to have something on which to drape itself. Loosely. And there's a stellar five-piece band crammed into a corner. “Chess” just ain't “Chess” without a mournful flautist, forever on the edge of defecting to disco."
Chicago Reader
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Anzevino and Brenda Didier (who also choreographs) can do little but direct traffic on the tiny No Exit stage. The show should be snore, but Theo Ubique's effortlessly musical cast sing marvelously, and their let's-put-on-a-show pluckiness (they serve food and drinks when not onstage) is winning. Oh, and a few glasses of wine help a lot."
Windy City Times
- Highly Recommended
"...Fred Anzevino and Brenda Didier's direction/choreography render the stage a constantly shifting picture of angular precision belying the play's cerebral universe ( even the musicians occasionally leave their corner to share the spotlight ) . Theo Ubique regulars Jeremy Trager and Maggie Portman, playing the innocent pawns in an international game, continue to grow with every new appearance, as do baddies Courtney Crouse and John B. Leen. The real star of the show, however, is the tiny No Exit space, offering fully realized productions as intimate and exquisite as Fabergé eggs."
Copley News Service
- Recommended
"...There is so much talent on stage and behind the scenes that one could wish that the Theo Ubique brain trust had selected a show more worthy of its group of fine singer and actors. But the audience will happily take what it can get from this enterprising company in its unique dinner theater space."
Talkin Broadway
- Recommended
"...Above all, one has to admire the ambition and hard-edged honesty of the piece. The story, concerning two world-chess players and a woman involved with each of them, can be seen as an allegory about life choices. Its view of society as a generally hostile environment is a dark and challenging theme for a musical. Though the rock-opera score is starting to sound a little dated and '80s, it's an arguably better score than some of the music that came from the masters of that genre, Lloyd-Webber and Boublil and Schoenberg. It's rich and complex, with musicalized scenes as well as pop power ballads and a unified tone that underscores the intentions of the piece."
Centerstage
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Theo Ubique offers audiences the option of a dinner theater package with each showing of "Chess." In keeping with this musical's Russian theme, patrons may choose borscht, beef or portobello stroganoff and finish with an apple turnover for dessert. But while the meal is well-prepared, made from fine ingredients and is satisfying, it's not spectacular. That's how this musical felt: extremely well-cast and brilliantly sung, finely directed and choreographed but ultimately just okay. The problem lies in the book."
Chicago Stage Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Theo Ubique makes a lovely and sophisticated lap dance of this unusual musical in the close confines of the No Exit Café. Chess is just another example of the phenomenal abilities of this astonishing theater company. Watching it gives you the feeling that Theo Ubique can do ANYTHING and do it right. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this rarely produced musical by this enthralling group of theatrical artists!"
Time Out Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...
Trager is vocally brilliant and achingly vulnerable as the Soviet player Anatoly, and Crouse is spot-on as Freddie, the insecure maverick American. A fantastic-sounding John B. Leen nails pivotal emotional moments as the Russian second, while Stephanie Herman wins sympathy as the scorned Svetlana. The performers combine with Ryan Brewster’s terrific band to blow the roof off the small space."
ChicagoCritic
- Recommended
"...In summary, Chess is a dated 80’s pop/rock musical that tries to do too much yet the folks at Theo Ubique polished and tightened the work into an enticing evening of musical theatre. Their intimate setting at the No Exit Cafe serves the show well. You’ll probably enjoy Chess more than I did. I can’t get over so much rock-style singing. Chess will be a curiosity to some and a fresh new rock musical to others. The sheer production values and stirring performances by Portman and Trager make Chess a treat. Theo Ubique mounts worthy shows."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Recommended
"...Directed by Fred Anzevino and Brenda Didier, who also handles the choreography, this particular production is unique in that the No Exit Cafe, a former chess players haven/coffee shop, is a very intimate theater. Theo Ubique once again proves that a big show can be scaled down to fit the venue. They are the experts at using their space to the Nth degree and having an ensemble that can take on many roles and do so to perfection. Each of the actors in this story is able to sing, dance and act. And besides that they are also your waiters and servers in this special little cabaret, where you have the option of having a dinner with your show."
Chicago Theater Beat
- Somewhat Recommended
"...The production has loads of talent, but not enough to bring this musty musical into the present. Those who sit staunchly among ABBA fans and ’80s nostalgia buffs will probably enjoy Chess more than others."
