Characters in Chess
ste...@dbce.csiro.au
Does anybody have a list of characters (with descriptions and vocal
ranges please!) for the musical "Chess"?
I may be auditioning for it soon, and I'd like to know what I'm
getting myself in for!
Thanks already,
--
Stephen Oakes ste...@dbce.csiro.au
CSIRO Division of Building, Construction and Engineering
PO Box 56, Highett, Victoria, 3190, Australia.
Tel: +61 3 92526000 Fax: +61 3 92526249
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Peter Smith
<posted & e-mailed>
Hi Steve,
Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away, ste...@dbce.csiro.au
wrote:
> Does anybody have a list of characters (with descriptions and vocal
> ranges please!) for the musical "Chess"?
The following is excerpted from the audition notice recently sent out
by CLOC Musical Theatre (possibly the production for which you're
planning to audition?). My comments are enclosed in [].
CHESS - The Musical
'CHESS, The Musical' is a story of romance and passion involving the
World Chess Champion, his beautiful and seductive second, Florence,
and the Russion challenger. This romantic triangle is set against the
background and intrigue of the cold war [in the current production, it
has moved to post-cold-war, and the lyrics/dialogue reflect this].
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
*Prepare two contrasting songs - one uptempo, one slow [i.e. ballad] -
which demonstrate your vocal ability. Do not prepare songs from the
show.
*Prepare a one-minute monologue.
*Bring sheet music in a key you wish to sing it (no taped music or
requests to transpose).
*Bring a photograph of yourself (non-returnable).
*Note rehearsal nights and dates for the camp (i.e. Tues/Thurs/Sun and
Sept 28/29).
*Dancers are encouraged to do a vocal audition.
*Be available for callbacks on Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29.
CAST
There are seven principals plus minor roles, dancers and chorale drawn
from an ensemble of 32 to 36 performers.
PRINCIPALS
Anatoly Sergeivski - The Russian Champion
He is driven by mixed passions and uncertainties, unsure where his
loyalties lie. He plays a fine line between winning the sympathy of
the audience and being selfish and opportunistic. He abandons his wife
(who has supported him through his passionate pursuit of chess
ambitions) or an attractive and 'younger' woman he meets on tour
[Florence, Freddie Trumper's chess second/love interest]. This is a
large role with significant singing and dramatic ability required
[understatement]. There are several 'big' ballad solos, key parts in
other numbers and some dialogue.
Range: Tenor, low A to high B flat
Songs: Anatoly & Molokov, Where I Want to Be, A Model of Decorum &
Tranquility, Mountain Duet, Anthem [the showstopper], You and I, The
Argument, the Deal, Endgame.
Freddie Trumper - The American Champion
He is moody, disrespectful, irrational and totally dependent on
Florence, his second and personal assistant. She is both his lover and
'mother figure', a reflection of the totally disrupted and unhappy
relationship he has had with his own parents, growing up as a chess
prodigy. He is younger than Anatoly [I doubt this, he seems to be
almost always cast as older], and despite his inner self-doubts, he is
totally unfazed by the Russian's status or reputation [why should he?
- in Act I Freddie is the current champion, Anatoly the challenger].
He uses every manipulative technique to pursue his own selfish
ambitions. He is most distasteful on first sight, but increasing
understanding reveals a character we come to pity [?] and even warm
to. Under pressure, he resigns in defeat in the first championship and
returns a year later in Bangkok, as a special commentator for a TV
network. this is a very challenging vocal and dramatic part with two
major songs plus important parts in others. It would be useful if
Freddie could dance a little or move well.
Range: Rock tenor, low B flat to high C.
Songs: Rock Merano, 1956/Budapest is Rising, Florence Quits, Pity the
Child [his big emotional number], One Night in Bangkok [a cynical look
at the 2nd tournament venue, was a minor chart hit when the concept
album was originally released], The Deal.
Florence Vassy - Second and personal assistant to Freddie Trumper.
I suspect you won't be auditioning for this role.
Svetlana Sergeivski - Wife of Anatoly.
Ditto.
The Arbiter - Representative of the World Chess Federation.
The Arbiter is a sort of 'Narrator' in some scenes and especially in
Act II. He (or she, as it could be played by a female) has one major
song in Act I, sings in a tricky quartet and has solo parts in 'The
Deal' in Act II. In this production, he/she will not sing 'One Night
in Bangkok'. Smug, self-satisfied, officious and obsessive are all
words that could describe the Arbiter. Important speaking parts are
included in the role, plus some pre-recorded 'to camera' sequences to
screen. It would be useful if the Arbiter were able to dance.
Range: Rock tenor, D to high A [or female equivalent]
Songs: The Arbiter, Model of Decorum and Tranquility, The Deal.
Molokov - A KGB agent and minder to Anatoly
He is manipulative, dark and quite dangerous. On the surface, he is a
cuddly Russian bear, but not far down he is a snake. He speaks of
loyalty and dedication to Anatoly, but displays none of these
qualities himself. He has no single song, but sings solo in a number
of pieces, as well as having a crucial part in the quartet with
Florence, Anatoly and the Arbiter. Molokov is an important sacting and
singing role.
Range: Bass baritone, low F# to high G.
Songs: Anatoly & Molokov, The Diplomats, A Model of Decorum and
Tranquility, The Soviet Machine, The Deal, Endgame.
Walter De Courcey - The American equivalent of Molokov
Probably CIA, he is with the chess delegation because he has his eyes
out for a potential defection. He is totally ruthless and without
principles. A small amount of singing is required, but this is
essentially an acting part.
Range: Baritone, B flat to high F.
Songs: The Deal, Endgame.
ENSEMBLE
Gregor Vassy - Florence's father
Appears at the beginning, again on screen (although singing live) in
Act II, and at the end. Gregor is Florence's lost father. In Act I, we
see him with six-year-old Florence. He sings to her the 'Story of
Chess' and a 'Hungarian Lullaby'.
An older character, although he is in his early thirties when we first
see him. Not a role of great complexity, although he needs to
establish a strong sense of 'father' quickly and convey great dignity
and courage as he is being dragged away. He sings the first song of
the show so needs to have a commanding presence and voice.
Range: Baritone, low A to high G.
Songs: The Story of Chess, Hungarian Lullaby.
Young Florence
Not for you.
The Arbiter's Assistants
A group of four voices (male & female) who do close harmony work in
backing a number of songs. They have clear stage functions as the
characters who set up for each match and who do the crowd control.
They also share with The Arbiter the role of 'Greek Chorus' as
commentators on the action. Largely singing roles, although the
ability to dance or move well would be useful. Age group not specific,
although mid-twenties would be most likely.,
The Russian Cronies
A group of nine males who 'support' Molokov and the Russian champion.
In Act I they have a major song at the Chess Championship Opening, and
in Act II they have a great song and Cossack dance number, 'The Soviet
Machine'.
These are the main roles, Steve. There are various other roles, Mayor
of Merano, eight Journalists, the Embassy Staff (ten of), and
ensemble, as well as 12 dancing roles (4 male, 8 female).
For CLOC's production, audition bookings opened on 10/6.
To book a time call 03-9592-2897.
Break a leg!
Peter Smith
Thisisridiculous! WhatamIdoinghere? I'minthewrongstory....