CHESS to Take Musical Theatre Guild Stage, 2/17

The Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Foundation presents Musical Theatre Guild's international hit CHESS in the Janet & Ray Scherr Forum Theatre at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 17, 2013.

The opening performance will take place on Monday, February 11, 2013 at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale. The award-winning Musical Theatre Guild, a company of professional performers, has presented concert-staged readings of seldom seen musicals for the past 17 years.

Long before their jukebox musical Mamma Mia, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, formerly of ABBA, wrote the music for this show, which literally and metaphorically showcases The Game of Kings. With lyrics by Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita), the musical began with a concept album released in 1984 which later evolved into a 1986 West End and a 1988 Broadway staging.

The story revolves around the two top players, an American and a Russian, in a world chess tournament. They find themselves competing for both the championship and for the affections of the woman who manages one, yet yearns for the other. The thrilling pop score includes "One Night in Bangkok", "Anthem" and "I Know Him So Well." Kirsten Chandler directs.

Single tickets are $40 with group discounts available. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster (805-583-8700 or www.ticketmaster.com) or the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Box Office, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard. For information, call 805-449-ARTS (2787) or visit www.civicartsplaza.com.

The Musical Theatre Guild's 17th Anniversary season will continue in the Scherr Forum Theatre with A Catered Affair on April 21 and Girl Crazy on June 16.