'Chess' offers political metaphor for Cold War

On the weekend of Feb. 26-28, Viterbo's Theatre and Music Theatre Department brought to life a cult classic, "Chess," with music by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, and lyrics by Tim Rice. Watching this performance, it's hard to believe that the show hasn't seen more widespread success, as a stirring plot, complex and catchy songs and meaty characters all have a chance to shine in the show. 

Although it was a show about a world affected largely by the Cold War, "Chess" brought to the stage more than a political message but a meditation on the difficulties of vulnerability and trust when it comes to love. Even when characters open themselves up to one another, there's no guarantee that the world will let happiness and stability be an option.

Florence, played with a stubborn strength by Jill Iverson, opens up her world to love, only to see it torn away from her by circumstance, finding herself trapped in the political moves around her. Mark Sopchyk's nuanced, aggressive American chess player Freddie, puts on a show for the world stage set before him by the international chess match, rarely showing the neglect and loneliness that he fears are around each corner. Charlie Ward puts decades upon his actual age, portraying with gravitas Anatoly, the Russian opponent, a man who sees manipulations all around him, and whose attempts at living a life free of them only finds more entrapment. 

The personal story of what occurs between these three is the core of the show, but the overarching political machinations and shady activities taking place offstage place the characters' struggles in the international spotlight. The ensemble's ever-changing portrayals of Americans, Russians, Hungarians, and the underbelly of Bangkok nightlife bring a fast-paced energy to the show, sweeping the audience along with the characters as events unrelentingly push forward. The Arbiter's analogy of chess as life is particularly resonant, as each move these characters make is followed by a move by their opponents both known and unknown. Each choice we make affects the rest of life's game, as we try to win as best we can.