Watch Chess In Concert

Chess In Concert is a musical drama that presents a well-crafted story woven around the game of chess. The movie is a recording of a live concert that took place in Royal Albert Hall featuring Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, and Adam Pascal. The storyline of Chess In Concert is set during the Cold War era, and it centers around two elite chess players, Frederick Trumper from the US and Anatoly Sergievsky from Soviet Russia. The two players are not only battling on the chessboard but also involved in a love triangle with Florence Vassy, a Hungarian-born Chess player who is now working with the US team.

The musical opens up with a look at Frederick's career, a skilled and boastful chess player who represents the US team. However, his life seems to be spiraling out of control, with a bout of drug addiction, a failed marriage, and a realization that he is not as good as he thinks he is. His chance of redeeming himself comes when he faces Anatoly in a high stakes chess tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.

Anatoly Sergievsky, on the other hand, is a skilled chess player from the Soviet Union, and he has been tasked by the Soviet government to win the tournament at all costs. He is also experiencing his own turmoil as he is married and has two children but is starting to develop feelings for Florence, which only complicates things further.

Florence Vassy is the third angle to the love triangle, and she is a loyal member of the US team. She has worked closely with Frederick and developed feelings for him, but she is also drawn to Anatoly, who offers her a world of possibilities she never thought she could have. The tension between the three characters makes for a compelling story, laced with melodious music, and dramatic chess games.

The music in Chess In Concert is simply stunning. The musical score was crafted by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, alongside lyricist Tim Rice. The songs are timeless classics, including "Nobody's Side," "The Anthem," and "One Night in Bangkok." Each song helps to progress the narrative, providing insight into the character's motivations, desires, and challenges, and the lyrics are masterfully written and beautifully delivered.

The performances in Chess In Concert are top-notch. Josh Groban plays the role of Anatoly, and his performance is incredibly moving. His powerful tenor voice brings a lot of emotion and depth to his character, and he portrays the conflict and inner turmoil of Anatoly excellently. Idina Menzel takes on the role of Florence, and as expected, her voice is mesmerizing, and her acting is superb. Her chemistry with both Josh Groban and Adam Pascal, who plays Frederick, is palpable, and she delivered an unforgettable performance.

Adam Pascal's portrayal of Frederick is outstanding. He captures the arrogance and bravado of the character, but also presents a character who is broken and struggling to find his way back into the game. The trio's interactions on and off the chessboard provide rich character development and keep the audience captivated.

Overall, Chess In Concert is a powerful musical drama that masterfully weaves together love, politics, and chess. The musical score is excellent, and the performances from Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, and Adam Pascal are unforgettable. This recording of the live concert captures the essence of the stage production, allowing viewers to experience the show in the comfort of their own homes.

Chess In Concert is a drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.