PBS's Great Performances will air the spectacular London concert revival of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' 1986 cult musical Chess, featuring Reprise Records' Josh Groban and Idina Menzel as Chess in Concert on Wednesday, June 17th at 9 p.m. ET (check local listings).
You can watch Josh Groban discuss the upcoming concert airing and hte power of the thrilling score right here on BWW TV's STAGE TUBE!
Reprise Records will release Chess in Concert as a two-CD set, a single audio CD, and as a stand-alone DVD to retail beginning June 16th, 2009. In addition, a three-disc Special Edition, which includes the two-CD set plus the DVD, will be available exclusively through Groban's official website www.joshgroban.com, his official fanclub website www.friendsofjoshgroban.com, and Menzel's official website: www.idinamenzel.com.
This limited-edition version includes music and video from the performance, a full-color booklet with cast photos and a synopsis by composer Tim Rice, sheet music for "Anthem" and "I Know Him So Well," plus an MP3 download of the two-CD audio content to be delivered on June 16th.
Groban and Menzel led the cast in this very special 21st anniversary performance of the British cult musical at London's Royal Albert Hall in May 2008. The book and lyrics are by Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Lion King) and the music is by ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Mamma Mia!). Also featured are the West End Chorus and the City of London Philharmonic with Stephen Disley playing the great organ of the Royal Albert Hall.
Videos