East West Players Extends Run of Musical CHESS to June 23rd

East West Players (EWP), the nation's largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work and the longest-running professional theatre of color in the country, has extended the run of CHESS, now through June 23rd, 2013. All performances are staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Performances are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at2pm.

Book by Richard Nelson, lyrics by Sir Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Aida), and composed by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (ABBA, Mamma Mia!). CHESS is directed by Tim Dang, musical directed by Marc Macalintal and choreographed by Marc Oka.

"Audiences who are CHESS aficionados or only acquainted with the concert version, are elated to see a full production in Los Angeles," said Tim Dang, Producing Artistic Director of East West Players. "One couple waited almost 25 years to see a production in this area and are coming back again with friends. We are happy to present them with a stylish production with a most talented cast."

The leading roles of the multicultural ensemble cast include Joan Almedilla as Florence (Miss Saigon and Les Miserables - Broadway), Elijah Rock as Anatoly (Ragtime, Smokey Joe's Cafe), Victor E. Chan as Freddy (The Who's Tommy, The Rocky Horror Show), Carey Rebecca Brown as Svetlana (Ragtime - Broadway Revival, Candide - New York City Opera), Ray A. Rochelle as Molokov (Evita, Miss Saigon), and Michael Alexander Henry as Walter de Courcey (The Lion King - Broadway), and Ryan Castellino (Miss Saigon and Life Could Be A Dream). The rest of the ensemble are Cesar Cipriano (The King & I, Miss Saigon - National Tours), Stephanie Mieko Cohen (Les Miserables - Broadway), Jasmine Ejan (Peter Pan - National Tour), Shay Louise (Miss Saigon), D.T. Matias (A Chorus Line -International Tour), Maegan McConnell (EWP's Pippin and A Little Night Music), and Alex Sanchez (Hairspray).

CHESS the musical involves a romantic triangle between two top chess players - an American and a Russian - and a woman who manages one and falls in love with the other. All of this takes place within the context of the Cold War, as both countries vie for international chess victories for propaganda purposes. CHESS may be best known for its 1980s pop-rock soundtrack that Time Magazine called "one of the best rock scores ever produced," featuring hits as "One Night in Bangkok," "I Know Him So Well," "Anthem" and more. CHESS is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Generous support for this production is provided by the S. Mark Taper Foundation Endowment for East West Players. All performances will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center of the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Regular performances run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.eastwestplayers.org or by calling 213.625.7000. Regular tickets range from $51-$56. Student and Senior discounts available. Dates, prices and details are subject to change.

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