Popular crooner Josh Groban and Tony winner Idina Menzel will star in a concert version of the cult musical Chess at London's Royal Albert Hall. The event will take place for two performances only on May 12 and 13 and will be introduced by the musical's lyricist, Tim Rice.
Groban, who will play Anatoly Sergievsky, took on the same part in a Broadway concert benefit of Chess in 2003. He first gained attention when he appeared on two episodes of TV's Ally McBeal. His debut self-titled album was released in the fall of 2001 and went on to achieve double-platinum status. His numerous recordings include Awake and Closer. His latest CD, the Christmas album Noel, became a runaway bestseller after Groban sang a selection on Oprah.
Menzel, who will play Florence, won a 2004 Best Actress Tony Award for her performance as Elphaba in Wicked, a role she recreated in the West End production in 2006. She earned a Tony nomination for her portrayal of Maureen in Rent and also appeared on the Great White Way in Aida. Her other theatrical credits include the off-Broadway production of Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party for which she earned a Drama Desk Award nomination, See What I Wanna See at the Public Theater, regional productions of Summer of `42 and the Encores! revival of Hair. Her film credits include the current hit Enchanted, Ask the Dust and Rent.
Following the formula of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, a concept album of Chess was recorded in 1984, and generated a number of hit singles. The first theatrical version of Chess opened in London's West End in 1986 and played for three years. The Broadway production ran for a total of 68 performances in 1988, starring the late David Carroll as Anatoly, Philip Casnoff as Freddie and Judy Kuhn as Florence.
Further casting will be announced at a later date.