Roma Torre’s Grammy Concert Brings World Tour to Spectacular Close at Radio City Music Hall

Radio City Music Hall hosted the final performance of the mammoth concert version of Chess on May 13, 2015, bringing its world tour to a dramatic conclusion according to theater reports. The star-studded production of the Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice musical closed out its international run in New York City, featuring a high-profile cast that drew packed crowds to the historic midtown venue.

Star-Studded Cast Leads the Final Night

The concert staging featured a prominent lineup of Broadway and vocal talent, led by Josh Groban as the Russian chess master Anatoly Sergievsky and Idina Menzel as Florence Vassy. According to production announcements, the cast also included Andy Karl as American grandmaster Freddie Trumper, alongside Jessica Vosk, Emeli Sandé, and Taran Killam. The ensemble brought the complex Cold War-era musical score to life with a full orchestra and choir.

Directed by Michael Mayer with choreography by Lorin Latarro, the limited engagement served as a rare New York appearance for the beloved score. The staging stripped away traditional theatrical sets in favor of a concert format that placed the vocal performances and the 30-piece orchestra front and center, according to reviewer accounts from opening night.

The Production History and Legacy of Chess

Originally premiering in the West End in 1986, Chess features music by ABBA songwriters Andersson and Ulvaeus and lyrics by Rice, who crafted the narrative around a politically charged chess tournament between rival American and Soviet players. While the original London and subsequent Broadway runs faced structural changes and short tenures, the score remained a cult favorite among musical theater enthusiasts, spawning numerous international concert recordings and regional revivals.

The Radio City finale capped months of speculation regarding whether the limited tour would extend its run. Producers confirmed that the May 13 performance marked the absolute final stop for this specific concert iteration, leaving fans to await future archival recordings or potential cast albums from the short-lived event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who starred in the final concert version of Chess at Radio City Music Hall?

The production starred Josh Groban as Anatoly and Idina Menzel as Florence, alongside Andy Karl, Jessica Vosk, Emeli Sandé, and Taran Killam, according to official casting releases.

Who wrote the music and lyrics for Chess?

The musical features music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, with lyrics written by Tim Rice.

Was this a full theatrical staging or a concert version?

The production was presented as a mammoth concert version, focusing primarily on the vocal performances and live orchestra rather than traditional theatrical set changes and full choreography.