Chess for The Production Company
MARTIN CREWES as Frederick Trumper SIMON GLEESON as Anatoly Sergievsky MICHAEL FALZON as The Arbiter Photographer Jeff Busby for The production Company
The Herald Sun Players back in the game Michelle Pountney August 13, 2012 Photographer Manuela Cifra
Chess for The Production Company
Chess
18-26 August 2012
Michael took on the role of The Arbiter in Gale Edwards production of Chess for The Production Company in Melbourne. Called “stunning” by its fans and at least one reviewer as “one of the few occassions since its inception when it was as close to perfect as you could imagine it could get.”(sic) - BroadwayWorld.com.
With a dazzling red jacket that called to mind a game show host rather than the sometimes malevolent independent Arbiter, set against the largely monochromatic costuming of the rest of the cast (designed by Krystal Giddings), Michael’s trade mark smile and charisma both softened and brightened the role considerably. His vocal work was again considered impressive by critics as he brings a splash of Las Vegas style showmanship to the production.
As with all The production Company ventures, Chess ran for 10 performances at Melbourne’s Arts Centre.
SILVIE PALADINO as Florence Vassy
MARTIN CREWES as Frederick Trumper - American
SIMON GLEESON as Anatoly Sergievsky - Russian
MICHAEL FALZON as The Arbiter
ALINTA CHIDZEY as Svetlana Sergievskaya
MARK DICKINSON as Alexander Molokov
BERT LaBONTE as Walter de Courcey
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Director GALE EDWARDS
Musical Director DAVID PIPER
Choreographer TONY BARTUCCIO
Costumes KRYSTAL GIDDINGS
Set SHAUN GURTON
Lighting PAUL JACKSON & ROBERT CUDDON
Sound SYSTEM SOUND
"To say that Michael nailed the role would be a gross understatement. Michaels rock tenor voice is one of the better voices heard on any theatre within Victoria."
The Production Company’s ‘CHESS: The Musical’
Andrew Dempster
