The Opening

Ryan Jacobs, Rylee Carpenter and Jake Faragalli as they appear in the new musical “The Opening” at The Players Theatre (Photo credit: Dan Shein)

While ABBA’s Chess is receiving its first revival on Broadway, a delightful new musical about chess has come to Off Broadway’s Players Theatre. The Opening, billed as “The Second Most Famous Musical About Chess,” is a fun entertainment which keeps you guessing throughout about the world and denizens of chess tournaments. Inspired by a true chess scandal in 2022 in which a tournament player was wrongly accused of cheating, this musical spoof has a clever book by Brooke Di Spirito, melodic music by Mateo Chavez Lewis, and witty lyrics co-written by Di Spirito and Chavez Lewis. An expert cast directed by Nick Flatto keeps the show merrily rolling along. Who knew chess could cause such shenanigans?

Newton Anderson, a 17-year-old chess prodigy, prepares to compete against world chess champion Carson Marlsen in the chess finals, a match that not only leads to the world championship but comes with a $100,000 cash prize. Seeing how much it means to Newton, his best friend Jim comes up with a very unorthodox way to cheat which Newton reluctantly agrees to – only if he signals that he needs help. The outcome is unexpected but also puts Newton in jeopardy of being found out. Having been the nerd in his high school senior class up until now, suddenly his crush Jenny is willing to go to the senior prom with him. And then a new chess contestant, the masked El Trasero, emerges to challenge Newton. How will that change things – and who is he really?

Di Spirito’s book is both humorous and raunchy, most likely not for children, but teenagers may find it hilarious. Chavez Lewis’ music is pulsating and melodic with the band made up of keyboard, guitar, drums and bass. Their wittiest lyrics are written for Harrison O’Callaghan who gets to sing “I Can’t Lose” as Carson Marlsen and “My Queen” as Marx Clarkson, the entertainment at the prom. Both song numbers segue into patter with very clever rhymes. “The Legend of El Trasero” is also memorable with its Latin rhythm and droll words. While “If I Cheated” and “Below the Belt” both sung by Jim and Newton, and “Newton’s Turn” sung by our hero are not as adroit as these other songs, they make their point and help carry the story forward. The orchestrations by composer Chavez Lewis are bright and buoyant, perfect for a satiric musical comedy.

Ryan Jacobs and Jake Faragalli in a scene from the new musical “The Opening” at The Players Theatre (Photo credit: Brooke Di Spirito)

As high school chess nerd Newton Anderson, Ryan Jacobs is endearing much like the young Daniel Radcliffe in his Harry Potter days, both innocent and ambitious in his aim to win the chess championship. His friend Jim played by Jake Faragalli is much more outgoing and experienced, making an interesting contrast between the two of them. Harrison O’Callaghan’s Carson Marlsen, world chess champion, is the epitome of cool as a man who can’t lose at anything no matter what he does. As Jenny, Newton’s crush, Rylee Carpenter is sweet in an underwritten role where we don’t learn much about her. Among the minor roles, Mitch Bruce is a blast as both Commentator John as well as appearing in a variety of other roles throughout the show Although the relationship between Newton and his grandfather who he lives with is not fleshed out, Gordon Rothman makes the most of his appearances as a man who is focused on his grandson getting a college education.

Flatto’s direction is always deft particularly in the chess championship numbers (“Sixty-Four Squares,” “World Chess Champion,” “World Championship I and II” and “Black and White”) in which he is aided by the choreography of author Di Spirito. Izzy McClelland’s costumes are exactly right for the high school milieu that takes up a good deal of the story as well as the denizens of the chess world. Although the minimal scenery is not credited, a table and two chairs are put to good use, and the staging is so complete that one almost does not miss the lack of scenic elements. Zach Dulny’s lighting makes up a good deal for the missing set pieces.

The Opening is both entertaining and engrossing with its bawdy humor and twists and turns in its story line. The cast bring their characters to vivid life, while the score is both impressive and lively. Nick Flatto’s direction always makes the right choices. New writers Brooke Di Spirito and Mateo Chavez Lewis are both talented and original and we look forward to their future musicals.

The Opening (through February 8, 2026)

The Players Theatre, 115 Macdougal Street at Minetta Lane, in Manhattan

For tickets, visit http://www.theopeningoffbway.mypixieset.com/

Running time: 90 minutes without an intermission