Arts Calendar: Happenings for the Week of November 16

The Broadway musical 'Chess', featuring Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit, and Nicholas Christopher, has been criticized for its unsuccessful revamp of the original 1980s production. The show, which intertwines themes of a board game, a love triangle, and the Cold War, has not resonated with audiences, leading to negative reviews. Critics have labeled it a blunder in the Broadway scene.

The Broadway revival of 'Chess,' featuring music and lyrics by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice, has received a review highlighting Lea Michele's performance as a standout. The production, set against the backdrop of the Cold War chess rivalry, tells the story of American player Freddie Trumper and Russian player Anatoly Sergievsky. The revival includes a revised book by Danny Strong, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the classic musical.

The 2025 Governors Awards red carpet has officially opened in Los Angeles, despite heavy rains and winds. Among the first arrivals were Ariana Grande, Jeremy Strong, and Elle Fanning. This annual event, now in its 16th year, is a significant occasion for award season contenders, presenting Honorary Awards to notable figures in the film industry.

The stars of 'Wicked: For Good' recently visited Universal Studios Singapore, where they shared some behind-the-scenes secrets. Cynthia Erivo, one of the lead stars, revealed her secret ritual associated with the production. This event highlighted the excitement surrounding the musical adaptation and its performances.

Marissa Bode is the first disabled actor to portray Nessarose in the film adaptation of Wicked. She advocates for better representation of disabled performers in the entertainment industry and calls for an end to 'cripping up,' where non-disabled actors are cast in disabled roles. Bode hopes her casting will set a precedent for future representation.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who moved to Los Angeles 22 years ago, has returned to the UK to star in Arthur Miller's 'All My Sons' alongside Bryan Cranston. She is currently in the midst of a challenging three-week rehearsal period, having arrived from LA just ten days prior. Despite feeling exhausted and jet-lagged, she expresses a strong desire to work with director Mike Leigh again, humorously stating she would even pay him to do so.

Cynthia Erivo discussed the challenges she and co-star Ariana Grande have faced while promoting "Wicked: For Good" during a recent event at the Saban Media Center Wolf Theater. Erivo candidly stated, "We have come through some shit," highlighting the difficulties encountered in their journey. The event was part of the Screen Actors Guild NomCom consideration screening, where both stars shared insights into their experiences.

The article discusses the excitement surrounding the cast of 'Wicked,' featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jonathan Bailey. The ensemble is aware of the show's potential popularity, given its roots in musical theater. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the production aims to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling and performances.