Florence Vassy Female lead 25- 40ish Soprano (Belt) She
is more a survivor than a heroine. An English woman working as the US delegation’s
second, she is Freddie’s partner. Florence appears dedicated, loyal and
businesslike but is perhaps a little insecure and consequently trusts no-one.
Her relationship with Freddie is difficult, but she has stayed with him for
seven years, providing the security and affection that was missing in his life.
However when she meets Anatoly she sees her life changing and makes a move to
be with someone who really seems to care for her.
Two solos, five duets, one quartet and two ensembles
No dancing – but will probably have some ‘moves’
Frederick Trumper Leading male 35-50 Tenor
The reigning World Champion from the USA, he is a brilliant chess player but
totally unable to make a good move in his personal life. Freddie is rude, arrogant
and his behaviour sometimes borders on the insane, but the "chink in his
armour" is his passion for chess. His life is run and managed by Florence.
However, Freddie is clever. He knows that his antics "on and off the board"
have succeeded in raising the interest in chess worldwide and realizes that
even adverse publicity is good for raising his profile (and bank balance).
Three solos, two duets, one ensemble
No dancing
Anatoly Sergievsky Leading male 35–50 Tenor
The challenger from the USSR is a quiet, sensitive man who is fully aware that
he is being used by his country's authorities to fulfil their aims to have a
Soviet World Champion. But what makes Anatoly different is his refusal to "toe
the Party line", making his relationship with Molokov difficult. Then he
falls in love with Florence and sees an escape route to the West.
Two solos, three duets. one quartet, two ensembles
No dancing
Ivan Molokov Male principal 40-60 Bass
Molokov is head of the Russian delegation. Dry, serious, calculating and manipulative,
he will stop at nothing to ensure that the USSR retains the Championship. His
motives are purely political.
One solo, one quartet, several ensembles
No dancing
No need to smile in this role!
The Arbiter Male or female 20 – 60
No stuffy referees here! This overseer of events is a rather "off beat"
individual, who controls the proceedings throughout the story. His/her only
interest is in the match.
One solo, one quartet, several ensembles
One dance - "high energy" solo
Svetlana Sergievskya Female principal 25-40ish Soprano
Anatoly’s wife has never come to terms with her husband’s passion
for chess or his notoriety, and consequentially their marriage is failing.
She appears in Act 2 only (so could therefore be in the Chorus in Act 1)
One duet and two ensembles
No dancing
Walter de Courcey Male principal 40-60 Show baritone
Head of the US delegation. A cool and calculating man, Walter has come to the
championship to play ‘other games’
Several ensembles
No dancing