For those involved in the international chess...

For those involved in the international chess championships, the Cold War is not over. The game is cloaked in mystery and political and romantic intrigue, or so it is portrayed in the hit musical “Chess,” which will be performed by the Long Beach Civic Light Opera to open its 1990-91 season.

“Chess,” unlike most hit musicals, has been rewritten during each of its revivals, each version successful in its own right. The original production, written by Tim Rice, was fully staged for the first time at the Prince Edward Theatre in London. The show focused on the media circus that surrounded the world chess championships.

When it opened in New York in 1988, a new version was written by Richard Nelson, focusing on the politics surrounding the event. In February of this year, director and choreographer David H. Bell presented a version at the Lincolnshire Marriott Theatre in Chicago concentrating on romantic and competitive relationships during the games. Bell will bring this critically acclaimed version to the Terrace Theatre in Long Beach.

A cast of Broadway veterans has been assembled for this production. Jodi Benson, who recently received international attention as the voice of Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” will make her LBCLO debut in the starring role as Florence Vassey. Robert Yacko, returning to the Terrace Theatre from the title role in “Sunday in the Park with George,” will portray the Russian chess expert, Anatoly Sergievsky. Kim Strauss will continue his Lincolnshire Theatre role as Freddy Trumper, the American chess champion. Ann Morrison will play the part of Svetlana, the Russian wife. The arbitrator will be played by Eddie Mekka, known for his television role as Carmine on “Laverne and Shirley.”

“Chess” will celebrate its Los Angeles premiere from Thursday to Oct. 21 at the Terrace Theatre, Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Performances are at 8 p.m Tuesday through Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $12.50 to $32.50. For more information, call 436-7506 or (714) 826-9371.