San Francisco’s 42nd Street Moon is pleased to announce the cast and creative team for the upcoming presentation of CHESS In Concert, which will kick off Moon’s return to in-person musical theatre! CHESS features a book by Richard Nelson, lyrics by Tim Rice and music by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. CHESS In Concert will perform at the Alcazar Theatre (650 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102) on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, September 26, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. General Admission Tickets for CHESS In Concert are $45 and may be purchased now at 42ndstmoon.org/chess. The Friday, September 24 performance of CHESS In Concert will be a “pay what you can” night, creating an accessible live theatre experience for all audiences.
Cate Hayman, who plays “Florence” in this production, met with Cultural Currents for an exclusive interview,
Cate Hayman: I think the biggest challenge right now is making sure theatres can make audiences feel as comfortable and safe as possible. Even though live theatre is making a comeback, there are still a lot of questions I have about what FULL restoration looks like.
CC: How is our scene different from New York?
Hayman: I only recently became a New York based actor but it seems like the scene is similar to San Francisco’s, but bigger. From what I can see, theatre is beginning to resume there but it’s still very slow. This past Tuesday, the first broadway musicals opened and from all the videos I’ve seen, it seems like theatres are packed and everyone is THRILLED that the first of New York theatre is finally back! As far as auditions go, they are still far and few between! Hopefully that will pick up soon as more shows begin to open!
CC: Our readers ride the ferries. Have you had the chance to compare our ferry system to that of New York?
Hayman: I have not!! I live in Williamsburgh which is the first stop into Brooklyn from Manhattan. There is a ferry into Manhattan but I’ve mainly been sticking to walking, biking, and riding the subway! As a Bay Area local, I love the ferry and I hope to check it out once I get back to NYC.
CC: Finally, are you a chess player? (It’s a popular game on the ferry).
Hayman: I am not a chess player! I love the musical, but don’t know a single thing about how to play!
