Profiles

Tim Rice – Making his best move with Chess

Tim Rice believes he has made his best move by bringing the musical Chess to Australia

Tim, best known as a lyricist for Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, says Australia will see an all-new show when the production opens at Sydney’s Theatre Royal in February.

The stars include Jodie Gillies, Maria Mercedes, David McLeod and John Wood from TV’s Rafferty’s Rules.

The show was a hit in London, but ran just eight weeks on Broadway after the concept and script were changed.

Disheartened, Tim was ready to give up, but decided to try again in Australia.

Tim spent three weeks in Sydney during pre-production and will return for rehearsals and opening night.

Tim wrote the main role Florence for the leading lady in his private life, English musical star Elaine Paige.

But he refuses to talk about his open relationship with Elaine and that with Jane, his wife of 14 years.

“I did write Chess for Elaine, but I have never been openly accused of writing my shows for her, and neither is she accused of me helping her career.

“I am sure that things are said, but who really cares what they say?

“It was through Evita I met Elaine. She won the role and was starring in it before we ever came together. It was her own talents that made her a star, not me.”

He hopes one day Evita, the story of Argentine iron lady Evita Peron, will be filmed. Transcribed for ABBA World

New Idea (Australia) · 9 December 1989 (Page 41)

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