ROCK MUSICAL OPENS IN T.O.; `CHESS' MARKS 18TH ANNUAL TEEN SUMMER MUSICAL.

Byline: Angela Randazzo Daily News Staff Writer

``Chess'' serves up a James Bond-style cocktail - international intrigue, exotic locales, Russian defectors and a beautiful woman.

And it's shaken, not stirred, of course.

The rock musical, which will open tonight at the Forum Theatre in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, marks the 18th annual teen summer musical production of the Young Artists Ensemble.

This time, the young actors will tackle a challenging musical score.

``The kids tend to like these challenging musicals. They have the energy and enthusiasm that comes across the footlights,'' said Scott Buchanan, the show's producer.

Exploring adult themes, the musical centers around a world chess championship set in 1981 in steamy Bangkok. Against the backdrop of Iron Curtain politics, a temperamental American chess champion and his Russian opponent battle on the chess board. They also battle for the affections of the captivating Florence, a defector from war-torn Budapest.

The musical score is written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of the rock group Abba, with lyrics by Tim Rice of ``Jesus Christ Superstar'' and ``Evita'' fame.

``This is my dream role,'' said 18-year-old Brian Michael Purcell, who plays the American chess player. ``It's high in vocal range, a rock musical and a lot of fun.''

Rehearsals for ``Chess'' started in mid-June, running Monday through Thursday with weekend rehearsals added when needed. In addition to the 32 cast members, the production features an orchestra with young musicians as well as seasoned pros and a large technical crew.

Jeannine Reyes, a 23-year-old acting alumna of the ensemble, is directing her first musical. She has met the challenge with a level head.

``It was a little scary at first, but my theatrical training, going back to age 4, has given me a solid foundation,'' Reyes said.

While producer and director praise the show's lead actors, they feel the heart of the show rests with the ensemble.

``Musicals rise and fall on the ensemble,'' Buchanan said. ``The ensemble shines in this show. The kids bring a passion and a joy of performing.''

The summer-musical actors range from ages 13 to 19.

The ensemble performs year-round. The 1998-99 season will include ``Annie Get Your Gun,'' ``Charlotte's Web'' and ``The King and I.''

Although these mainstream musicals have been the bread and butter for the ensemble since it started in 1981, offbeat productions such as ``Chess,'' last year's ``Tommy'' and the dark comedy ``Sweeney Todd'' have dealt with heavy passions and troubled souls.

``We don't want to offend our audience,'' Buchanan said. ``We don't want to sugarcoat things either. We look for meaningful content and variety in the plays we choose.''

THE FACTS

``Chess'' will be the 18th annual teen summer musical performed by the Young Artist Ensemble in the Forum Theatre of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Times are 7:30 p.m. today through Aug. 1, with no shows Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are $12 to $18. Call [phone].

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3 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Members of The Young Artists Ensemble perform a scene from ``Chess,'' which opens tonight at the Forum Theatre in T.O.

(2-3--Color) An offbeat musical, ``Chess'' is performed by the Young Artists Ensemble cast accompanied by an orchestra of young musicians and seasoned pros. Directed by Jeannine Reyes, the production features a score by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of Abba, with lyrics by Tim Rice of ``Jesus Christ Superstar'' and ``Evita'' fame. The show runs through Aug. 1.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News