Photos: Chess opens at the Kennedy Centre

Last night saw the opening performance of Chess at The Kennedy Center.

Written in 1984 by songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (ABBA) and lyricist Tim Rice, Chess is an epic rock opera about love and political intrigue set against the backdrop of the Cold War as two superpowers attempt to manipulate an international chess championship for political ends.

Raúl plays American chess champion Freddie Trumper; opposite  Ramin Karimloo as rival Russian chess star Anatoly Sergievsky; Ruthie Ann Miles stars as Anatoly's wife, Svetlana Sergievsky; and Karen Olivo (who appeared alongside Raúl in an episode of SVU) plays Florence Vassy, a remarkable Hungarian refugee who becomes the center of the emotional triangle.

Photos ©Teresa Wood/Broadway.com

You can see more photos of Chess (including rehearsal images) in our dedicated gallery.

Chess will be performed Wednesday, February 14 through Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 8 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18. Please check at the box office for last minute ticket availability.