English Theatre Group to celebrate its 30th anniversary

This year the English Theatre Group of Zug (ETGZ) is celebrating its 30th anniversary by giving a number of performances of the musical “Chess” at the Aegerihalle in Unterägeri later this month.
 
This musical, written by Swedes Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame, was first performed, rather appropriately, 30 years ago, too.
 
Although it may sound rather dated, Myrtha Schuler, who is head of media and communication at the ETGZ, said that its theme, with its backcloth of the Cold War, was more relevant today than ever before. As for the musical content, with this ranging from pop to rock styles, it is sure to appeal to all age ranges. “Even people who do not understand English that well will still be able to enjoy it all,” said Schuler. “After all, there is so much music and much of the dialogue is sung, too.”
 
In order that the audiences might appreciate the performances at their best, the Aegerihalle is currently being transformed to enable as many as 370 people at each performance to enjoy it all. These take place on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 September, and on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 September, starting at 7.30 pm, with additional performances on Sunday 18 and Sunday 25 September, starting at 5 pm.
 
With the Aegerihalle being transformed in this way, an orchestra made up of 16 professional musicians, under the leadership of Andrew Dunscome, will be able to perform from a special pit. With so many different styles of music featured, it will all be very much a challenge for them all, including the many dancers and large choir, as producers Caria and Hanns Zöllner admitted. There will also be a special effects video animation, created by award-winning artists Martin Riesen and Lukas Meier.
 
In all, some 90 people are involved in making the musical a feast for the eyes and the ears, among whom is Seraina Sidler-Tall, who is responsible for the choreography of it all.

As will have been noticed from the names mentioned, the Zug English Theatre Group is not just made up of expats, but locals interested in performing these musicals, plays, and pantomimes in the original language, too.
 
Out of interest, having been set up on 18 May 1986, the ETGZ’s first production, way back in 1987, was “Guys and Dolls”.
 
Further details can be found on www.chessthemusical.ch