My interest in the game of chess was piqued based on the Netflix series, The Queen’s Gambit as well as the 2022 chess grandmasters Carlsen-Niemann cheating scandal. That last one was a real nail biter, folks! Now there are another reason to marry one’s interests of chess, comedy and storytelling. The NY premiere of After Endgame, written and performed by Kevin James Doyle (comedy specials The 30 Year Old Virgin, Diary of a Bald Kid and Fool Proof on “Amazon Prime”), and directed by two time Emmy Award winner and Writers Guild Award nominee Cory Cavin (“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”) comes to SoHo Playhouse’s intimate Huron Room this month. The After Endgame run is a limited 4-week engagement for 21 performances.
After Endgame is a chess lesson and a life lesson by the comedian and storyteller, who has a wealth of experience teaching over 6,500 chess lessons. Doyle takes the audience on a journey across the world as he is flown to the vibrant city of Singapore at the behest of a mysterious investor, where he finds himself imparting chess wisdom to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals. The tension rises as Doyle navigates these high-stakes players, both on and off the chessboard. The show has been featured at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and landing Off-Broadway at Soho Playhouse in 2025.
Kevin James Doyle in AFTER ENDGAME
A pop up chess club will follow each performance in the space. “The Soho Chess Lounge” will be open for drinks, chess games, backgammon, tournaments and more for all audience members. Explore the ‘Chess Museum’ and chess history throughout the room, developed in tandem with director Cory Cavin, creator/performer Kevin James Doyle and chess consultant/set designer Charles Matte. Mingle with friends, enjoy a drink, learn a new opening and discuss the way chess strategies can be applied to life. There will be prizes, drink specials and special guests throughout the run.
In the words of the performer, “It is a real joy and honor to get to combine my life as a comedian and chess teacher to walk the audience through what they can learn about life through chess strategy. Cory Cavin directed my first comedy special and he is not just my best friend but a mentor and creative soul mate, this show would not be what it is without him. To get to perform a show about the greatest game in the world in the greatest city in the world is a dream come true.”
What are you waiting for? Snatch up those tickets stat! Checkmate!
Kevin James Doyle (Image by JoshGoleman)
Mentions: Performances Tuesdays-Saturday at 7pm. Run time 65 min. Tickets HERE. Location: Soho Playhouse Huron Room | 15 Vandam St. in NYC. Opening night is February 15. All key art by Josh Goleman. Give KJD a FOLLOW. Feed the algo. This show is produced by Josh Hartzler and Mister Sauce Productions.