Lyric Ackelson of Butler with appear as Svetlana, wife of a Russian chess player, in “Chess,” Pittsburgh Musical Theater's annual student performance Oct. 27 to 30.submitted photo

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s production of the Cold War rock opera “Chess” will feature Butler resident Lyric Ackelson in the role of Svetlana.

The musical by the writers of “Mamma Mia” will be staged from Oct. 27 to 30 at the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth St.

The PMT production is the company’s annual student showcase featuring the actors from the Richard E. Rauh Conservatory, the CAPA Orchestra and members of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony. This year the production also will feature vocalists from both Community College of Allegheny County South and Robert Morris University.

With music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, formerly of ABBA, and lyrics by Tim Rice, the story is told in the context of a Cold War struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union in which both countries want to win international chess tournaments.

Singles include “One Night in Bangkok” as well as “I Know Him So Well,” a duet between the Russian chess player’s estranged wife Svetlana and his mistress, Florence.

Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $25.25 for adults and $15.25 for students and are available by calling 412-456-6666.