Lea Michele and Kevin McHale Have “Glee” Reunion Backstage at Broadway’s “Chess”

Lea Michele and Kevin McHale, former co-stars from the beloved television series *Glee*, recently enjoyed a nostalgic reunion after Michele’s performance in the Broadway revival of *Chess*. The occasion was captured in a heartfelt photograph shared on social media, showcasing the pair smiling together backstage at the prestigious Imperial Theatre in New York City.

The reunion took place on Tuesday, April 14, and Michele took to Instagram to express her gratitude for McHale’s support. “Meant so much to me having you there tonight @kevinmchale ❤️,” she wrote, highlighting the bond they share from their time spent on *Glee*, where Michele played the ambitious Rachel Berry and McHale portrayed the glee club’s insightful member Artie Abrams.

McHale, who is also currently performing in New York, praised his co-star’s talent in a selfie posted to his Instagram Stories. “Some people are just born to do this,” he commented, sharing his emotional response after witnessing Michele’s Broadway performance for the first time. “I finally got to see @leamichele on a Broadway stage and I feel overwhelmed.”

Michele’s role in *Chess* has garnered her significant acclaim, serving as another highlight in her illustrious Broadway career. Known for her exceptional vocal skills and charismatic stage presence, Michele first gained recognition for her performance in the original cast of *Spring Awakening*, and her journey in theatre has included notable appearances in productions such as *Les Misérables* and *Funny Girl*.

In *Chess*, Michele portrays Florence Vassy, the chess manager caught in a love triangle against the backdrop of a Cold War-era tournament. Her character’s complications arise as she navigates relationships with two rival chess champions, played by Tony Award-winning actor Aaron Tveit and theatre star Nicholas Christopher. The revival has been met with enthusiastic reviews, further establishing Michele’s prowess in musical theatre.

Originally conceived as a concept album in 1984, *Chess* has endured a complicated history. After a successful run in London, the musical struggled during its Broadway debut in 1988, closing after just two months. The score, crafted by Tim Rice and the iconic songwriting duo of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, has stood the test of time, with beloved songs like “One Night in Bangkok” and “I Know Him So Well” becoming staples in musical theatre.

The current revival of *Chess* opened to positive acclaim and showcases the work of director Michael Mayer, who previously helmed *Spring Awakening*. With a new book written by Danny Strong, the show has received renewed interest and appreciation within the theatre community. Michele is anticipated to receive her first Tony Award nomination for her portrayal and is set to remain with the production until June 21.

Meanwhile, Kevin McHale is also making his mark on New York stages, appearing in the Off-Broadway revival of *The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee*. This production has drawn attention, currently up for two Lucille Lortel Awards, which celebrate excellence in Off-Broadway theatre.

In recent weeks, the presence of *Glee* stars on various stages in New York has delighted fans. Alongside Michele and McHale, others such as Matthew Morrison, Darren Criss, and Heather Morris are also taking part in current stage productions this season, creating a wave of nostalgia and excitement amongst musical theatre enthusiasts.

Both Michele and McHale continue to impress audiences, building on their respective stories from *Glee* and establishing new legacies in their theatrical pursuits. As they shine in their current roles, tickets for *Chess* are available, allowing fans to witness Michele’s powerful performance live on stage.

These reunions and milestones highlight the enduring impact of *Glee* on the careers of its cast members, as they navigate the rich landscape of musical theatre in New York City, bringing cherished memories back to life for their audience.