The acclaimed Broadway revival of *Chess* is set to conclude its run on June 21, marking the end of an impressive series of over 250 performances at the Imperial Theatre. This production, featuring notable talents such as Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher, has garnered significant attention, even receiving five nominations for the upcoming Tony Awards.
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Despite its nominations, *Chess* notably did not secure a spot for Best Revival of a Musical, and Michele’s absence from the Best Leading Actress category has been a subject of surprise among critics and audiences alike. The announcement of the show’s closure follows closely on the heels of news that JoJo Levesque was slated to take over from Michele in the role of Florence Vassy beginning June 23. However, with the imminent closing date, Levesque’s debut will no longer go ahead.
The revival of *Chess*, which premiered on Broadway over 35 years ago, was directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer, renowned for his work on *Spring Awakening*. This reimagined production features a score penned by the acclaimed Tim Rice, along with Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, both of whom rose to fame as members of ABBA. The book for this revival was adapted by Danny Strong, known for his work on *Dopesick*.
Lea Michele’s performance in this production marked her return to Broadway following her celebrated role in the 2022 revival of *Funny Girl*. Both Tveit, who received a Tony Award for his role in *Moulin Rouge! The Musical*, and Nicholas Christopher, formerly of *Hamilton* and *Miss Saigon*, had also made their presence known in the recent revival of *Sweeney Todd*.
The revival of *Chess* initially opened to strong box office sales, following previews that began on 15 October 2025, with its official launch on 16 November. This production quickly attracted attention and became a highlight of the Broadway season, making history as the last show to be broadcast live on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*.
*Chess* dives into the intricate dynamics of a Cold War-era chess tournament, focusing on the American grandmaster Freddie Trumper and his Soviet rival, Anatoly Sergievsky. The story unfolds through a love triangle involving Florence Vassy, the tournament’s arbiter, and explores the emotionally charged consequences of their relationships against a backdrop of global tension.
Originally conceived as a 1984 concept album featuring hit songs like “One Night in Bangkok,” “Anthem,” and “I Know Him So Well,” *Chess* first made its way to the West End in 1986, under the direction of Trevor Nunn. While it achieved success in the UK, the show faced serious challenges upon its Broadway debut in 1988, ultimately closing after a mere two months due to mixed reviews and a tumultuous production process.
Despite its rocky beginnings on Broadway, *Chess* has managed to cultivate a loyal fanbase, enjoying numerous revivals worldwide through concerts, regional productions, and high-profile benefits. The current revival has been preserved in a newly released cast recording, which is now available for digital streaming, with plans for CD and vinyl releases later this year.
In addition to its stellar lead cast, *Chess* boasts a talented ensemble, including Bradley Dean, Sean Allan Krill, and Kyla Bartholomeusz, amongst others. This diverse group of performers has significantly contributed to the show’s enduring appeal.
Producers Tom Hulce, Robert Ahrens, and The Shubert Organization have expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to bring *Chess* back to Broadway after nearly four decades. They described the experience as “an enormous privilege” and highlighted the extraordinary work of the cast and creative team in reinterpreting this beloved musical for a new generation of theatre-goers.
As the production prepares for its final performances, enthusiasm remains high among ticket holders. The producers underscored how rewarding it has been to witness the positive reception from both long-time fans and new audiences. They noted that the performances by Tveit, Michele, and Christopher—set against the backdrop of a legendary score—will leave a lasting impression long after the curtain falls on this notable production.
Tickets for the remaining shows are currently available, and a sense of nostalgia is palpable as this revival of *Chess* prepares to close its chapter on Broadway.