The Broadway revival of the musical *Chess* has announced it will be closing earlier than anticipated, with its final performance scheduled for June 21. This announcement came just days before Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, the Grammy-winning singer and actress, was set to take over the role of Florence Vassy on June 23.
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In a heartfelt reaction shared via Instagram, Levesque expressed her disappointment at the abrupt ending of the production. “Was supposed to start first day of rehearsals TODAY. So bummed. All my love to the company,” she wrote, reflecting the sentiments of many who had eagerly awaited her debut in the role.
Levesque’s casting was first revealed by *PEOPLE* in March. The 35-year-old performer described the opportunity as “incredible” and credited fellow Broadway star Lea Michele for recommending her for the role. Upon attending a performance of *Chess*, she found herself captivated by the production. “As soon as I got to see this production, I couldn’t stop getting chills,” she stated at the time, indicating a deep connection with the show.
Originally, Levesque was set to perform alongside Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher, both of whom she had been looking forward to working with. “He is such an amazing scene partner, so generous,” Levesque said of Tveit, with whom she previously shared the stage in *Moulin Rouge! The Musical*. Levesque also praised Christopher’s exceptional vocal talents, noting, “I think these are two of the best male voices I’ve heard live, maybe ever.”
Michele’s role in bringing Levesque into the production was also significant. After Michele announced her departure from *Chess*, she personally recommended Levesque to the producers. “She was super kind, embraced me and said that she had actually brought up my name [to producers], which I didn’t know,” Levesque recounted. This endorsement seemingly added a touching element to the transition, as it highlighted the camaraderie within the Broadway community.
The announcement of *Chess*’s closure caught many by surprise, not least Levesque and the show’s fans. Despite receiving five Tony Award nominations earlier this month, including nods for its cast and creative team, the production notably did not secure a nomination for Best Revival of a Musical. The absence of Michele from the Best Leading Actress in a Musical category also raised eyebrows, as she had garnered strong reviews for her performance.
Directed by Michael Mayer, this revival represented the first Broadway staging of *Chess* in nearly four decades. With music by Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus, the musical intricately weaves themes of romance and politics against the backdrop of a high-stakes international chess tournament. Its intricate score features well-known songs such as “One Night in Bangkok,” “Anthem,” and “I Know Him So Well.”
*Chess* has a complicated history within musical theatre. Since its debut as a concept album in 1984, it caught public attention and later became a hit in London’s West End in 1986. However, the original Broadway run in 1988 was short-lived, closing after only two months. Despite this, the show’s unique blend of music and storytelling has garnered it a loyal fanbase over the years, supported by concert productions and attempts at revival.
In a statement about the closing, producers Tom Hulce, Robert Ahrens, and The Shubert Organization conveyed their pride in what the cast and creative team accomplished. “We are immensely proud of the extraordinary work this cast and creative team have done in reimagining *Chess* for a new generation of theatre-goers while honouring the passionate fans who have championed this musical for nearly four decades,” the producers stated.
With just a few performances left, tickets for the final shows of *Chess* are now available for those wishing to witness this latest rendition of the beloved musical. As fans and cast members reflect on its brief run, the closure of *Chess* also marks a poignant moment in the ever-evolving landscape of Broadway theatre.