Chess on Broadway tickets
About Chess on Broadway
Get Chess tickets and see three theatre champions take the stage in this five-time Tony Award-nominated revival: Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit (Moulin Rouge!), Emmy Award nominee Lea Michele (Glee), and 2026 Tony nominee Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd).
In Chess on Broadway, American and Russian chess champions play a match against each other while also competing for the same woman at the height of the Cold War. Soon, the personal becomes professional, and the professional becomes political. How far will the players go to win a game, their nation's love, and a woman's hand?
Complete with hit songs including "Heaven Help My Heart," "Nobody's Side," "Anthem," and "Someone Else's Story," Chess is a beloved musical with songs from the team behind ABBA, the Swedish pop sensation.
Chess was born as an idea from Tim Rice, the award-winning songwriter with credits that include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Aida, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more. Rice also wrote the book to the original London production, which went on to receive an Olivier Award nomination for Best New Musical. Elaine Paige originated the leading lady role.
Since then, theatre stars, including Idina Mezel and Josh Groban, have sung this pop-rock, passionate score, bringing it to new generations. Now, almost four decades after the original Broadway show took its bow, Chess returns to New York in a scintillating new production featuring a fresh book by Emmy winner Danny Strong (Dopesick, The Butler).
Plus, the production is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer. Mayer helped make Michele a star while directing Spring Awakening; now, the two reunite in this Broadway smash. Ready to play?
Run time
2hr 40min. Incl. 1 intermission.
Venue
Categories
Age
Ages 12+. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted.
Start date
October 15th, 2025
End date
June 21st, 2026
“Powerhouse vocals and Cold War drama you won't forget”
Vocal Fireworks Outshine a Flawed Book
Chess delivers some of the most breathtaking vocal performances audiences have heard on Broadway, with Nicholas Christopher, Lea Michele, and Aaron Tveit earning widespread praise for their powerhouse...
What It Feels Like
- Electrifying
- Vocally stunning
- Unexpectedly funny
You’ll Love This If…
- You crave Broadway-caliber vocals that give you chills
- You enjoy a rock-opera concert experience over a tight narrative
- You appreciate Cold War history with humor and heart
Great show worth seeing, very funny!
Chess is a drama about people playing the game of chess, but also navigating life like a chess game. A period piece that handles war.
It’s a decent show, but it’s got its flaws. Really impressed by the wonderful performances of all the actors involved—but it’s the actual book that’s pretty lackluster. Overall it was still very memorable but not a perfect show by any means.
Our Review
'Chess' Broadway review — Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher are vocal grandmasters
Chess on Broadway cast and creative team
By: Danny Strong, based on an idea by Tim Rice
Songs by: Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics)
Director: Michael Mayer
Choreography: Lorin Latarro
Cast list: Aaron Tveit (as Freddie Trumper), Lea Michele (as Florence Vassy), Nicholas Christopher (as Anatoly Sergievsky), Hannah Cruz (as Svetlana), Bradley Dean (as Molokov), Sean Allan Krill (as Walter), Bryce Pinkham (as The Arbiter)
Sets: David Rockwell
Costumes: Tom Broecker
Lighting: Kevin Adams
Sound: John Shivers
Other info: Video design by Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini, music supervision by Brian Usifer, music direction by Ian Weinberger
Venue
Accessibility
Wheelchair seating in Orchestra with step-free access; no elevator to Mezzanine/Balcony; assistive listening and audio description available.
More information about Chess on Broadway
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Audio Described / Captioned Performances
Audio description and personal captioning are available on your mobile device by downloading the GalaPro app from Apple or Google. Hand-held devices are available to borrow at the Shubert Audience Services kiosk.
Frequently asked questions
What are the songs in Chess?
The songs in Chess are by some of the members of ABBA and offer audiences a pop-rock filled score with a beating heart and stirring vocals. Oft-recorded songs include "Anthem" and "Nobody's Side."
Who directs Chess?
Michael Mayer, a Tony winner for Spring Awakening, directs.
Who wrote Chess?
Tony winner Tim Rice had the original idea, and now it features a new book by Emmy winner Danny Strong with songs from ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
Where is Chess on Broadway playing?
Chess on Broadway is playing at Imperial Theatre. The theatre is located at 249 West 45th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.
How long is Chess on Broadway?
The running time of Chess on Broadway is 2hr 40min. Incl. 1 intermission.
How do you book tickets for Chess on Broadway?
Book tickets for Chess on Broadway on New York Theatre Guide.
What's the age recommendation for Chess on Broadway?
The recommended age for Chess on Broadway is Ages 12+. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted..
What is Chess on Broadway about?
Chess follows a taut tournament as an American and Russian chess player comer together to compete, not just for first place but also for a woman's heart.
Latest Chess on Broadway News & Features
Tickets
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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