Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit, Nicholas Christopher to star in 'Chess' on Broadway this fall

Q: 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."

Q: Who directs Chess?

Michael Mayer, a Tony winner for Spring Awakening, directs.

Q: 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.

The musical, which first played in NYC in 1988, is co-created by ABBA's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, multi-award winner Tim Rice, and Emmy winner Danny Strong.

Gillian RussoMay 28, 2025, 04:00

The first revival of Chess on Broadway will open this fall, starring Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit, and Nicholas Christopher, at the Imperial Theatre. Performances begin October 15 ahead of a November 16 opening.

Tony Award winner Tveit (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) will play Freddie Trumper, Emmy Award nominee Michele (Glee, Funny Girl) plays Florence Vassy, and Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd) will play Anatoly Sergievsky. Additional casting has yet to be announced.

Chess is set amid the Cold War era, when an American and a Soviet grandmaster, Freddie Trumper and Anatoly Sergievsky, compete both in chess and for the love of the same woman. The show premiered on Broadway in 1988 and features songs by composers Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony-winning lyricist Tim Rice (The Lion King, Evita). The show is based on an idea by Rice, and this revival features a new book by Emmy Award winner Danny Strong (Dopesick).

Michael Mayer, a Tony Award winner for directing Spring Awakening on Broadway, will stage the revival. He previously directed a one-night benefit concert of Chess in 2022, starring Darren Criss as Freddie, Lena Hall as Florence Vassy, Ramin Karimloo as Anatoly, and Solea Pfeiffer as Svetlana Sergievsky.

Additionally, Lorin Latarro choreographs. Additional creative team members have yet to be announced.

Photo credit: Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher. (Photo by Richard Phibbs)

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.

Originally published on May 28, 202513:06