'Chess' to close on Broadway in June
The musical revival, starring Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher at the Imperial Theatre, is currently nominated for five Tony Awards.
Summary
- Chess will close at Broadway's Imperial Theatre on June 21
- The revival is currently nominated for five Tony Awards
- The musical follows the personal and political conflicts involving world chess champions during the Cold War era
It's endgame: Chess will play its final Broadway performance at the Imperial Theatre on June 21. At the time of closing, the show will have played over 250 performances.
Set in the Cold War era, Chess centers on the personal and political tensions between two world chess champions, the American Freddie Trumper (Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit) and Anatoly Sergievsky (2026 Tony nominee Nicholas Christopher), and Florence Vassy (Emmy nominee Lea Michele), the woman caught between them.
The revival, Chess's first on Broadway since its 1988 NYC premiere, is nominated for five Tony Awards this year, including for Christopher, Hannah Cruz as Svetlana, Bryce Pinkham as the Arbiter, and for its lighting (Kevin Adams) and orchestrations (Brian Usifer).
Producers Tom Hulce, Robert Ahrens and The Shubert Organization said in a statement, “We are immensely proud of the extraordinary work this cast and creative team have done in reimagining Chess for a new generation of theatergoers while honoring the passionate fans who have championed this musical for nearly four decades. To see longtime fans and first-time audiences alike embrace this production so wholeheartedly has been incredibly rewarding for everyone involved and a powerful reminder of why Chess has endured for so many years.
"The opportunity to witness Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher perform this legendary score by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice alongside a company filled with some of Broadway’s most remarkable talent is something that will stay will audiences long after they depart the Imperial Theatre. Bringing Chess back to Broadway for the first time in nearly 40 years has been an enormous privilege, and we are extremely proud of everything this production accomplished during its historic Broadway run.”
Michael Mayer directs Chess, which has a new book by Emmy Award winner Danny Strong, music and lyrics by Emmy and Tony nominees Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and EGOT winner Tim Rice, based on an idea by Rice.
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Photo credit: Chess on Broadway. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
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.
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