Joanna "JoJo" Levesque to succeed Lea Michele in 'Chess' on Broadway
The multi-platinum singer previously made her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical and will now assume Michele's role of Florence Vassy starting in June.
Summary
- Joanna "JoJo" Levesque will star in Chess on Broadway from June 23 to September 13
- She replaces Lea Michele as Florence Vassy
- She is a multi-platinum singer who made her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge! in 2023
She's making her move. Joanna "JoJo" Levesque will return to Broadway this summer in Chess, succeeding original cast member Lea Michele as Florence Vassy from June 23 to September 13 only. As previously announced, Michele will play her final performance at the Imperial Theatre on June 21.
JoJo made her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical in 2023 and played a return engagement in 2024. She is best known, however, as the multi-platinum singer of hit songs like “Leave (Get Out),” "Too Little Too Late," and "Say So" (with PJ Morton), which won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.
In Chess, she will join a Broadway cast that currently includes Aaron Tveit as Freddie Trumper, Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergievsky, Hannah Cruz as Svetlana, Bradley Dean as Molokov, Sean Allan Krill as Walter, and Bryce Pinkham as The Arbiter.
Chess follows the on- and off-board battles between an American and a Soviet chess champion and the woman caught between them. First seen on Broadway in 1988, the musical is now in its first revival, with a book by Danny Strong and a score by Tim Rice and ABBA's Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, based on an idea by Rice. Michael Mayer directs.
Chess tickets are now available through September 13. Get Chess tickets now.
Photo credit: Joanna "JoJo" Levesque. (Photo by Alfredo Flores)
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.
Is Chess good?
Olivier- and Tony-nominated, Chess is an iconic musical with a legendary score. With stars in the cast, audiences are excited for this first revival.
Is Chess appropriate for kids?
Audiences must be four and over to enter Broadway houses, though no age recommendation otherwise has been set yet.
Where is Chess playing?
Chess 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?
The running time of Chess is 2hr 40min. Incl. 1 intermission.
How do you book tickets for Chess?
Book tickets for Chess on New York Theatre Guide.
What's the age requirement for Chess?
The recommended age for Chess is Ages 12+. Children under 4 years old will not be admitted..
What is Chess 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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