The first Broadway revival of Chess will arrive this fall with Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher in the starring roles. The production will open in fall 2025 at a Shubert theater to be announced. Tony winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening) will direct, with Tveit playing Freddie Trumper, Michele as Florence Vassey, and Christopher portraying Anatoly Sergievsky according to Deadline.
Produced by Tom Hulce, Robert Ahrens, and The Shubert Organization alongside Creative Partners Productions, Chess will feature a new book by Emmy Award winner Danny Strong (Dopesick). Music and lyrics are by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice, based on an idea by Rice.
Chess tells the story of a Cold War-era grandmaster chess tournament between American Freddie Trumper and Soviet Anatoly Sergievsky. Florence, Trumper’s manager and possible lover, becomes entangled with his opponent. The official synopsis states: “It’s America versus Russia at the World Chess Championship, where espionage and romance are as complicated and exhilarating as the game itself. For the two players and the woman torn between them, everything—personal, professional, and political—is at risk…and nobody’s rules are the same.”
The musical originally premiered in London’s West End in 1986, directed by Trevor Nunn after original director Michael Bennett withdrew due to health issues. Despite mixed reviews and revisions before its 1988 Broadway premiere, Chess closed shortly after opening. However, it has since gained a devoted following and produced the global hit “One Night In Bangkok.”
This revival marks Lea Michele’s first Broadway appearance since her acclaimed role in the 2022 Funny Girl revival. Michele is best known for her TV role as Rachel Berry in Glee. Aaron Tveit won a Tony for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Nicholas Christopher has appeared in Hamilton and the 2023 Sweeney Todd revival.
Choreography will be by Lorin Latarro (Waitress), with music supervision by Brian Usifer. Chess will be presented by arrangement with Three Knights, the Shubert Organization, and Robert Fox Ltd. Production dates, additional casting, and creative team details will be announced soon.
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