Chess on Broadway Tickets
Passion, politics and pawns: this explosive revival of Tim Rice’s iconic musical stars Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher.
Book Tickets for Chess on Broadway Today!
Let the games begin! Aaron Tveit, Lea Michelle and Nicholas Christopher star in a brand new revival of Chess coming to Broadway’s Imperial Theatre this fall. Passion, politics and pawns collide in legendary composer Tim Rice’s iconic musical, with a towering score by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Don’t miss this high-stakes showstopper, back on Broadway for the first time in over 20 years - secure your tickets today.
What is the musical Chess on Broadway about?
Against the backdrop of the Cold War, political powerhouses America and Russia go head-to-head at the World Chess Championships in Bangkok. This is a game where everything is at stake, and the moves played off the board are just as important as those in the championship matches, as the rival players fall for the same woman. In a world of passion and deception, nothing is black and white, and as their love triangle develops, rules are broken and relationships get ever more complex, leading to an explosive finale. Will someone capture the queen, or will the men draw a stalemate?
Chess premiered in 1986 in London’s West End and was later reimagined for its Broadway debut in 1988. The show was a smash hit, earning five Drama Desk and Tony nominations, as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Cast Show Album. A benefit concert for the Entertainment Community Fund was mounted in 2022, celebrating the production's stunning score, but this brand new revival marks the show's full return to Broadway for the first time in over two decades, and features an updated book by Emmy Award winner Danny Strong.
Who are the cast of Chess on Broadway?
Aaron Tveit, Lea Michelle and Nicholas Christopher lead the revival, with further casting to be announced.
Aaron Tveit is a Tony winner and Grammy nominee, best known for his roles in Broadway musicals including Catch Me If You Can, Sweeney Todd, Assassins, Next to Normal and Moulin Rouge. He appeared as Enjolras in the 2012 movie adaptation of Les Miserables and in USA Network Series Graceland.
Lea Michelle is an Emmy, Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated actress, best known for her role as Rachel Berry on Fox’s musical-comedy series Glee. Michele originated the role of Wendla in the 2006 Off-Broadway and Broadway production of Spring Awakening. Her other credits include Les Miserables, Ragtime, Fiddler on the Roof and the 2022 revival of Funny Girl, playing the role of Fanny Brice to critical acclaim.
Nicholas Christopher is a breakout Broadway star, best known for his roles as George Washington and Aaron Burr in Hamilton and his critically acclaimed performance in the 2023 revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Other credits include Motown the Musical, Miss Saigon and Little Shop of Horrors.
Who are the creative team of Chess on Broadway?
Chess has lyrics by Tim Rice, with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
Sir Timothy Rice is an English songwriter and composer, best known for his collaborations with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Rice is a member of the exclusive EGOT club - meaning he is an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winner. His credits include Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wizard of Oz and Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Music is by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Andersson and Ulvaeus are both songwriters, producers and founding members of ABBA. ABBA are an internationally acclaimed, best-selling Swedish pop group who have sold millions of records worldwide. In 2010, ABBA were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and were the first recording artists to receive this honour from outside an English-speaking country.
This revival features a new book written by Danny Strong. Danny Strong is an American writer, director and actor. Although you may recognise him for his acting roles as Jonathan in vampire series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and as Danny Siegel in Mad Men, Strong is also an award-winning writer with credits including The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and 2, Recount, Empire and HBO’s Dopesick. He is an Emmy, Writers Guild of America and Peabody Award winner.
Michael Mayer directs. Mayer is a Tony Award-winning American director, filmmaker and playwright. Mayer's credits include Spring Awakening, Little Shop of Horrors, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Book Tickets for Chess on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre!
You won't want to miss Chess’ triumphant return to Broadway starring Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher. Who will call checkmate in this high-stakes battle of wits and romance? Don’t be a rookie, book your tickets for Chess at the Imperial Theatre today!
The appearance of any performer cannot be guaranteed and is always subject to illness, injury and statutory holiday entitlement.
Chess on Broadway New York Reviews
User Reviews
Great revival of this show. The music sounded great and the three leads sound great. “Anthem” closing act one is epic. Sounds amazing. If you’re a fan of the Chess music, you’re definitely going to want to experience this live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Chess on Broadway playing in New York?
Chess on Broadway is playing at the Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036.
What is the age recommendation for Chess on Broadway?
Chess on Broadway is no age rating has been set. See audience notes for content warnings. No children under 4 will be admitted.
How long is Chess on Broadway?
The running time for Chess on Broadway at Imperial Theatre is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Is there an intermission during Chess on Broadway?
Yes, there is a 15 minute intermission about halfway through Chess on Broadway.
Can I buy tickets for Chess on Broadway at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Imperial Theatre box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for Chess on Broadway are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
The whole cast is giving terrific performances of this legendary and stunning score. However, it’s Nicholas Christopher who absolutely steals the show in the role of a lifetime. He is exceptional, worth the price of admission alone.