Review: ‘Chess’ on Broadway, starring Lea Michele, scores a winning revival of a musical

“Chess” is a Broadway musical that stars Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher. It will close on Sunday, June 21st, 2026. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the recap.

It’s a seductive showdown of love, loyalty, and power on a global stage. As two of the greatest chess players in the world compete for something beyond victory, the woman between them is caught in a high-stakes battle of desire and devotion.

It features a legendary score by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and EGOT winner Tim Rice, an exhilarating new book by Danny Strong, and direction by Tony winner Michael Mayer, “Chess” is Broadway’s boldest move yet and the must-see event of the season.

The long-awaited Broadway revival of “Chess” arrives with considerable expectations, and for the most part, it delivers a compelling and emotionally resonant theatrical experience. Featuring a powerhouse performance from Lea Michele, this ambitious production breathes new life into the beloved musical while reminding audiences why its themes of politics, love, and personal sacrifice remain as relevant today as ever.

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, “Chess” follows two rival chess grandmasters whose fierce competition is complicated by romance, loyalty, and international intrigue. The musical’s celebrated score by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with lyrics by Tim Rice, remains one of the most sophisticated and memorable in musical theater history.

Lea Michele proves to be the production’s undeniable centerpiece. As Florence Vassy, she delivers a performance that is both vocally stunning and emotionally nuanced. Michele commands the stage with confidence, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character often caught between competing allegiances and conflicting desires. Her renditions of classics such as “Nobody’s Side” and “I Know Him So Well” are among the evening’s highlights, earning some of the show’s most enthusiastic audience responses.

One of the biggest shocks what that Lea Michele failed to score a Tony nomination for “Best Actress in a Musical” for her towering acting performance in “Chess.”

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with strong performances that elevate the complex material. The chemistry among the principal players helps ground the story’s political tensions in genuine human emotion. Their collective commitment to the material ensures that even the more intricate plot developments remain engaging.

Musically, the production is exceptional. The orchestra delivers a rich and dynamic interpretation of the score, allowing iconic songs such as “Anthem,” “One Night in Bangkok,” and “Pity the Child” to resonate with renewed energy. The vocal arrangements are crisp, and the ensemble work is particularly strong throughout.

Visually, the production is sleek and contemporary. The scenic design effectively captures the global scope of the story, while the lighting and projections contribute to the show’s cinematic atmosphere. Director and creative team deserve credit for making a notoriously complicated musical feel accessible without sacrificing its intellectual ambitions.

That said, “Chess” is not without its shortcomings. Some narrative transitions remain abrupt, and certain political subplots can feel underdeveloped. While the creative team succeeds in streamlining portions of the book, newcomers may occasionally find themselves struggling to keep pace with the show’s intricate geopolitical dynamics.

Nevertheless, these issues do little to diminish the overall impact of the production. At its best, “Chess” is a thrilling exploration of ambition, identity, and the personal costs of ideological conflict. Combined with Lea Michele’s commanding performance and a magnificent score, this Broadway revival emerges as a triumphant return for a musical that has long deserved another moment in the spotlight.

With noteworthy vocals, strong performances, and impressive production values, “Chess” earns four out of five stars and stands as one of the most engaging musical revivals currently on Broadway.