Chess Show Poster

Chess Reviews

Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher star in the first-ever Broadway revival of this iconic musical.

4.5
Tickets starting at $64.29
Show Overview

Critics’ Reviews (3)

A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
The Washington Post

"Chess is packed with blow-your-hair-back bangers sung by Broadway MVPs. Prepare to succumb!"

The Washington Post

Naveen Kumar

New York Magazine

"The winner takes it all! They don't make musicals like they used to. Who knew Chess could get you so high? I had a great time."

New York Magazine

Sara Holdren

USA Today

"A rousing revival! It’s impossible to not fall under the spell of this powerhouse cast."

USA Today

Patrick Ryan

customer reviews

Customer Reviews (225)

4.5
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Remarkable vocals
"Very entertaining show and a thought-provoking story. The music is especially incredible and witnessing the pure talent on the stage is worth the price of admission. "
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David M from Nashville on Mar 2, 2026
Finally!
"I finally got to see Chess after being obsessed with the concept album in college (1990). This version was excellent, it far exceeded my expectations. The 3 main actors were so great, excellent singing as well as emotional acting. I enjoyed the staging - it was minimalist but that didn't bother me, I really liked seeing the orchestra on the stage. I highly recommend the show especially for those who are familiar with the music or for those who aren't (my husband loved it too - the best musical he has seen he said and he really isn't a musical theater person)."
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 1, 2026
Love the performance
"I left the performance deeply impressed. This theme is close to my heart and touched me deeply. Overall, the production was very professional. Not only were the main characters superb, but even the smallest role was played with high quality. Beautiful voices with very emotional content, magnificent in every word."
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 1, 2026
Politically-appropriate show in a time of political chaos
"I love the twist of the story, and I love that I was able see Lea Michelle live! "
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Darius II O from Brooklyn on Mar 1, 2026
All encompassing talent, story and music!!
"I loved the singers...lots of power and emotion in powerful & emotional voices. The orchestra and the orchestrations were on spot. The music and lyrics caught you up in the story. The additional jokes from the arbiter were a nice addition. For me this show earned 5 stars plus. I am still playing the music in my head even though I have listened to the music many times on a playlist. Seeing it live was the best! "
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Cathie M from Newtown on Mar 1, 2026
Absolutely Amazing
"The show was absolutely incredible! Everyone was so talented. The choreography and staging was so cool to see. All of the actors did an absolutely PHENOMENAL job. In the performance I saw, Aaron Tveit was absent and his understudy Aleksandr Ivan Pevec took over for the role of Freddie. He did absolutely INCREDIBLE. Honestly, everyone did such an amazing job and they deserve any accolade. I highly recommend to see it if you have the chance!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 27, 2026
Absolutely exceptional
"The ensemble were incredible, as were the main cast. The songs were performed AMAZINGLY. I would gladly see this show again and again "
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 26, 2026
Absolutely Fantastic Performance
"The show was absolutely brilliant!!! Our seats in the Mezzanine gave us an excellent view, and we felt much closer than other theaters. The cast were all excellent. Our performance actually had the understudy for the female lead (Florence), and Samantha Pollino did an excellent job!!! We couldn’t have had a better time, and highly recommend Chess! Can’t wait for this to come to our home city!!!👏👏👏"
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Mary M from pittsburgh on Feb 22, 2026
Amazing revival
"Great performance! The ensemble is stellar. The leads are unforgettable. Simple, yet strong set design, and the lighting should win awards. I've loved the music since I purchased the original album in highschool. This production beat all of my expectations."
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Tilly G from Lansing on Feb 21, 2026
The music has stayed with me.
"The music is what engaged me 1988. I regretted not see the musical then and was determined to see it in 2026. The production exceeded my expectations. The orchestra was dynamic and propelled the dancing and singing to a heavenly level of visual and auditory integration."
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Bonnie J. G from Denver on Feb 21, 2026
CHESS WINS
"From start to finish this musical game of cat and mouse was superb. Some of BEST voices in the business!!! A night of Theatre that you will never forget! "
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Rene P from Metairie on Feb 18, 2026
Single Best Theatre Experience of my Life
"This cast is incredible. The vocal performances, the charisma of every character- laugh out loud funny and jaw dropping vocals make this a MUST SEE. Can’t wait for the cast recording because it will be on repeat. The ensemble are so so good. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 18, 2026
Strongest vocal cast ever
"This show was amazing. The cast was the strongest group of vocal magicians ever. I cannot even put into words how much we loved this show. "
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Brian H from West Harrison on Feb 14, 2026
Pure brilliance - no notes!
"The performance was fresh, witty, relevant and moving. No weak links - every single performer was sublime. I was blown away."
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 13, 2026
Tveit in Bangkok
"I went into this show for Aaron Tveit and left a massive fan of Nicholas Christopher. Everyone in the production was phenomenal but Nicholas Christopher had my jaw on the floor. I know people have said that Chess is challengers for nerds, but its really not. It is interesting, and the vocal performances are among the best I have seen. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 9, 2026
Must see show
"I thought everything about the show was great. The stars were very,very talented, and the choreography and staging were well done. Of course the music was so good "
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 7, 2026
Voices of a lifetime
"We are pretty regular attendees on broadway. We were totally blown away with the range and depth of vocals and performances. They made the story line link together While not our favorite story line this version is a must "
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 7, 2026
Absolutely Amazing
"The entire cast was amazing. The 3 leads nailed the entire performance. The music, the choreography all just insane. Left wanting to see it again immediately. "
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Mitchell M from Auburn on Feb 5, 2026
a 20th century show written for today
"written years ago, it was probably ahead of its time, the music and lyrics, plot, acting, dance, are all amazing and the show is captivating from start to finish"
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donald l from bronx on Feb 4, 2026
Compelling and engaging
"The new book was well-written and tailored to highlight the show’s relevancy in our current geopolitical climate. The role of arbiter steps beyond the 4th wall throughout the show which plays as a clever wink to the audience. The leads shine, incredibly talented performers all, though the chorus adds great support in both dance and vocals. A Broadway ticket worth the price of admission!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 3, 2026
Just go
"From the dancing to the acting and singing everything was top notch. We loved it!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 2, 2026
Third Iteration Is the Best
"This the third version I've experienced (the first being the original Broadway recording, and the second, the 2000's concert with Josh Groban), and I feel like they finally nailed the *story* this time. Svetlana's character finally has depth and purpose. The American-Russian interplay is great, and everything just... works. As for performances, the three front-runners are spectacular. We came to hear Aaron Tviet sing Pity the Child (and we were not disappointed), but Nicholas Christopher's Endgame blew us away, as well as everything about Lea Michele's performance. Fantastic and well worth the watch. (The only thing that doesn't make it kid-friendly is the Bangkok scene with scantily clad dancers and implied drug use) "
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Damon C from Middletown on Feb 2, 2026
Cannot miss this show!!
"This revival of Chess is simply outstanding. The orchestra, the chorus, the leads… all absolutely superb. One of the best shows I have seen in years. Worth every penny!!!"
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Brian W from Lisle on Feb 1, 2026
Absolutely Fantastic!!!!
"One of the best performances I’ve ever seen! Amazing story, set and music!!! The performances of all main characters were superb but Nicholas Christopher was particularly amazing!!! Highly recommend! Don’t miss this!"
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Erin L from Boston on Feb 1, 2026
Stellar cast in updated classic
"I loved the amazing cast and updated storyline. Fantastic musical performances with a more accessible story than original (which I actually saw in London West End and on Broadway in 1988). The narrator/arbiter was funny but some of his snarky contemporary references were a bit cringe, but I’ll forgive it for making the story easier to follow. The 3 principals (Lea Michelle, Aaron Tveit, Nicholas Christopher) make a great love triangle, and with the addition of Hanna Cruz in Act 2 expand the intrigue to a love quadrangle. This show is a belter’s dream—so many great songs and great performances. I loved it!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 31, 2026
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About Chess

Chess is the iconic musical where power and passion collide, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s America versus Russia at the World Chess Championship, where the 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.

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