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 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 (200)

4.5
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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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
Best show a I've seen in decades.
"The staging, musical, acting and singing were sensational. Help me glued to my seat to not miss anything. If you see one broadway show this year, see Chess. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 31, 2026
Can’t rave enough about the show
"Amazing vocal performance by all. Lea Michele clearly belongs on Broadway. Definitely a show you don’t wanna miss."
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Jennifer L from Mississauga on Jan 30, 2026
Chess on Broadway
"I was only vaguely familiar with Chess. The production is brilliant, it’s been a quest to see Lea Michelle and Aaron Tveit on Broadway. Unfortunately Nicholas Christopher was not in performance due to the weather conditions. Sean MacLaughlin gave an outstanding performance. The staging, singing and ring were superb. "
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Glen J from Dallas on Jan 27, 2026
Absolutely nothing not to love!
"From the singing, synchronized dance numbers, the humor, the emotions, the set, the musicians to the lighting there was absolutely nothing that I didn’t love or would change! Chess was spectacular in every way!!"
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Celeste D from Rockville Centre on Jan 25, 2026
Loved it
"The show was wonderful. The entire cast was outstanding. The three leading actors were superb!! Loved everything from the set design to the acting."
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Linda B from Yukon on Jan 24, 2026
Fabulous cast
"I've loved the music for years. This is an amazing show with a stellar cast. Aaron Tveit is mesmerizing as Freddy Trumper and Lea Michele is radiant as Florence Vassey."
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Tracy M from Pinehurst on Jan 23, 2026
WOW, just WOW!
"The music was great, the performers were fantastic! WONDERFUL show!"
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Paige F from Marietta on Jan 21, 2026
Amazing!!
"The show was spectacular!! The vocals blew me away- prepare to be constantly amazed! I would highly recommend this show!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 19, 2026
Chess is truly amazing!
"We loved the story, the actors, the talent of the cast. Can’t wait to see it again. Lea Michele was amazing. "
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Lynn Y from Cincinnati on Jan 18, 2026
Amazing show!
"The talent on that stage is awe inspiring. From the opening scene to the end it was amazing. Every single actor in this production gave 100+%. It’s is captivating and the story line is so well executed. Great show. Accolades to every actor on that stage. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 18, 2026
Incredible show
"The show, the music, and the cast were all incredible. I would see it again in a flash."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 17, 2026
Best Show on Broadway Right Now
"Besides the star lead cast which is the initial pill for most people I want to highlight just how amazing the songs in this show are as well as how phenomenal the ensemble is. The blocking of this show is done so wonderfully and the lighting design is just WOW!"
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Michele M from Reading on Jan 17, 2026
Stunning
"I have been waiting for this show for forty years. Top notch cast. Brilliant staging. The vocal performances left me breathless. The chemistry of the cast members was mesmerizing to watch. It was a joy to watch Aaron Tveit, Lea Michelle, Nicholas Christopher, and Bryce Pinkham bring their characters to life onstage. I'll be watching for their future performances. And Mr Christophers' voice was one of the highlights for me personally. Thank you to all of the cast and crew and everyone that made this show come to life. It is truly stunning."
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Gary K from Rochester on Jan 17, 2026
WOW
"What a terrific production! The acting and singing were terrific and the production interestingly designed. I have seen this show 5 times and this was the best production. It has such great music and a captivating story. Knocked it out of the park!"
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Peter R from Washington on Jan 12, 2026
Chess is great
"This was one of the most vocally amazing shows I have ever had the pleasure of attending. We had heard that the show itself and the writing was a bit “in your face” which is true and we did not care. The actors captivated our attention from the second they began singing. The main six performers in this show are EXCEPTIONAL! Their voices SOAR individually and collectively. Lea, Aaron, Nicholas and Hannah are FORCES of nature. To see and hear them perform is a true gift. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 12, 2026
Musical Powerhouse
"This was a Broadway musical on steroids...my best audio experience in years...maybe ever!"
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John M from Lake Hiawatha on Jan 12, 2026
Best version of show by far
"I have seen other versions of Chess which I loved but this was the best so far. It made the story clearer and the leads are just amazing . I love the arbiter role as well . Beautifully done. We flew to NYc just to see this show and it was well worth it. Just wish tickets were more affordable for others to see this great show ."
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Laurie S from Fayetteville on Jan 11, 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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