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 (320)

4.5
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Powerful Voices with a lot of Humor
"I always wanted to see Lea Michele at a Live Performance and what can I say - it was stunning! Everyone at the cast & Ensemble had such powerful voices and there are many funny parts, altough the story is dramatic. We were from Germany and couldn‘t understand every single word, so I would recommend to inform about the main story in advance. "
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Melanie S from Reutlingen on May 11, 2026
Fabulous show
"Great acting! Great music! We could understand every word to every song (not always the case in musicals). Ensemble- terrific in voice and choreography. Cannot recommend enough!!"
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Michelle M from Zion Crossroads on May 10, 2026
Chess was AMAZING!
"Chess was amazing. I’ve been a fan of the music for two decades and was so excited to see it live. Completely exceeded my expectations!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 10, 2026
Excellent Show
"After seeing the original Chess in London in the 1980’s, I find this version a vast improvement and the talent is extraordinary! "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 8, 2026
A phenomenal Musical and History lesson in one sitting!
"The story was amazing. The music and acting was perfect! As a matter of fact, there was a show stopping ovation! The understudy for Lea Michelle was awesome! I would see it again and bring friends!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 7, 2026
Saw Chess twice this year and looking to go again.
"Great music and performance. In addition, after the show I was able to take a picture with all three Tony Awards nominees. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 6, 2026
Everything I dreamed of and so much more!
"This weekend I saw 4 Broadway shows. Originally my nieces didn't want to see chess so we booked little shop of horrors, Hades town and Death Becomes Her. All fine shows but I was missing the vocals. Chess delivered! Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele and Nicholas Christopher delivered for Broadway. The vocals in this show are like no other. My nieces and daughter who are in their 20s enjoyed the story line (I was worried they would not like it based on the reviews the reviews were so wrong the story is great). The Narrator was perfection and brought everything together with so much humor! Loved Loved Loved this show."
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Broadway.com Customer on May 5, 2026
Powerful, innovative, witty, emotional- strongly recommend
"Stylish modern staging with no set changes - orchestra fully visible on many levels around the sides - part of the show. Witty dialogue letting you know when things were true to history and when not. The songs drove the plot quickly and expressed deep complex emotions - I especially liked Lea Michelle’s “Heaven Help My Heart”. The voices were amazing, of course, with Nicholas Christopher particularly showcasing tremendous depth and power. Aaron Tveit was wonderful in Moulin Rouge and is wonderful here! I thought Hannah Cruz had a slightly off day this particular show. I strongly recommend this show to everyone. It occupies a rather unique niche, with a florid plot but a rock feel - kind of like Jekyll & Hyde meets Mamma Mia."
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Payton T from Harwinton on May 4, 2026
Took 2 hours to unwind after the show!
"This show was fantastic! Easily one of the top 1-3 shows that we have ever attended. The energy was incredible, the vocal performances were off-the-charts amazing, and the staging and production was top notch. I didn't know the plot of Chess before seeing the show. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, unlike so many musical productions, the plot was easy to follow. There's a great mix of narrative, with the musical numbers playing an amazing background role. The plot is engaging, and there is just enough humor to keep it fun, and just enough contemporary references to keep it relevant. VERY highly recommended!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 4, 2026
A great evening
"A wonderful score that has rarely been sung this well. The entire cast was excellent and the 3 leads were amazing."
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Brian K from Los Angeles on May 3, 2026
Time to play Chess
"The improved storyline really makes this show. Amazing talented cast!! Go for the music alone!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 2, 2026
Pure, Unadulterated Talent
"I like to say that these Broadway people are not like other people, and there is no better proof of that than Chess. Every aspect of the show is dazzling, but nothing more so than the incredible mastery displayed by the cast. The ensemble is brilliant. The leads are indescribable, and each seems to be at the pinnacle of his/her abilities. Maybe let’s go watch and hear a lot of great songs sung by some of the best singers on earth. Sound like a plan? They have added just the right touches of humor to the book, and the story seems - weirdly - more pertinent now than it did when it was written. A glorious performance and a great night at the theatre. No notes. "
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Michael W from Chicago on May 1, 2026
Wonderful performance
"Thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Tip: Don’t sit in the front row unless you bring a rain poncho. Stars were belting it out so much that they were at times spitting! 😳"
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Diane W from Macomb on Apr 29, 2026
It Ain't '84 anymore!
"We saw Chess last night and are still electrified! I have been a fan since the concept album. I saw the original production in 1984, and, even though the critics killed it, I thought it was great. As a matter of fact, the only thing I ever said that could be thought of as being negative, is that, IMHO, the show was over-miced and just too loud. BUT, I still loved it! And I played the OBC album, and CD, until this year. Now, this cast, the entire cast, is wonderful!! Then we add in the brilliant reworking of the script, the new songs, the rearrangements of music, it is fantastic, and the team completely cleaned up the storyline, it makes so much more sense now, and plays much better! The three new leads, Aaron, Lea, and Christopher are a combination Master Class, not to be missed. Hannah, Bradley, Sean are outstanding, a delight to watch, and Bryce is a tour de force not seen since his door-slamming, killer, shell-game number in A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder. The ensemble works their butts off. They are spot-on with vocals, dance, movement, and solos. All of this, combined with a 16 piece Broadway Orchestra and you have a three hour vacation that is not to be missed!!! Yeah, you could say, I kind of loved it! Get your tickets NOW! "
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Donald B from New London on Apr 28, 2026
WOW!
"Finally got to see Chess on Broadway! This has been #1 on my bucket list for 35+years. The BEST I have ever seen… music - as always - was wonderful but the voices and performances were incredible. This had better win lots of Tonys in June!"
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Nancy S from Sacramento on Apr 27, 2026
Amazing show
"One of the best shows. Fantastic story. Insanely talented cast. Music was great."
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Dawn S from Yonkers on Apr 27, 2026
Amazing ride!
"The idea of a musical called Chess did not grab me and I was unsure at first if I wanted to see it. Well, I am glad I did go, the show is absolutely amazing from the music to the actors and the set. I was enthralled with the amazing talents of Lea Michelle, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christoper, the supporting actors and the ensemble. The music and the emotion of the show are just mesmerizing. I am still blown away by this show and the impact it had on me, Don't hesitate, go see it now."
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Robert A from Lewes on Apr 27, 2026
In Awe
"Music, score, incredible vocalists (Nic needs a Tony nomination for sure) Audience was blown away! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 25, 2026
Chess so amazing
"The main characters were amazing. Loved watching them interact and sing. Loved watching the band on stage and the chorus also. "
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Janice B from Reisterstown on Apr 23, 2026
Loved everything about it! Fabulous talent and small surprises...
"Ok I was not expecting a 3 hour performance but I am not complaining. The energy was high and the show was great. Singers exceptional and dancers amazing. The band was great as well. The story started out weird for me but was indeed very captivating."
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Jackie C from Davidsonville on Apr 23, 2026
Last saw Chess in 1989 and have been waiting for its return ever since
"I have always said Chess is my favourite musical of all time and I have been telling all my friends the same every time we go to any Musical. Even though Lea Michelle was not singing on the dates we were in New York, that was a minor setback. From the opening number I could feel the goosebumps and the excitement built from there. A fantastic performance from a very talented cast. For me, the Narrator/Arbiter was astounding, playing his roles to perfection. The updates to the music and the choreography are brilliant, although admittedly I still love the original music. I cannot wait till Chess comes to Dublin and I can share this experience with family and friends over here."
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Michael R from Swords on Apr 21, 2026
Phenomenal
"The music, stage, lighting and ofc the performances were absolutely phenomenal! I wasn’t sure what I was walking into storyline wise but it exceeded any possible expectation. Lea Michele was stunning and I’m still shocked I was able to catch her performance before she left. Aaron Tveit & Nicholas Christopher have such a stage presence I hung on to every word. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 20, 2026
This production is stellar. It is one of the best I have seen in years.
"The singing was exceptionally good. I know the show well and always loved the music and disliked the book (immensely). The new book is believable, current, relatable and it just simply works. The semi-concert staging (unavoidable perhaps) also worked well. The ensemble, the choreography and the lighting effects were all first-rate. "
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Thomas J from Boston on Apr 19, 2026
Fun, energetic, & bold
"Fun humor sprinkled throughout show. Powerful songs and energized dance numbers keep you invested. There are some historical references. Some content may be lost on children but not inappropriate for them."
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 13, 2026
Exceeded Already High Expectations
"I saw Lea Michele back in 2023 in Funny Girl and met her. I have been a fan of her pretty much my entire life, since Spring Awakening and Glee. I knew that she'd be amazing, but she somehow surpassed that yet again. Her voice, her acting, her stage presence - it was all a masterclass in Broadway performance. If she doesn't finally get her Tony Award for this, I will be sorely disappointed. She absolutely deserves it. I've known of Aaron Tveit since Wicked, Gossip Girl, Moulin Rouge, and eventually Sweeney Todd, so I had high expectations for his performance as well. He completely blew me away with his ability to mold himself into a different character than I'd ever seen him play before. The sarcastic, yet charming and funny, persona that he took on was so interesting and enjoyable to watch. Nicholas Christopher was new to me, but I hope to see him expand his resume even more after Chess because he was absolutely astonishing. His vocals are out of this world. Hannah Cruz also deserves her flowers because her voice and her charisma fit into this cast so perfectly. The ensemble was perfect, lively, and filled with such a contagious energy that encapsulated the theater. Give ALL of them their Tony Awards! And GO SEE CHESS!"
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Tristan L from Duson on Apr 13, 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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