Chess Show Poster

Chess Reviews

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

4.4
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 (186)

4.4
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Amazing performances!
"The story translates well from the 80s to present day with some clever remarks from the announcer. I was absolutely blown away by Nicholas Christopher’s performance. The ensemble is fun and the music keeps you engaged throughout. Highly recommend. "
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Melissa A from Gilbert on Jan 24, 2026
Chess
"The stars did not disappoint. Nicholas Christopher was fabulous in the role of Anatoly Sergievsky. He was the only main star to do the stage door trail after the show. He was very kind and took the time to speak with everyone and take pictures. Broadway needs more stars like this. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 22, 2026
Nicholas Christopher is a King - Check Mate!!!
"I was pleasantly surprised about how much I loved this musical. I didn’t know much about it and heard mixed reviews but I was a Glee fan so wanted to see Darren Criss in Maybe Happy Ending (excellent!!) and Lea Michelle in Chess. She was great, the story was engaging, I laughed a lot and Nicholas Christopher won the night! He was fantastic and incredibly gracious after the show at the stage door with EVERY person waiting there. Go see Chess!!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 14, 2026
Worth seeing!
"I saw the original NYC show 38 years ago and I thought many of the changes they made were for the better. I couldn’t stop singing the songs in my head for days!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 14, 2026
Amazing! Would see again!
"Loved this production! Aaron Tveitt Lea Michelle and whole cast were incredible! It had a great mix of humor, drama, and singing was impressive. My favorite part was the comedy. Only thing I will change moving forward is not sitting so close (2nd row). You can see them spit as they’re were talking or singing, which was a little funny but kind of distracting too. I’ll know better next time. 10/10 do recommend! "
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Amy B from Tuttle on Jan 10, 2026
Amazing performance
"Amazing performance delivered by talented cast. Dynamic and creative. Definitely recommend to attend "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 5, 2026
Amazing show!
"The performers were amazing. Venue was great. Our seats were center front mezzanine and had a fantastic view of the stage. Highly recommend! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 4, 2026
Mind blowing vocals and fascinating story
"The lead performances were fantastic - even better than expected. The story was fascinating and the plot was fully engaging. Voices were out of this world. Show stopping musicality. Full cast was top of their game. I fully enjoyed every minute. This show is an example of why there is nothing else like Broadway. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 4, 2026
Chess was so funny! and Nicholas Christopher is the standout!
"The show was fantastic! Funnier than I expected! Hannah Cruz is excellent as Svetlana. The leads are fabulous, as expected. I came to the show to see Lea (we had previously come to NYC to see her in Funny Girl) but Aaron was great, and the standout was Nicholas Christopher! Not only was he amazing in the show, he came to the stage door after the performance and spent time with each fan there. Such a gentleman and so lovely. Go see this show! You won't be disappointed! Note - it is NOT suitable for children!"
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Christina M from San Diego on Jan 3, 2026
CHESS checks ”all 64”
"From square one, the recently and timely revived CHESS rules the board. The cast’s constellation of stars knocks you out with all the masterful pieces Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson created in the early 80s. (I recommend the superb 1hr documentary on YouTube called ”Chess 1984 Documentary (English subtitles)” where you are up close with them as they put it all together from songs in their head through recording it. As a Swede who grew up in the 80s and caught all the hype and saw the original production in London, I say: Thank you for bringing this masterpiece back to life and allowing it to become as well-known and appreciated as it deserves to be! This is the enhanced extension of that ABBA treasure trove you either didn’t know or needed to reacquaint yourself with. When I heard that CHESS what come (back) to Broadway a few years ago, I set my Google News Alert. Thrilled to see it again!!"
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Sven T from Miami on Jan 1, 2026
This is the Revival we needed!
"This reimagined revival had me on the edge of my seat. It has the Trifecta of talent with Lea Michel, Aaron Tveit, and Nicholas Christopher. And... "It was way... Better than Sunset Boulevard!" THERE I said it..."
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Brian U from Bronxville on Dec 26, 2025
Best revival!
"This reimagining is long over due, the score is timeless and now the book levels up. "
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Barbara Jean W from Lyndhurst on Dec 25, 2025
Best Vocal Performances in Decades!
"Although Chess is not my favorite musical, I find some of the songs totally unnecessary to the story. However, having seen the original broadway version, this production was far superior, particularly the new book which brought clarity and humor to the plot. Staging and lighting were riveting, particularly One Night in Bangkok. for the vocals, I don't believe in my 68 years I have ever heard such glory. Each voice proving itself time and time again. This production also juxtaposes the Carter and Reagan years against the current day. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCTION. (Adult Language)"
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Raymond J B from Plantation on Dec 14, 2025
Exceeded my expectations!
"My expectations were not high for this show since I had heard mixed reviews. I have been a fan of the score of the show since the eighties and I had heard that this version was convoluted. I can see that they made changes to the original score, changed the order of the songs and added a couple things... but I loved it. The entire cast is great but the highlight of the night is Nicholas Christopher. His voice is powerful and mesmerizing!"
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Giovanni G from White Plains on Dec 11, 2025
Intense, but fabulous show!
"Phenomenal cast of talented actors and singers! Great use of minimal set design."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 10, 2025
Strongest vocals on Broadway!
"The story is fascinating—-the choreography engaging and precise. These are surpassed by the incredible vocals of the main characters! Applause after every vocal performance! Just WOW! "
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Michelle A from Upton on Dec 8, 2025
Worth the wait!
"I have been waiting almost 40 years to see this musical again. Still my favorite! The leads were all great."
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Ruth R from Tempe on Dec 8, 2025
Bright, loud with fantastic Voices and orchestra,
"review of history 60s to 80s and bright set, a bit loud but music and voices fantastic, each and every one. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 5, 2025
Wonderful performances!
"The musical performances were passionate and moving as was the choreography. They helped strengthen the plot as did the narrator’s performance. Highly recommend the show!"
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Kenneth W from Douglas on Nov 30, 2025
Chess is fabulous!
"It’s perfect -acting, singing, plot, dancing & costumes. I loved the songs, romance, drama and ending. Go see this musical! I loved it!"
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Renee W from Tarrytown on Nov 24, 2025
Powerhouse!
"The cast is absolutely incredible! At times, it’s hard to understand the lyrics. Maybe the mics or the background music is too loud but totally worth seeing this powerhouse cast!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 21, 2025
Wow! Just Wow!
"Not only the three leading cast members, but all of the other singers were fantastic. I was impressed by a certain onstage costume change. This was a new story for me so I am very glad I can add it to my theatre repertoire. The beginning was a tad slow but overall, truly enjoyable. I can’t wait for a National Tour to sweep the country! "
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Reece J from Chicago on Oct 31, 2025
Wonderful performances!
"Loved choreography, singing, playlist. Great improvement over Chess performance I initially saw in London many years ago. Didn’t care for stripped clothing in Bangkok number. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 30, 2025
Thoroughly Entertaining!!
"Powerful voices! Intriguing story!! Outstanding!"
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Robert S from Cherry Hill on Oct 26, 2025
Phenomenal show!
"I am thrilled that I got to see the show on their first preview night! The leads were outstanding! The music, dancing, staging, were all fantastic. The new book used for this production fit seamlessly with the score. Loved it!!"
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Joyce F from Myrtle Beach on Oct 16, 2025
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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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