"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. "
"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
Fun and exciting
"The singers were phenomenal. Their talent unbelievable. Dancing and use of lighting was very enjoyable. Good story.
An enjoyable time. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 6, 2025
Hot Digitty
"I went into this show knowing the title, Aaron Tveit, and Lea Michelle. I came out of this show having laughed, cried, and nearly falling out of my dang chair. The vocals are insane, the choreography is dazzling, and the unique take on the arbiter’s performance allowed for great comic relief! "
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Marie R from Sandy Hook on Nov 5, 2025
Super acting; thin story
"Outstanding star quality . Outstanding vocals . Favorite.. ANTHEM that ended first act. The narrator was an outstanding new edition to the show that kept it moving through added levity.
The story line is and has always been thin but that’s the breaks and not the fault of the actors .
Spectacular orchestration.
Thank you for an enjoyable evening."
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John P from Mays Landing on Nov 2, 2025
Great musical with a hint of humor.
"Fantastic cast, great dancing; the music was great and the singing amazing. "
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Tom I from Derby on Nov 2, 2025
Fun musical
"Loved the music and choreography. The three stars were incredibly talented. My adult daughter and I loved the show! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 1, 2025
Amazing soundtrack!
"The music of Chess has lived its own successful life for so long! Great to see it wrapped back into a show with super talented leads.
Only thing I didn’t like were winks to the audience about current events, only a few times, but temporarily broke the magic spell of the show. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 31, 2025
Chess is a Masterpiece!
"I loved everything about the show. Although the "book" was updated, I still found it confusing. The main story was clear. It was the details of the cold war that confused us, due to the lack of background information about that time period. The play was a masterpiece in spite of this."
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 30, 2025
A history lesson with music
"A great score and an updated script help to elevate this story of cold war politics. Aaron and Michelle are predictably wonderful, but the standout is really Nicholas Christopher who sings the show stopping number at the end of the first act."
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Broadway.com Customer on Oct 29, 2025
Checkmate: Chess Returns to Broadway in Triumphant Form
"Chess has long been my favorite elusive musical — one I’ve somehow missed every time it’s been stage. After years of anticipation, Chess has finally made its long-awaited return to Broadway — and it was worth the wait.
This revival captures the emotional intensity and soaring score that have made the musical a cult favorite, while giving the book the thoughtful facelift it desperately needed. The use of the Arbiter as the narrator is brlliant and helps the storyline move almost fluidly.
The principal performers are exceptional. Both Nicholas Christopher (Anatoly) and Bradley Dean (Molokov) deliver powerhouse performances that bring new depth to their complex characters. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tony nominations in both their futures.
Aaron Tveit was the perfect choice for Freddie Trumper. His voice is stellar, and his stage presence commands attention. His “One Night in Bangkok” was electric, but it was his heart-wrenching rendition of “Pity the Child” that was worth the price of admission alone.
This was also my first opportunity to see Lea Michele on stage, and she did not disappoint. Her presence brings new life to this role, blending power and vulnerability in a way that feels effortless. With her return to Broadway, I hope her devoted Glee fans come experience her brilliance.
The stage design, casting, and refreshed book all deserve accolades, this is clearly a thoughtful and ambitious production. Still, there are a few elements I hope evolve after the preview period. The extended dialogue and first bedroom scene feel a bit too long, and Svetlana’s solo number comes across as unnecessary and forced.
While I do miss the cut songs from previous productions, I can listen to those albums anytime. Overall, this Chess revival proves that with the right vision (Danny Strong for the win!) and a bit of modern refinement can a classic can feel both timeless and freshly relevant.
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Karen Elizabeth K from Louisville on Oct 19, 2025
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.
