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 $56.58
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 (248)

4.4
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Such an unexpected joy
"What an amazing show. The cast were spectacular, the vocals astonishing. We were overawed by the performances. Would thoroughly recommend. Can’t wait till it comes to Ireland when we return home. "
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Gerard T from Clondalkin on Mar 16, 2026
You had me at hello!
"Chess was amazing! The vocals were so crazy good! I couldn't get enough. And the AMAZING Lea Michele...WOW!! Need I say more?!!"
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Susan A V from Sarasota on Mar 16, 2026
Chess
"This powerhouse cast of Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nick Christopher was mind blowing. Simply exceptional performances all around. Not sure how it would fare under other artistic leadership, but this is a win!"
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Barbara R from Granbury on Mar 16, 2026
A spellbound game of the Cold War & Chess
"The opportunity to hear Lea, Aaron and Nicholas’s vocals was outstanding, but please go see it for the incredibly moving story. The score and dancing were exceptional and cheers to Bryce as an epic arbiter. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 15, 2026
Fantastic!
"The 3 stars are incredible, but the rest of the cast shines too! The orchestra is amazing! The music is fantastic."
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 14, 2026
Top 5 best theatre experience...ever!
"All love for this show. Lea, Aaron, Nicholas, Hannah and Bryce were off the charts fantastic! Vocally, it was an emotional experience. Every single, duet, trio, a masterpiece. The ensemble was absolutely fabulous both vocally and choreographically. I wished I could've turned around and watched it again. I've recommended it 5-6 times today, already. Mad props for Chess."
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 12, 2026
Spectacular
"Plot still is clumsy in the second act, but the music is simply phenomenal! Lea Michele is especially amazing. Go see it!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 12, 2026
Brilliant!
"Everything you want it to be. Amazing singers, dancing on point, funny, great images, ..."
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Andrina I from Rego Park on Mar 11, 2026
Incredible Performers and Compelling Story
"We knew this would be about chess but were unprepared for the Cold War drama! All of the actors were amazing—from the three leads, to the main supporting cast, to the full ensemble. Sophisticated, entertaining, and oddly perfect for these times."
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 11, 2026
Powerful vocals
"I am a fan of this show since its first inception, so this was an incredible experience for me. I really liked what they did with the book, I think it was much improved. The 3 featured leads do not disappoint with the power ballads. And so many other strong performances from supporting cast and the ensemble. I really thought the orchestra was fantastic. My husband and 14 year old daughter were seeing it for the first time. They both really appreciated the music, but weren’t quite sure they liked the book/plot, particularly my daughter, but I don’t think it is a show for teens. I am Gen X and I loved it! Bravo!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 8, 2026
My experience with Chess
"This was by far the best vocals, talent choreography was spot on. I was fully taken in by the story. I cried , I laughed. Could see this musical every day!!! "
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carol s from Troy on Mar 7, 2026
How relatable
"I loved it. The narrator made the story easier to follow. Great musical score. Actors voices matched story line as well as each other. I cried at the end, definite goose bumps!!!❤️❤️"
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Dawn M from Laconia on Mar 5, 2026
Chess is one of the 5 Best Shows Ever !
"This was phenomenal and I have seen many shows over almost 40 yrs. The acting and portrayal of characters was tremendous and the music and voices were stupendous. In addition a terrific handling of the interesting theme of Cold War with a terrific blending of comedy to further enrich the whole experience. Honestly we feel this was in the top 5 shows we have seen on broadway and my wife is a music teacher with perfect pitch. Thank goodness we celebrated a milestone birthday seeing this awesome show. DONT MISS THIS! IT SHOULD CONTINUE!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 3, 2026
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
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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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