"Interesting story, enjoyed the music. Orchestra was onstage the whole time, but not intrusive. Very good acting and singing."
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 27, 2026
Great music overcomes a flawed story
"An energetic production that makes some questionable decisions about the ordering of musical numbers and works too hard to make the production resonate with the current political climate. But the music, set, and actors do not disappoint."
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 23, 2026
Great Acting & Singing Weak Story
"Amazing Actors & Dancers. Singing was one of the best I have ever heard at a Broadway Show. Storyline was weak. Set was nothing special. If Lea Michelle was not in this show, I don’t think it would have been nearly as successful as it has been. "
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Elise B from NEWTOWN on Mar 9, 2026
A 9 out of 10.
"Loved the music and choreography. The lead performers were phenomenal. My only regret is that I didn’t know and read up on the storyline in advance. We lost a lot of the “musical dialogue“ in the mezzanine seats "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 4, 2026
Very good not great
"The performers were excellent. The entire cast played their roles wonderfully. Some numbers dragged out and slowed things down to much. Other numbers had high energy and impressive dance choreography. "
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KEVIN B from Secaucus on Dec 28, 2025
At last!
"I have been a fan of Chess since its inception and was very excited to see a new attempt to produce it. I worked on the original Public Theatre production of A Chorus Line, for which Michael Bennett was the director. His health issues were a reason the production of Chess faced so many challenges and why the project was relegated to a cult music album like Jesus Christ Superstar. Not that there is anything wrong with cult music albums. As a set designer, I always believed that Chess could be an epic theatre experience. It had the complex music score, surprisingly composed by the team that also composed the populist and pedestrian Mama Mia. For whatever they contributed to the mindless banality of the disco genre, their composition of Chess more than redeems them. BTW, I believe Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus would agree. I saw the show in November and was so encouraged by the production, I returned for a second time in December. Let me begin with the positive.The cast was superlative. Lea Michele is lovely and her vocalization is riveting. Her only weakness is when she is not singing. She defaults to a traditional musical comedy style. I know that she has to project her lines to be heard and understood, but I would be prefer she relax and be who she is. I believe that who she is would be enough and far more effective. Not unlike Lea Michele, Nicholas Christopher was powerful when he was singing, but slightly stilted when he wasn't. Aaron Tveit had a difficult role to play, but did so masterfully. He was equally at home in his performance whether he was speaking or singing. Bryce Pinkham managed his role(s) with great control and energy. My biggest disappointment was the sound. The sound was too loud and strident causing the actors to strain which was off putting for the audience. The set was less than impressive, but that's OK, because it's really about the singers, isn't it? And they were marvelous!"
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Glen S from Charlotte on Dec 24, 2025
Funny and entertaining
"The 3 leads were spectacular and the dancers were amazing. I laughed a lot and lots of eye candy. We came to see Lea Michelle and she’s still got it! Only issue was the Imperial theater seating is very tight so I was pretty uncomfortable throughout the show but I’d definitely recommend. Not for kids though (language/content)"
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Andrew T from Babylon on Dec 21, 2025
Incredible vocals
"The singing was amazing, size of stage a little small for the dancing to be highly impressive. If you are a major geek about the original Chess you may need to let go and prepare for some new ideas and missing/added songs but the singing was great and the audience loves it making for a fun experience. Acting was fair and the Arbiter/Narrator was a little too much at times but a great time overall. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 13, 2025
An honest opinion- no hype
"The three major stars are awesome. Beautiful voices! Loved the set. Great orchestra. Great dancers. “Bangkok” was fantastic. The book still needs help - but overall, I recommend. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 11, 2025
Wonderful revival of a show I thought I’d never get to see
"I’ve loved the score and soundtrack to Chess from back in the 1990s but thought I’d never have the opportunity to see it on Broadway. Right when I heard it was coming back my sister, mother and I jumped on the chance to get tickets (my mother saw it in 1991 in London)! The songs are just as beautiful as I remember. The female leads were great but the men stole the show!!! Anatoly was phenomenal! I can’t wait to download the 2025 soundtrack and listen to it on repeat again and again!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 8, 2025
A riveting Cold War musical
"An entertaining musical with some serious musical talent. Seeing Lea Michele and Aaron Tveit was a true treat. I thoroughly enjoyed it. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 20, 2025
Great rework of a show that needed a new book
"I loved Chess. The new book made it easy to follow along - adding the narrater made all the difference. The songs finally have a story to match! the cast was excellent. Each of the leads were fantastic in different ways, Aaron will break your heart with Pity the Child, Lea will impress you with her ability to hold back the Diva style and let nuances guide her, and Nicholas will drawn you in with his intensity and charm. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 20, 2025
Talent abounds
"Three very strong leads that were needed for the difficult and challenging vocals. They didn’t disappoint. The entire cast was impressive as well."
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 15, 2025
Great revival of a compelling musical
"Cast was amazing, story was timely for today even though it was from the 20th century cold war era. I think it might have been a tad too long but that did not take away from the enjoyment of all the performances of the impact of the story. The 3 leads were broadway stars at their finest. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Nov 7, 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
Beautiful show, great singing
"I loved the ensemble! Great singing snd dancing. The MC was hilarious and also fantastic. The 3 leads had the most amazing voices but it was a bit hard to understand what they were singing. The orchestra was also amazing. Overall, solid show. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 26, 2026
Well presented subject from a past era
"Timely substance despite being a historical setting nearly fifty years ago. Three lead male characters were excellent. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 9, 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.
