CHESS Previews

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 12:03am

Everybody’s playing the game.

The very first Broadway revival of Chess makes its first move tomorrow night (October 15) at the Imperial Theatre. Leading the onstage company are Lea Michele as Florence Vassey, Aaron Tveit as Freddie Trumper, and Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergievsky; also featured are Hannah Cruz, Bryce Pinkham, Bradley Dean, and Sean Allan Krill. Chess features a much-cherished score by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (of ABBA) along with Tim Rice; the new book for this revival is by Danny Strong, and choreography is by Lorin Latarro with direction by Michael Mayer. Opening night is November 16.

“As two of the greatest chess players in the world compete for something beyond victory, the woman between them is caught in a high-stakes battle of desire and devotion.”

Who’s putting their pawns on the board?

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 5:11am

I won't be seeing this for a couple more weeks, but I am so excited! Looking forward to hearing reports from those going in early previews.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 6:50am

Only one of two things can happen: it will be spectacular or a dumpster fire. Hoping for the first option. 

[Mary_Poppins]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:09am

rosscoe(au) said: "Only one of two things can happen: it will be spectacular or a dumpster fire. Hoping for the first option."

Well, it will very likely be better than its precursor at the Kennedy Center. And I've seen no one calling that a dumpster fire. So, by your premise...

 

 

NOT trying to be snarky. I'm hoping for spectacular, just like you.

Updated On: 10/14/25 at 10:09 AM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:17am

As was first revealed to the public by his HAMILTON confidant Mike Moise, Ian Weinberger will front an 18-piece band for this production of CHESS. Orchestrations are by Anders Eljas.

Instrumentation is as follows:

• 3 Keyboards
• 4 Reeds
• French Horn
• Trumpet / Flugelhorn
• Trombone
• Drums
• Percussion
• Guitar
• Bass
• 2 Violins (incl. Concertmaster)
• Viola
• Cello

 

Updated On: 10/14/25 at 10:17 AM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:28am

Surprised there has been really no buzz/talk about this show. Seems like it's very much highly anticipated. Cannot wait to hear reports back! 

[corninthesky]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:39am

Interesting interview with Danny Strong. Sounds like some songs will be cut. Looking forward to hearing early reports!

Updated On: 10/14/25 at 10:39 AM

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:41am

"Only one of two things can happen: it will be spectacular or a dumpster fire. Hoping for the first option. "

Seeing Aaron Tveit and Lea Michele is worth the price of admission to me.

[macbeth]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:47am

Very interesting interview! I didn't see the KC version, what was the consensus on it? 

[Lot666]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:48am

corninthesky said: "Interesting interview with Danny Strong. Sounds like some songs will be cut."

He better not have cut "The Deal (No Deal)".

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 1:15pm

In the benefit concert, I remember the Talking Chess portion of the score was converted to dialogue.  I also kind of hope that Lea Michele singing Someone Else's Story takes the place of Heaven Help My Heart.

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 2:15pm

Lot666 said: "corninthesky said: "Interesting interview with Danny Strong.Sounds like some songs will be cut."

He better not have cut "The Deal (No Deal)"."

its there, Aaron talked about being very excited about it.

Heaven help my heart is also there.  Tim Rice mentioned in a recent interview in Sweden theyve added a song and from a hint from Hannah someone here or maybe reddit mentioned recently the consensus is it is probably He's a Man, He's a Child, which fits Svetlana better thsn Someone Else’s Story.

Going by the Kennedy Centre version the cut songs seem to be Embassy Lament and The Merchandisers. He might have cut more since then but as far as im aware all the major ones remain.  Lea has talked about Endgame,  Nik amd Lea were joking about struggling with getting the lyrics down for You and I but loving the song.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 5:59pm

[Huss417]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 6:04pm

Zeppie2022 said: ""Only one of two things can happen: it will be spectacular or a dumpster fire. Hoping for the first option. "

Seeing Aaron Tveit and Lea Michele is worth the price of admission to me."

Nicholas Christopher will hopefully come out of this being the star he so deserves to be and is actually the one I am most looking forward to seeing in the show.

[TheatreMonkey]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 6:07pm

While I am certainly not a fan of the their key art choices, I really am digging the "One Night In Bangkok" T-shirt...

[shomeika]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 6:27pm

Nov 1 can't come soon enough. I am hoping the story is more coherent this time, and there are proper "sets" and not the scaffolding / minimalistic sort of set from DC.  I know that performance was somewhat impromptu, so I'm sure this will be an upgrade.  For those going to the first previews, please enjoy. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 6:50pm

Huss417 said: "Zeppie2022 said: ""Only one of two things can happen: it will be spectacular or a dumpster fire. Hoping for the first option. "

Seeing Aaron Tveit and Lea Michele is worth the price of admission to me."

Nicholas Christopher will hopefully come out of this being the star he so deserves to be and is actually the one I am most looking forward to seeing in the show."

 

Same.  I have known Nick since he did "RENT" and have seen him whenever I can. His Pirelli in 'Sweeney Todd" just knocked my socks off. I so wish I had seen him go on as Sweeney but I moved away before he went on.  Was planning to see "Chess" during my trip back later  this month, for him and to finally see the show, but holding off on buying my ticket with a possible strike looming. Hoping they resolve everything and I get to see it. 

 

[The8re phan]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 7:16pm

Sutton Ross said: ""

gotta say --- so far, the merch seems a little ho-hum.

at least this helps justify the wait in line to get the autographed limited edition poster from the box office opening a few weeks ago.  Now THAT is GORGEOUS!!!!  

[MysteriousLady]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 7:34pm

I don't know why, but I just can't stand that type writer font they are using on the art and the merch. Maybe it's just that two fonts are being used and that bothers me? 

Overall I think the merchandise looks good. I do like the black and pink. 

[Cockeyed Optimist]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:17pm

Show curtain

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPzrPchjHtd/?img_index=1&igsh=MTdjcGc3ZTBpbno1YQ==

[DomPhilly]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:24pm

Any opinions on the performance tonight, please post.

 

 

Cockeyed Optimist said: "Show curtain

https://www.instagram.com/p/DPzrPchjHtd/?img_index=1&igsh=MTdjcGc3ZTBpbno1YQ=="

 

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 10:28pm

That is one high stage. I was wondering why the newly released first row tickets were somewhat "reasonable" for this production. Thanks for sharing, beautiful curtain.

[quizking101]

Posted: 10/14/25 at 11:02pm

The8re phan said: "Sutton Ross said: ""

gotta say --- so far, the merch seems a little ho-hum.

at least this helps justify the wait in line to get the autographed limited edition poster from the box office opening a few weeks ago. Now THAT is GORGEOUS!!!! "

I absolutely HATE when a show has a white t-shirt. I don’t want to pay $40 for something I know will get stained or mishandled in the laundry.

[matty159]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 12:24am

Saw invited dress tonight, but keeping things to a minimum as procedure on here.  No stops.  Not a dumpster fire.  It gave me chills to see it live for the first time.  Nicolas Christopher is a star!  Holy crap.  I can’t wait to go back.  Some quibbles, but I’ll keep that under my wig until tomorrow night.  

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 10/15/25 at 1:10am

Is there staging or is it a concert like has been rumored?