CHESS 2025 Broadway Cast Recording Thread

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 10:31am

Releases this spring! Music and lyrics by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice

At noon EST, "Nobody's Side" will stream everywhere, performed by Lea Michele (Florence) and the Broadway company. 

Updated On: 3/19/26 at 10:31 AM

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 10:33am

Boo hiss. I need an actual g’damn date. 

[suzcap]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 11:12am

quizking101 said: "Boo hiss. I need an actual g’damn date."

The date is most likely being announced some time today.

[DiscoCrows]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 11:57am

Nobody’s Side is out on Apple Music already.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 12:03pm

 

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 12:09pm

suzcap said: "quizking101 said: "Boo hiss. I need an actual g’damn date."

The date is most likely being announced some time today."

Let’s hope. This is the worst case of cast recording edgelording I’ve felt since WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN

[Kad]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 12:18pm

quizking101 said: "suzcap said: "quizking101 said: "Boo hiss. I need an actual g’damn date."

The date is most likely being announced some time today."

Let’s hope. This is the worst case of cast recording edgelording I’ve felt since WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN"

The Sweeney Todd revival was far worse, imo- trickling out singles for months. 

[C4b2a3b]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 2:59pm

Love the single, but does anybody think it's a bit too loud at 2:01 (the synthesizer sound)?

[Ball of Buttah]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 3:41pm

C4b2a3b said: "Love the single, but does anybody thinkit's a bit too loudat 2:01 (the synthesizer sound)?"

Definitely couldn't hear that synth in the show. But, I think that's why the live version was only my second favorite because everything was loud (orchestra, ensemble, etc). Whereas, I enjoyed Jessica's Studio 54's version with a piano and 2 backup singers. She sang it effortlessly and it just had a fun vibe. Judy's was up there til I saw Lea live. 
 

All that to say, this recording is my fave version ever 😍🥰. Can't wait for the rest of the album. My guess is they announce the date whenever Rocky or Cats open (or the day after). Meanwhile, they can give us Anthem and I Know Him So Well (but probably ONIB). 

Updated On: 3/19/26 at 03:41 PM

[Mary_Poppins]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 3:58pm

C4b2a3b said: "Love the single, but does anybody think it's a bit too loud at 2:01 (the synthesizer sound)?"

Technically, it's not too loud but it sticks out because it's unabashedly a synthesizer sound, unlike all the other synths which have some resemblance to more traditional instruments. So maybe, yes they could have pulled it down a little.

 

[Mary_Poppins]

Posted: 3/19/26 at 4:30pm

Billboard interview with Lea about the recording:

https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/lea-michele-nobodys-side-chess-track-premiere-interview-1236202185/

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 3:15am

Full album release is April 10 on digital platforms! 

Now streaming, Nicholas Christopher (Anatoly) and the company performing “Anthem”:

 

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 3:22am

EDSOSLO858 said: "Full albumrelease is April 10 on digital platforms!

Now streaming, Nicholas Christopher (Anatoly) and the company performing “Anthem”:

A little odd this is not on the Chess YT site or any announcement from the Chess social media yet but I was guessing next week anyway with Tony nominations coming soon.

"

 

Updated On: 4/3/26 at 03:22 AM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 3:32am

Track listing:

• ACT I
• 1. Overture
• 2. Difficult and Dangerous Times
• 3. Where I Want to Be
• 4. Pity the Child #1
• 5. Merano
• 6. What a Scene / What a Joy
• 7. Press Conference
• 8. The Arbiter
• 9. Chess Match #1
• 10. Quartet (A Model of Decorum and Tranquility)
• 11. 1956, Budapest is Rising
• 12. Nobody's Side
• 13. Mountain Duet
• 14. Florence Quits
• 15. Pity the Child #2
• 16. Heaven Help My Heart
• 17. Anatoly and the Press
• 18. Anthem

 

• ACT II
• 19. Golden Bangkok
• 20. One Night In Bangkok
• 21. He is a Man, He is a Child
• 22. The Soviet Machine
• 23. The Interview
• 24. You and I
• 25. The Deal (Pt. 1)
• 26. The Deal (Pt. 2)
• 27. Pity the Child
• 28. I Know Him So Well
• 29. Endgame (Pt. 1)
• 30. Endgame (Pt. 2)
• 31. Someone Else's Story
• 32. You and I (Reprise)
• 33. Epilogue

[Ball of Buttah]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 4:15am

Soooo weird Anthem dropped without any fanfare and/or announcement. Maybe because Nick has been sick since Saturday? Although, you'd think they'd have something prepared ready to go... at least on their IG account. 

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 4:21am

Ball of Buttah said: "Soooo weird Anthem dropped without any fanfare and/or announcement. Maybe because Nick has been sick since Saturday? Although, you'd think they'd have something prepared ready to go... at least on their IG account."

it hasn't dropped on their official YT account.  I suspect the plan was to announce next Tuesday but this has leaked.

Updated On: 4/3/26 at 04:21 AM

[kidmanboy]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 5:47am

The sound quality/balance on the two tracks released so far is impeccable.  And both vocals sound excellent as well. Can't wait for the entire thing!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 5:52am

I’m so glad they did this right and gave us a complete recording of the score as presented in this production instead of highlights to fit on one CD.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 6:12am

What a beautiful rendition.

Updated On: 4/3/26 at 06:12 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 8:58am

In a show full of brilliant standout moments, "Anthem" is probably the best one of them all. I have a feeling I'm going to be listening to this recording quite often.

[Lot666]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 11:58am

WithoutATrace said: "In a show full of brilliant standout moments, "Anthem" is probably the best one of them all."

I couldn't agree more. When I saw the show last November, I was in an absolute puddle when the lights came up at the end of the first act. 

Updated On: 4/3/26 at 11:58 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/3/26 at 2:32pm

When I saw the show for a second time with my best friend since second grade, during the final moments of "Anthem," she grabbed my arm and we both had this emotional wave come over us. It was one of those moments that really hits hard and perfectly encapsulates the incredible power of live theater. It's fascinating that people seem to be going to Chess to see Lea Michele and Aaron Tveit, but are leaving Chess talking about how wonderful Nicholas Christopher is.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/6/26 at 2:31pm

Aaron Tveit (Freddie) and the company performing “Pity the Child”:

 

Updated On: 4/6/26 at 02:31 PM

[schubox]

Posted: 4/6/26 at 2:57pm

WithoutATrace said: "When I saw the show for a second time with my best friend since second grade, during the final moments of "Anthem," she grabbed my arm and we both had this emotional wave come over us. It was one of those moments that really hits hard and perfectly encapsulates the incredible power of live theater. It's fascinatingthat people seem to be going to Chess to seeLea Michele and Aaron Tveit, but are leaving Chess talking about how wonderful Nicholas Christopher is."

Anthem was probably a top 2 theater moment for me this past season

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/6/26 at 3:30pm

Nick just totally delivers the vocal goods. I saw him several times in the "RENT" revival and every time he just reduced me to tears when he sang the "I'll Cover You" reprise.

I look forward to him and Tveit on the recording.