CHESS Previews- Page 4

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 9:18am

An unpopular question, but as a 40 year fan of the score: has Strong done anything to give Florence more agency beyond her codependency to these two men? It's the 2025 problem with 1980s material: we have already seen edgy work like The Queen's Gambit, wherein a woman rules the game, so watching this woman take the backseat for 2.5 hours feels very, um, midcentury romcom-trapped. Yes, yes, it's the period. But none of Florence's lyrics pass the Bechdel test; she sings repeatedly about being subsumed by the men's issues, speculating about their behavior, their loyalty, confronting and ruminating. That's locked into Tim Rice's characterization. Has anything at all been added to expand her beyond the triangle? Though it's an obvious feminist issue, it's as much a storytelling issue; Florence is defined by niche issues, never given ambition or a dream beyond these relationships. I wish the plot turn(s) about her father would amplify her emptiness; yet it always feels interpolated for more stakes at the end. 

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 9:20am

getatme said: "Yes, Jacoby is only in the final scene.

Not really sure what American Idol style riffs were heard, Lea did not more riffs than people have come to expect from Nobody's Side, in fact it was far more restrained than I've heard the song riffed in recent years."

its Lea.  people magically hear things that aren't there as they have to find something to be critical of. goes with the territory sadly.  

Before i get jumped on, no im not saying people can't have legit comments re Lea but there is a pattern to some of this stuff.

 

Updated On: 10/16/25 at 09:20 AM

[darquegk]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 9:22am

Does she do the scream in the middle of "Nobody's Side?"

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 9:24am

People magazine coming through once again with the first production photos:

[GirlFromOz68]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 9:28am

EDSOSLO858 said: "People magazine coming through once again with the first production photos:







"

Great photos.  Do they have a lot of projections through the show eg re some of the political events i heard they used video when they did the previous concerts.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 9:58am

That’s quite a large ensemble including some of my favorites (Meahl & Garvin) so I’d love to hear a bit more about the movement.  Is it better that they’re all there if it’s more of a concert? 

Updated On: 10/16/25 at 09:58 AM

[MDWHIT57]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 10:26am

Any insight on Pity the Child Orchestration.  I'm pleading for a return of the 1984 Guitar Solo at the end.  Literally begging and pining for it.  I know, I'm pathetic. 

[suzcap]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 10:45am

2) While I find the idea that Lea would riff American Idol style to be disturbing in the extreme, is it distracting? I wish people realized it was about the music/message and not them! How selfish that behavior is.

 

She hasn't done that in either fo the songs I have heard.  And in the hundreds of songs she has sung before has never done that often.

 

[getatme]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 10:46am

darquegk said: "Does she do the scream in the middle of "Nobody's Side?""

No she did not

[Marlothom]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 11:17am

Having listened to the audio, it sounded like the only "riffing" Lea did was at the end of Nobody's Side because the chorus was VERY LOUD. Had she not "riffed" her vocals would have been drowned out.  

[Mary_Poppins]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 11:29am

darquegk said: "Does she do the scream in the middle of "Nobody's Side?""

If you mean the part where she surfs on the word "side" for 15 seconds or so: yes she does. But that's not a scream.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 11:32am

I agree with others that the choreography was weak.  That trio performing their "modern dance" piece in Act II was interminable.  Also, can we maybe put a moratorium on choreographers having some random chorus boy do backflips?  Seems to happen in just about every single show these days!

[always bway]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 11:47am

I was  lucky enough to snag a ticket to last night’s show at 7:20pm! Toward front mezz.

Nicholas Christopher is so good that it will blow your mind. He stopped the show with a standing O. Wish he had less stoicism. Lea stopped the show with Nobody’s Side. Aaron Tveit is doing the best acting of his career and his voice is butter. It’s worth the price of admission on their voices alone. I wish some of their acting choices had more warmth. I couldn’t quite get inside the love story. Everyone was so angry with each other that I didn’t believe they had a love withstanding. Arbitor song and dance was great- all his singing was great- but the new book has him meta interjecting shlocky jokes. Don’t need it.  
The set is concert like and lighting is dynamic. Very rock and roll then very opera like at times.  The costumes are out of a Magritte painting. Act 2 costumes have a very sexy reveal. The choreography is so cool. There is a beautiful modern trio dance in act two that will take your breath away. Sara Meahl is STUNNING in it-  a love triangle dream ballet. Bangkok does exactly what you want it to do and is cheeky.  The dancers bodies are to die for- also worth the price of admission. 

I think this gets Lea Michelle a Tony nom and maybe even the Tony.  It could be her year. It’s definitely Nicks. 

Updated On: 10/16/25 at 11:47 AM

[Mary_Poppins]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 11:48am

Marlothom said: "Having listened to the audio, it sounded like the only "riffing" Lea did was at the end of Nobody's Side because the chorus was VERY LOUD. Had she not "riffed" her vocals would have been drowned out."

Indeed, she gets mixed in too low at times. Got her a couple of bad reviews on Reddit because people can't distinguish between weak vocals and too little input gain at the mixing board or lack of proper gain riding.. Some sound engineers just get side tracked by all the complexities of such a mix and neglect most basic stuff.

And as someone who isn't too dogmatic or traditionalist about these matters: a tiny bit of reverb might also help.

So, Chess people, if you're listening...

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 11:59am

Last night was very enjoyable! Is the new book great? No but if I'm being honest last night made me realize that I don't know is Chess NEEDS to have a great book. The star of the musical Chess IS the score. Ever. Song. Is. A. Banger. As long as you have the plot there to bridge the gap between the songs, this is the rarest of shows where I don't think it matters much what they are saying so long as it moves us to the next song. We get it. Cold War metaphor. Parallels today. Blah blah blah, now sing the songs! 

Therefore I also didn't mind the semi concert setting because while it looked like a stage concert, the lighting especially really elevated it to something more than just that. To the point that when more tangible set pieces did show up they felt wrong to be there, looking at you randomly overly elaborate bed but shout (I guess) to the nod to Great Comet's set design? That happened.

Performance wise, I am going back in two weeks and will comment more on that at that time because I definitely felt like there were some nerves getting in the way last night. It also could just be the Imperial's sound system which I have found to be a massive issue (especially upstairs) for the last 4 shows I have seen there. Everyone is raving about Nicholas and I agree but for me as small as the role is Hannah Cruz really stole it for me. She has so little to do as a princess track part but she makes use of every single second she is one that stage to the point that I lament that her character is not in the full show because she deserves to be on that stage more. The new song is fine enough. 

I hope the chemistry between people improves...... that's all I'm gonna say about that for NOW.

Now there are some things I am a bit more critical of that I hope to see improve or change. I don't mind the use of the narrator but I do mind the OVERUSE of the narrator. There were times I felt like I was seeing more of him than the actual leading characters in the show. And the light hearted jokes are fine early on but come off cringy and out of place as we get deeper and darker into the plot proper.

I genuinely hate the "happy" ending. There is something so much more impactful of the concept of playing the game and losing in the end then everyone walking off into their own personal (all be it at times bittersweet) sunsets. And everything we have seen from the KGB and the CIA over the course of the show is that the personal lives of these chess players does not matter to them, at all. They would have lied. It's too convent that a random dude has been kept alive in prison for no reason for like 30+ years because he could one day be a plot device in the scheme against a person in a chess championship.

Again, I go back in two weeks and then want to return again post open so I give updates on changes then.

[trentsketch]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 12:15pm

I'm admittedly not the biggest Lea Michele fan, but this is perfect casting for her. The score is a good match for what she brings as a vocalist and I know she can nail a park and bark moment.

I also can't imagine people complaining about riffing in a pop/rock Broadway score worked on by Tim Rice, but here we are. 

Updated On: 10/16/25 at 12:15 PM

[Up In One]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 12:32pm

GirlFromOz68 said: "getatme said: "Is Chess fixed? Likely no. Did I have a great time? Yes. Was it thrilling to hear this music performed as well as it was tonight? Absolutely.

The new book is not great. There's over-narration, groan-worthy political jokes referencing modern day, a wink wink at the audience after seemingly every number, and if any of this had been delivered by a lesser performer than Bryce Pinkham, it would have felt like an absolute slog. But he is so charismatic and charming, that even when I was rolling my eyes I found I was doing it with a smile.

The actual book scenes between characters are also not great, but they're largely short and give way to such an excellent score that I wasn't overly bothered. I couldn't even hate the "happy ending" the show now has because it led to a Ragtime original cast reunion.

Performances are all really quite good. I can't say much more that hasn't already been said about Nicholas Christopher. While his accent veers into Count Chocula at times, he delivers every single song with power, presence, and pristine vocals. This show will make him the star he should have become years ago and it is well earned. Felt like a true star is born performance.

Lea is wonderful. She has such star quality and is incredibly watchable. Vocally had a couple of hiccups that I think will get ironed out quickly, but she sells the songs she needs to sell and looks gorgeous while doing it. Great chemistry with her co-stars.

Tveit I was a little baffled by. It's the first time I found myself preferring his acting to his singing. Found he struggled a bit with the highest notes in Pity the Child and it all felt rather tentative like he was winding up to sing big. But then I thought his acting was refreshingly free and loose, where I usually find him cold and rigid. Not totally convinced he's cool enough to pull off One Night in Bangkok. It was a good performance, but rather paled in comparison to those around him.

Hannah Cruz looks like a million bucks, sounds like a dream, and is such a wonderful actor. Very exciting to see her get this opportunity.

Bradley Dean is another unsung hero here. Soviet Machine wasthrilling.

It's over-choreographed, I found the ensemble numbers quite exciting to watch, but then when the ensemble was upstage singing harmonies during solos they would do some INCREDIBLY distracting dancing (someone mentioned the wave which happened not once, but TWICE during Where I Wanna Be). Hopefully it gets fine-tuned.

It's really a concert staging with a bigger budget. I thought the set was actually very attractive and the space was used well. Excellent lighting by Kevin Adams, as always.

Overall, I had a great time and I can't wait to see it again. It's not going to convert anyone, it might end up deterring critical Chess fans. But for me, it was overall a success."

The main criticism I'm seeing in various places is too much Arbiter even though people love Bryce, but they need to cut the jokes down a bit. That might be one place they can do a bit of trimming in previews and Danny did say in his recent THR interview that he fully expects to make some more adjustments during previews.

re some critical Chess fans I think some people are so attached to one version of the show they love (and that's different versions for different people) they don't want to accept a different version. The truth is for the show to succeed they need to reach out to new people who don't know the show anyway so I don't think those naysayers will make a big difference it will be pulling in a new audience which will be crucial.

One question about the Ragtime reunion

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

is Mark Jacoby just in one scene at the end with Lea?

"

Concerning this business..."The main criticism I'm seeing in various places is too much Arbiter even though people love Bryce, but they need to cut the jokes down a bit. That might be one place they can do a  bit of trimming in previews and Danny did say in his recent THR interview that he fully expects to make some more adjustments during previews." All of this was cringy in the benefit concert at the Broadhurst, how did they not see "feel" that?  But yes please remove as much of tha as possible before I see it in November. LOL 

[getatme]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 12:46pm

Scarlet Leigh said: "Last night was very enjoyable! Is the new book great? No but if I'm being honest last night made me realize that I don't know is Chess NEEDS to have a great book. The star of themusical Chess IS the score. Ever. Song. Is. A. Banger. As long as you have the plot there to bridge the gap between the songs, this is the rarest of shows where I don't think it matters much what they are saying so long as it moves us to the next song. We get it. Cold War metaphor. Parallels today. Blah blah blah, now sing the songs!

Therefore I also didn't mind the semi concert setting because while it looked like a stage concert, the lighting especially really elevated it to something more than just that. To the point that when more tangible set pieces did show up they felt wrong to be there, looking at you randomly overly elaborate bed but shout (I guess) to the nod to Great Comet's set design? That happened."

100% agree with all of this. The score is the star and while I would love to have seen a fully realized production of Chess with a massive 80s-style set, the concert staging worked for me here more than it works in the Encores transfers we've been seeing lately.

The book is bad. I won't deny that. But it gives way to incredible music and I found myself leaving going, "Sure the words they were saying weren't great, but the music they sang was and they sang it well." And I think that ultimately is where Chess is meant to land.

 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 12:48pm

I’m surprised that no one has mentioned Nicholas Christopher’s Russian accent, which, unlike his singing, is pretty bad. I get all the raves for his vocals, which are fantastic (although his “Anthem” didn’t blow me away) but, if we’re talking about being Tony-worthy, his acting just doesn’t compare to Joshua Henry’s in RAGTIME. 

Updated On: 10/16/25 at 12:48 PM

[Melissa25]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 12:52pm

The over narration should be removed from most shows. It's too common today.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 12:53pm

Just to reiterate what some have said, Lea's "American Idol riffing" last night was definitely minimal and did not take away from the impact of the songs. She sounded great. When I saw the benefit with Lena Hall and Solea Pfeiffer, I thought both of them riffed a bit too excessively. Admittedly, I am partial to Judy Kuhn's perfection on the OBCR.

Nicholas Christopher was really the star last night though. I was truly blown away at how incredible he was. Anthem was flawless.

I had such a blast last night and cannot wait to return. I am so grateful to see this show I have been listening to for 30+ years finally get the big Broadway revival it deserves.

[Danny1984]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 1:08pm

Absolutely loving what I am hearing so far - great to read so many positive reports. 

Two questions on the set:

- Do those platforms the orchestra are on move up and down or are they static?

- Is there any automation of set pieces coming on from the wings or flown in from above; or is the set simply as you see it in the pics?

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 1:16pm

getatme said: "Scarlet Leigh said: "Last night was very enjoyable! Is the new book great? No but if I'm being honest last night made me realize that I don't know is Chess NEEDS to have a great book. The star of themusical Chess IS the score. Ever. Song. Is. A. Banger. As long as you have the plot there to bridge the gap between the songs, this is the rarest of shows where I don't think it matters much what they are saying so long as it moves us to the next song. We get it. Cold War metaphor. Parallels today. Blah blah blah, now sing the songs!

Therefore I also didn't mind the semi concert setting because while it looked like a stage concert, the lighting especially really elevated it to something more than just that. To the point that when more tangible set pieces did show up they felt wrong to be there, looking at you randomly overly elaborate bed but shout (I guess) to the nod to Great Comet's set design? That happened."

100% agree with all of this. The score is the star and while I would love to have seen a fully realized production of Chess with a massive 80s-style set, the concert staging worked for me here more than it works in the Encores transfers we've been seeing lately.

The book is bad. I won't deny that. But it gives way to incredible music and I found myself leaving going, "Sure the words they were saying weren't great, but the music they sang was and they sang it well." And I think that ultimately is where Chess is meant to land.

"

And gentle reminder of why this hasn't been revived yet and regional theaters barely touch this show. The book is atrocious. This is only back on Broadway because Lea Michele wanted this and was able to bring in Aaron and Christopher. 

 

[Scarlet Leigh]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 1:36pm

Danny1984 said: "Absolutely loving what I am hearing so far - great to read so many positive reports.

Two questions on the set:

- Do those platforms the orchestra areon move up and down or are they static?

- Is there any automation of set pieces coming on from the wings or flown in from above; or is the set simply as you see it in the pics?"

The platforms are static, There is some automation in the VERY center section of a screen that slides in an out from above that they place video on occasionally. I actually think they could use it more and wish they have put the same on the other two sections and played a bit more with multi media on them as they do have a BACK screen but it's SO far back that the visuals there at times get lost behind the orchestra and are partially blocked from the balcony.

There is a trap door centerstage that is used for a few moments (a bed is raised up and down, Sveltana makes her entrance via is, and a platform near the end of the show that is used for a dance moment) but other than that the set is just some rolling benches that never leave the stage and 2 chairs used in one scene.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/16/25 at 2:17pm

I infer from the discussion that the narrator device doesn’t solve the decades old problems with the storytelling; it simply serves it up like contemporaneous Monarch notes. Strong claims he was given carte blanche to start “from scratch.” I presumed he’d do serous rethinking of the characters and how they shape the plot. Yet it sounds like the exact same tale universally agreed to be hoary, confusing, and at times overwrought. Despite Strong’s insistence that he had no handcuffs, every post makes it sound like Tim Rice’s story repackaged. Fine; I just feel we’ve been promised more innovation than has been delivered.

Updated On: 10/16/25 at 02:17 PM