Broadway Revival of Chess to Star Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher

In a high-profile theatrical return, Chess—the Cold War-era rock musical with a cult following and a score by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and lyricist Tim Rice—is getting its first-ever Broadway revival in Fall 2025. Producers announced today that Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit, Emmy Award nominee Lea Michele, and Broadway standout Nicholas Christopher will lead the cast at a Shubert theater to be named.

The long-anticipated revival will feature a new book by Emmy and Golden Globe winner Danny Strong (Dopesick, Empire) and direction by Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening, Funny Girl). Choreography is by Lorin Latarro (Waitress), with music supervision by Brian Usifer (A Beautiful Noise, Frozen).

Tveit, fresh off recent turns in Sweeney Todd and Moulin Rouge!, will star as Freddie Trumper, the hot-headed American grandmaster. Michele, following her record-breaking run as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, takes on the role of Florence Vassey, caught between two grandmasters and the political forces that bind them. Christopher, who recently starred in Little Shop of Horrors and Hamilton, steps into the role of Anatoly Sergievsky, the stoic Russian champion.

First developed as a concept album in 1984, Chess became a hit in London’s West End but struggled during its original 1988 Broadway run, despite a devoted fan base and such enduring songs as “Anthem,” “Someone Else’s Story,” and “One Night in Bangkok.” This new production, according to the producers, aims to reintroduce Chess to modern audiences with a fresh narrative while honoring the show’s original dramatic tension and musical ambition.

“This is a show about political tension, personal sacrifice, and what we’re willing to gamble for love and country,” said Strong in a statement. “The themes are more relevant than ever.”

The revival marks a rare return of a musical with such an international pedigree. Andersson and Ulvaeus, best known as members of ABBA and for Mamma Mia!, joined forces with Rice, whose credits include Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Lion King, to create the show. The result was a collision of operatic storytelling and pop-rock innovation that resonated deeply with its audience, though its original Broadway outing was met with mixed reviews and a short run.

This new staging is being mounted by a powerhouse producing team that includes Tom Hulce (Spring Awakening), Robert Ahrens (Little Shop of Horrors), the Shubert Organization, and Creative Partners Productions.

No opening date has been set, and additional casting and theater details will be announced in the coming months. Interested theatergoers can sign up for first-access tickets at www.ChessBroadway.com.

As for the game itself—both on the board and in the lives of its characters—the stakes remain as high as ever. It's America versus Russia, love versus loyalty, and freedom versus control, all told through a musical score that continues to captivate four decades later.

Follow Chess on social media at @chessbway.

Music and Lyrics by Benny Andersson, Tim Rice, and Björn Ulvaeus

Based on an idea by Tim Rice

New Book by Danny Strong

Music Supervision by Brian Usifer

Choreography by Lorin Latarro

Directed by Michael Mayer