New York City, September 14, 2025
News Summary
The acclaimed musical Chess, featuring music by ABBA members, will be revived on Broadway with an opening night set for October 30, 2025. The production is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer and features a talent-filled cast including Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher. This revival promises a fresh perspective with a new book by Danny Strong, focusing on the gripping themes of power and passion within the chess world. Further details about the venue and full cast are to be announced soon.
New York City — The musical Chess, featuring music by ABBA members, is set to return to Broadway with an opening night scheduled for October 30, 2025. The revival will be directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer and choreographed by Lorin Latarro, with performances planned at a Shubert-owned theatre to be announced soon.
Top-line details
This Broadway revival of Chess stars Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit as Freddie Trumper, Emmy Award nominee Lea Michele as Florence Vassey, and Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergievsky. The production will feature a new book by Danny Strong and music supervision by Brian Usifer. Music is by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with lyrics by Ulvaeus and Tim Rice and an original book by Tim Rice.
Creative team and cast
The creative team combines established theatre figures: director Michael Mayer, choreographer Lorin Latarro, and new book writer Danny Strong. Aaron Tveit joins the project with a recent Tony win for Moulin Rouge! and credits that include Next to Normal, Hairspray, Wicked, Catch Me If You Can, and Sweeney Todd. Lea Michele, who debuted on Broadway at age eight in Les Misérables, has performed in Ragtime, Spring Awakening, and Funny Girl. Nicholas Christopher has appeared in productions such as Motown, Hamilton, Miss Saigon, and Sweeney Todd, and recently starred in Little Shop of Horrors.
Context and historical background
Chess began as a concept album released in 1984. It opened in London’s West End in 1986 and ran for three years. A revised version with a book by Richard Nelson reached Broadway in 1988 but ran for about two months. A West End revival was staged in 2018. The upcoming Broadway return will present a new book by Danny Strong and is part of a wider resurgence of ABBA-related musical productions currently appearing on Broadway, including a revival of Mamma Mia! scheduled to open this summer at the Winter Garden Theatre.
About the show
The story of Chess centers on the Cold War-era World Chess Championship and explores themes of power, passion, espionage, and romance. The musical blends pop-inflected songs by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus with lyric writing by Ulvaeus and Tim Rice, offering dramatic and political elements tied to its chess championship setting.
Logistics and next steps
Performances will take place at a Shubert theatre that has not yet been named. Additional details on specific dates beyond opening night, full casting, run length, and ticketing will be announced shortly by the producers. Brian Usifer is credited as music supervisor for the revival. Production and scheduling details remain subject to final confirmation.
Why this matters
The revival marks a prominent reintroduction of a complex musical that mixes pop songwriting with theatrical storytelling. With established performers in leading roles and a creative team that includes recent and past Broadway award winners, the production represents a notable example of legacy musicals being reshaped for contemporary audiences.
What to watch for
- Official announcement of the specific Shubert theatre hosting the run
- Full casting beyond the three leads and ensemble details
- Ticketing release dates and schedule of performances
- Creative team interviews and production imagery once released
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Chess open on Broadway?
The revival is scheduled to open on October 30, 2025.
Where will the show be performed?
Performances will take place at a Shubert-owned theatre on Broadway; the specific theatre will be announced later.
Who is in the lead cast?
The announced leads are Aaron Tveit as Freddie Trumper, Lea Michele as Florence Vassey, and Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergievsky.
Who is directing and choreographing the revival?
The production is directed by Michael Mayer and choreographed by Lorin Latarro.
Who wrote the new book for this revival?
Danny Strong wrote the new book for the 2025 Broadway revival.
What music and lyrics are used in the show?
Music is by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Lyrics are by Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice.
Are there other ABBA-related shows on Broadway?
Yes. The return of Chess is part of a broader presence of ABBA-linked musicals on Broadway, including a revival of Mamma Mia! opening this summer.
When will more details be released?
Producers have indicated that additional information on venue specifics, full casting, performance dates, and ticketing will be announced shortly.
Quick Reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Show | Chess |
| Opening Night | October 30, 2025 |
| Location | Shubert theatre (specific venue to be announced), Broadway, New York City |
| Director | Michael Mayer |
| Choreographer | Lorin Latarro |
| Book (revival) | Danny Strong |
| Music | Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus |
| Lyrics | Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice |
| Music Supervisor | Brian Usifer |
| Lead Cast | Aaron Tveit (Freddie Trumper), Lea Michele (Florence Vassey), Nicholas Christopher (Anatoly Sergievsky) |
| Themes | Power, passion, espionage, romance, Cold War-era chess championship |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cassie Swartz to Perform One-Night-Only Concert in Boston
Additional Resources
- Boston Broadway: Chess Revival Announcement
- Wikipedia: Chess (musical)
- Boston Uncovered: Candlelight Concerts
- Google Search: Chess musical news
- Cambridge Day: Events in Cambridge and Somerville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chess (musical)
- Broadway World: Björn Ulvaeus AI Assisted Musical
- Google News: Broadway revivals
- CBS News: Mamma Mia! 25th Anniversary
- Google Scholar: Chess musical
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