Chess follows rival American and Soviet chess champions whose personal lives become entangled with Cold War politics and emotional manipulation.

Chess - Tickets

Chess

Musicals Romance Drama Stars on Stage Critics' Choice

Imperial Theatre

Chess Broadway Show poster with bold pink and red text on black background.

Stage scene from Chess Broadway show with performers in suits and large screen backdrop.

Stage performance of Chess Broadway show with lead singer and ensemble under blue lights.

Stage performance of Chess Broadway show with cast in suits under blue lighting.

Stage performance of Chess Broadway show with actors on a vibrant set.

Actors performing a dramatic scene in Chess Broadway show.

DURATION

2 hr 40 min with interval

CLOSING DATE

Until May 3, 2026

AGE LIMIT

Suitable for 12+ yrs

from

$84.36

AboutVenueTickets

Why watch Chess?

Chess musical frames personal relationships against geopolitical rivalry, using an international chess championship to explore loyalty, ideology, and control.
Songs like One Night in Bangkok and Nobody’s Side blend synth-forward pop with dramatic storytelling, with lyrics by Tim Rice (Evita) and music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
Directed by Michael Mayer (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Funny Girl), this revival features a cast with Tony Award-winner Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele (Glee), and Nicholas Christopher (Hamilton).
Playing at the Imperial Theatre, this revival is “packed with blow-your-hair-back bangers” (The Washington Post). Book your Chess Broadway tickets now!

Chess is a political musical thriller that places a high-stakes chess championship at the center of a volatile love triangle. With music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and lyrics by Tim Rice, the show merges pop sensibility with dramatic structure. This new Broadway revival features a revised book by Danny Strong, known for character-driven storytelling across stage and screen. Directed by Michael Mayer, the production leans into the show’s themes of ambition, propaganda, and emotional cost. The result is a Chess musical that balances spectacle with intimate character conflict, offering longtime fans and first-timers a clear entry point.

Storyline

An American chess champion and a Soviet grandmaster face off during a Cold War-era tournament. Between them stands Florence, a strategist navigating loyalty, desire, and political pressure. As the competition intensifies, personal relationships become inseparable from global stakes. Each move on the board carries consequences far beyond victory or defeat. When ideology, romance, and ambition collide, the match becomes something neither player can fully control.

Show timings

Show timings for Chess may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.

Cast & crew

Leading roles: Aaron Tveit as Freddie Trumper, Lea Michele as Florence Vassy, Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergievsky, Hannah Cruz as Svetlana, Bryce Pinkham as The Arbiter, Bradley Dean as Molokov, and Sean Allan Krill as Walter
Music & lyrics: Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice
Book: Danny Strong
Director: Michael Mayer
Choreographer: Lorin Latarro
Music supervisor: Brian Usifer
Music director: Ian Weinberger
Set designer: David Rockwell
Costume designer: Tom Broecker
Lighting designer: Kevin Adams
Sound designer: John Shivers
Video designer: Peter Nigrini

Note: Producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays.

Top songs

The Chess musical features a pop-forward score by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, with lyrics by Tim Rice, blending 1980s synth textures with dramatic storytelling. Signature numbers include One Night in Bangkok, Anthem, Nobody’s Side, I Know Him So Well, and more.

Age & content guide

This show is suitable for ages 12 years and above. Children under the age of 4 years will not be permitted inside the theater.
Age suitability recommendations are just suggestions. So, trust your judgment when booking tickets for any show, and enjoy!

Imperial Theatre Read more

The Imperial Theatre has been a Broadway fixture since 1923 and is known for hosting large-scale musicals and star-driven productions. Past shows at the venue include Les Misérables, Billy Elliot, and Bad Cinderella. Its wide stage and classic sightlines make it well-suited for productions with strong visual and musical presence.

The Imperial Theatre seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.

Getting there

Address: 249 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036
Subway: Times Sq–42 St (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, 7)
Bus: M7, M20, M42, M104

Facilities & accessibility

Available facilities: Restrooms, lobby bar with concessions, merchandise counter

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices upon request

Additional information

Security: To ensure your comfort and security, you might encounter a few security checks when you arrive at the venue.
Dress code: Smart casual or semi-formal attire is the way to go.
Outside food: While outside food isn't usually allowed, many theaters have cafes or restaurants nearby for you to check out before or after the show.

Tickets redemption

You’ll get an instant email confirmation right after you book your tickets.
Enjoy a hassle-free entrance to the venue by showing your mobile ticket and a valid photo ID – no printout necessary!

Cancellation & refunds

Tickets cannot be refunded, amended, or rescheduled.

Frequently asked questions about Chess

How much do the Chess Broadway tickets cost?

The cost of the tickets starts from $73.56 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.

What age is the musical appropriate for?

The musical does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 12 years and above. Children under the age of 4 years will not be permitted inside the theater.

Where is the musical playing in New York?

The musical is playing at the Imperial Theatre in New York.

What is Chess about?

lation.

How long does the musical run for?

The running time is 2 hours and 40 minutes with one intermission.

Who are the main stars of the musical?

The main stars of the show are Aaron Tveit as Freddie Trumper, Lea Michele as Florence Vassy, Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergievsky, Hannah Cruz as Svetlana, Bryce Pinkham as The Arbiter, Bradley Dean as Molokov, and Sean Allan Krill as Walter.

What are the popular songs in the musical?

The musical has a range of delightful songs. Listen to top songs such as One Night in Bangkok, Anthem, and Nobody’s Side. You can find the Chess playlist here.

Has Chess been on Broadway before?

Yes. The original Broadway production opened in 1988, and this marks a major revival.

Is the musical based on real events?

While fictional, the story draws inspiration from Cold War–era chess rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Is this production different from earlier versions?

Yes. This revival features a new book by Danny Strong and updated staging under Michael Mayer.

Who is this show best suited for?

The show appeals to fans of political drama, pop-influenced musicals, and character-driven storytelling.