Duration
5 mins - 2 hrs 40 mins with interval
Closing Date
Until September 13, 2026
Age limit
Suitable for 12+ yrs
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
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 Suitability
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!
Most theaters are air-conditioned year-round, so it can get a bit chilly. Bring a light jacket just in case.
Imperial Theatre
The Imperial Theatre has been a Broadway staple since 1923. It was constructed by the famous Shubert brothers to accommodate musicals and was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp. The Imperial Theatre has been the site of many achievements, from the revolutionary modern musicals to the legendary 16-year run of Les Misérables. Entering the Imperial might make you feel like you've stepped into another time. With its Adam-style architecture, elaborate embellishments, and refined atmosphere, this theater is a recognized landmark in New York City. Intricate plasterwork, floral and geometric patterns, and a warm color palette adorn the auditorium and adjacent interiors of the venue, which often pairs well with the shows it performs.
Getting There
- Address: 249 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA
- By metro:
The closest station is 42nd Street – Port Authority Bus Terminal serviced by the A, C, and E lines, a 5-min walk from the theater.
- By bus:
Several buses stop within walking distance of the Imperial Theatre. M20 and M104 at West 46th Street and 8th Avenue.
Facilities & Accessibility
Amenities: Toilets, Cloak room, Dining outlets, Souvenir shop
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
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 will receive an email with your Chess voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Cancellation & Refunds
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of the tickets starts from $73.56 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
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.
The musical is playing at the Imperial Theatre in New York.
Chess follows rival American and Soviet chess champions whose personal lives become entangled with Cold War politics and emotional manipulation.
The running time is 2 hours and 40 minutes with one intermission.
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.
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.
Yes. The original Broadway production opened in 1988, and this marks a major revival.
While fictional, the story draws inspiration from Cold War–era chess rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Yes. This revival features a new book by Danny Strong and updated staging under Michael Mayer.
The show appeals to fans of political drama, pop-influenced musicals, and character-driven storytelling.
