Lea Michele, best known for her role in “Glee,” has announced dates for her upcoming breaks from the Broadway revival of “Chess.” This highly anticipated musical, featuring music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus and lyrics by Tim Rice, is currently playing at the Imperial Theatre. The show began its run on November 16, having started previews on October 15, and is set to continue until May 3, 2026.
Lea Michele’s Upcoming Absences from “Chess”
Michele will take time off from performances on the following dates:
- December 14, 2025
- December 16, 2025
- January 23, 2026
- February 18-22, 2026
- April 1-5, 2026
- April 11, 2026 (matinee)
During these periods, her understudies, Katerina Papacostas and Samantha Pollino, will perform in her place.
Cast and Creative Team
Nicholas Christopher portrays Anatoly Sergievsky, while Aaron Tveit takes on the role of Freddie Trumper. The cast also includes:
- Hannah Cruz as Svetlana
- Bradley Dean as Molokov
- Sean Allan Krill as Walter
- Bryce Pinkham as The Arbiter
The production is directed by Michael Mayer, known for “Spring Awakening,” with choreography by Lorin Latarro. The creative team includes:
- Music Supervisor: Brian Usifer
- Scenic Designer: David Rockwell
- Costume Designer: Tom Broecker
- Lighting Designer: Kevin Adams
- Sound Designer: John Shivers
- Video Designer: Peter Nigrini
About “Chess”
“Chess” tells the story of American and Russian chess champions vying for victory and a woman’s affection during the Cold War era. The musical first began as a concept album released in 1984, achieving significant chart success. Notably, the duet “I Know Him So Well” became a number-one hit in the U.K., while “One Night in Bangkok” gained international acclaim.
Despite its rich score, prior stage adaptations in the West End and Broadway struggled with critical reception. Yet, “Chess” has nurtured a dedicated fan base over the years through cast recordings and concert productions, leading to this revival. The current production promises a refreshed approach and atonality, reflecting its enduring popularity.
For more information, visit El-Balad’s dedicated Broadway section.
