Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, Nicholas Christopher to Lead ‘Chess’ Broadway Revival at Imperial Theatre; Fall 2025 Dates Set

New York, NY – The highly anticipated Broadway revival of the classic musical “Chess,” featuring the previously announced principal cast members Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher, has officially confirmed its theatrical venue and performance schedule. Producers announced today that the production is slated for a fall 2025 opening, marking a significant return for the complex and celebrated work to the New York stage.

Production Timeline and Venue Confirmed

The revival of “Chess” is scheduled to commence preview performances on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The official opening night is set for Sunday, November 16, 2025. Both previews and the opening will take place at the venerable Imperial Theatre, a storied venue on Broadway known for hosting numerous landmark productions throughout its history. The confirmation of these dates and location solidifies plans for the revival, which has been a subject of industry speculation and audience excitement since the initial casting news.

Principal Cast Members

As previously announced, the central roles in this production will be portrayed by distinguished Broadway and screen talents. Aaron Tveit, an acclaimed Tony Award winner, Lea Michele, a celebrated stage and television star, and Nicholas Christopher, a veteran of multiple Broadway productions, are set to lead the cast. Their involvement was confirmed prior to today’s announcement regarding the venue and schedule, fueling considerable anticipation among theatregoers and fans of the musical. While specific roles for each actor were not detailed in the information provided, their combined presence signals a high-profile staging of the musical.

The Historical Trajectory of “Chess”

“Chess” boasts a unique and complex history, originating not on the stage but as a concept album. Initially released in 1984, the album featured a collection of songs written by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, with lyrics by Tim Rice. This recording gained considerable popularity, laying the groundwork for theatrical adaptations.

The musical subsequently premiered on London’s West End in 1986, where it ran for nearly three years. Following its success in the UK, a significantly reworked version was developed for Broadway. The original Broadway production opened in 1988. Despite its notable score and themes, this version ran for only two months at the Imperial Theatre – the same venue designated for the upcoming revival – before closing. The show has since seen various concert presentations and international productions, including a notable West End revival in 2018, which also captured significant attention.

This history underscores the challenge and allure of staging “Chess,” a show known for its demanding score, intricate narrative involving a Cold War-era chess rivalry, and powerful themes of love, politics, and cultural conflict. The choice to bring it back to Broadway, particularly with prominent stars, highlights a renewed effort to present the work to a new generation of theatre audiences.

Looking Ahead: Further Announcements Expected

Today’s announcement regarding the dates and venue provides a clear timeline for the production’s arrival. However, further details regarding the full company and the creative team responsible for the revival’s direction, choreography, design, and musical supervision are anticipated. Producers have indicated that additional casting and creative team details for the upcoming Broadway production are expected to be announced later.

The confirmed details position the return of “Chess” as a major event of the fall 2025 Broadway season. The combination of a renowned score, a history of complex stagings, and a leading cast of notable performers sets the stage for a production that is likely to be one of the most discussed and anticipated arrivals on the Great White Way.