Why the new Broadway revival of Chess belongs on your must-see list

The score of Chess, created by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus—the two guys from ABBA—with lyrics by Tim Rice, has never been shy. In this revival, it arrives with a lush, muscular sound that does not tiptoe. It grabs you. The synth-driven textures and sweeping melodic lines feel completely at home in the modern pop landscape, yet they also carry a timeless theatrical glamour. Songs like “One Night in Bangkok,” “Nobody’s Side” and “Anthem” fire off with the kind of melodic confidence that makes surrender almost the only reasonable response. This is a score that wants you captive, and it succeeds.

The revival of Chess comes armed with Broadway royalty and then doubles down on presence, charisma and sheer vocal firepower. Lea Michele brings precision, volatility and her signature star wattage. Aaron Tveit arrives with the kind of charisma and ease that only intensifies in his role. Nicholas Christopher is pure stage presence and power. Together they generate a chemistry that feels alive and, appropriately, slightly dangerous. Whether trading barbs or blending in harmony, the air feels charged.

Choreographer Lorin Latarro takes the show’s strategic heart and translates it into movement that feels sleek, intentional and athletic. Her use of the 16-member ensemble feels like a clever nod to the 16 pieces on each side of a chess match as they shift in and out of formation with a precision that keeps you immersed in both the world of chess movement and the Cold War friction. You feel the tension before you understand it.

Everything builds toward the Act 2 showcase, “One Night in Bangkok,” which explodes with a different dance vocabulary. The number has swagger, humor and a wardrobe that confidently leans skin-forward. It feels like a release valve for the entire show. The ensemble handles it with charm, heat and an ease that reflects real craft. It’s one of those rare musical moments that you don’t want to end.

This revival of Chess does not coast, but embraces complexity, tension and volume. The production invites you to sit with emotional contradiction and shifting alliances, and it rewards your attention with moments that feel unexpectedly intimate. It’s a show that stays sharp, never softening its corners. It wakes you up and keeps you there.

The new revival of Chess doesn’t feel like just another entry on a Broadway season calendar. It has star power, musical pedigree, scale and buzz that give it the charge of an event. It’s lush, unpredictable and alive in all the right ways. Some shows are built to be watched. This one is built to be experienced.

Tickets for Chess are available now. Secure your seats and see why this revival has become one of Broadway’s hottest nights out.