Duration
A high-stakes Cold War musical where global politics, personal loyalty, and ambition collide, powered by ABBA’s anthemic score and a sharp new Broadway revival.
-
A landmark musical by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice explores power and identity through a Cold War chess rivalry on Broadway.
-
Tony winner Aaron Tveit stars opposite Lea Michele (Glee) and Nicholas Christopher (Sweeney Todd), bringing star wattage shaped by major stage and screen work.
-
Politics, romance, and ideology intersect in a Chess musical packed with globally known songs like One Night in Bangkok, Nobody's Side, and Anthem.
-
Playing at the Imperial Theatre, this New York run is perfect for fans of classic modern musicals. Book your Chess Broadway tickets now!
The story
Set during the Cold War, Chess follows an American and a Soviet chess champion whose rivalry becomes a proxy for political tension. Caught between them is Florence, whose loyalties blur as personal history collides with public spectacle. As matches unfold across global stages, ambition, love, and ideology clash, raising questions about control, freedom, and what victory really means when every move is watched.
-
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Show details
Categories: Musical, Drama, Romance, Stars on stage, Critics' choice
Audience: Suitable for 12+ yrs
Theater name: Imperial Theatre
Find the best seats in the house with the Imperial Theatre seating plan
Theater facilities: Restrooms, lobby bar with concessions, merchandise counter
Theater accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices upon request
Dress code: Smart casual
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
Additional info
-
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.
Frequently asked questions about Chess
Q: How much do Chess Broadway tickets cost?
A: Prices vary depending on your choice of seats and show dates.
Q: Where is Chess playing in New York?
A: The musical is playing at the Imperial Theatre in New York.
Q: How long is the performance?
A: The show lasts for about 2 hours and 40 minutes, including one intermission.
Q: What is Chess about?
A: It follows two elite chess players from rival nations during the Cold War, blending political rivalry with personal relationships.
Q: Who wrote the music for Chess?
A: The music was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, with lyrics by Tim Rice.
Q: Is this the original Broadway production?
A: This is a new Broadway revival with a revised book by Danny Strong.
Q: What are the most famous songs in the Chess musical?
A: Popular songs include One Night in Bangkok, Anthem, I Know Him So Well, and Nobody’s Side. You can listen to the album here.
Q: Is Chess suitable for first-time Broadway audiences?
A: Yes, especially for viewers interested in political drama, classic musicals, or ABBA’s music.
Q: Does the show focus heavily on chess knowledge?
A: No, chess serves as a metaphor; the story centers on politics, relationships, and ambition.
-
You will receive an email with your Chess voucher. No need to print. Please carry a valid Photo Id for identification.
Similar experiences you'd love
Top things to do in New York
%20card%20image.jpg?w=378&h=504&crop=faces&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min)
Nearby cities to explore
