Broadway's 'Chess' to Conclude Following Lea Michele's Final Performance

The Broadway musical Chess will conclude its run on June 21, marking Lea Michele's final performance in the production.

Singer JoJo, known for the hit "Leave (Get Out)," had been set to take over Michele's role following her departure, but the show's closure means her Broadway engagement will not come to fruition. JoJo previously performed on Broadway in 2023 and 2024 in Moulin Rouge, where she starred alongside Chess actor Aaron Tveit.

Producers Tom Hulce, Robert Ahrens, and The Shubert Organization issued a statement reflecting on the production's impact. "We are immensely proud of the extraordinary work this cast and creative team have done in reimagining CHESS for a new generation of theatergoers while honoring the passionate fans who have championed this musical for nearly four decades," the statement reads. "To see longtime fans and first-time audiences alike embrace this production so wholeheartedly has been incredibly rewarding for everyone involved and a powerful reminder of why CHESS has endured for so many years."

The producers highlighted the performances from Tveit, Michele, and Nicholas Christopher, praising their work with the legendary score composed by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Tim Rice. "The opportunity to witness Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher perform this legendary score...alongside a company filled with some of Broadway's most remarkable talent is something that will stay with audiences long after they depart the Imperial Theatre," the statement continued. "Bringing CHESS back to Broadway for the first time in nearly 40 years has been an enormous privilege, and we are extremely proud of everything this production accomplished during its historic Broadway run."

The revival has garnered significant recognition ahead of its closure, earning five Tony Award nominations. Nicholas Christopher is nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, while Bryce Pinkham and Hannah Cruz are in contention for Best Performance by a Featured Actor and Featured Actress in a Musical, respectively. The production also received nominations for Best Orchestrations (Brian Usifer) and Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Kevin Adams).

Tickets for the final performances are available at ChessBroadway.com.