The legendary musical Chess has made a spectacular return to Broadway, opening at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre to rapturous applause and critical acclaim. This triumphant revival, directed by Timothy Sheader, proves the 1980s masterpiece has lost none of its power or relevance.
A Cold War Battle Set to Music
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, Chess tells the gripping story of two grandmasters - American Freddie Trumper and Russian Anatoly Sergievsky - whose battle over the chessboard becomes intertwined with a dangerous love triangle. The arrival of Florence Vassy, Freddie's second, complicates matters further as loyalties shift both personally and politically.
The production features the iconic music by ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, with lyrics by Tim Rice. From the powerful Anthem to the emotionally charged I Know Him So Well, the score delivers one showstopping number after another, performed by a cast of extraordinary vocal talent.
Stunning Production and Breathtaking Performances
Under Timothy Sheader's visionary direction, this production transforms the chess matches into breathtaking theatrical spectacles. The choreography turns strategic moves into compelling dance sequences that heighten the tension and drama of each confrontation.
The cast delivers powerhouse performances across the board, with particular standout moments coming during the musical's most famous numbers. The emotional depth and vocal prowess displayed elevate the material beyond mere nostalgia, creating a fresh and urgent theatrical experience that resonates with contemporary audiences.
From West End Triumph to Broadway Conquest
This Broadway transfer follows the production's celebrated run in London's West End, where it garnered similar critical praise and audience adoration. The successful transition across the Atlantic demonstrates the universal appeal of this complex story about love, politics, and the games people play.
The revival opened officially on November 17, 2025, marking a significant moment in Broadway's autumn season. Theatre critics have been unanimous in their praise for the production's ability to make a 1980s musical feel both authentic to its period and strikingly relevant to modern political tensions.
With its combination of political intrigue, romantic drama, and one of the most memorable scores in musical theatre history, Chess establishes itself as must-see theatre this season. The production proves that some games are worth playing again and again, especially when the stakes are this high and the music this magnificent.
