“Chess” will close early on Broadway, ending its run on June 21. Originally, Lea Michele was set to leave at the end of the month, with Joanna “JoJo” Levesque ready to step in as Florence Vassy. However, the closing date will now coincide with Michele’s exit.
When “Chess” premiered last fall, it was a hot ticket, breaking several records at the Imperial Theatre. But this recent season has seen attendance drop to about 70%. The musical also faced disappointment when Tony nominations came out in May. While it received five nods, including for Nicholas Christopher and Hannah Cruz, major stars Michele and Aaron Tveit did not receive nominations, and the show was left out of the musical revival category.
Producers Tom Hulce, Robert Ahrens, and The Shubert Organization expressed their gratitude for the audience’s support, saying, “To see longtime fans and first-time audiences embrace this production has been incredibly rewarding. Bringing ‘Chess’ back to Broadway after nearly 40 years has been a privilege.”
Set during the Cold War, “Chess” tells the story of a chess tournament between an American and a Soviet grandmaster, both vying for the affection of a woman. This musical, initially a concept album by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, debuted in London in 1986.
“Chess” includes memorable songs like “One Night in Bangkok” and has a complex history. A previous U.S. version failed poorly in 1988. This revival features new material from Emmy Award winner Danny Strong and is directed by Michael Mayer, known for his work with Michele on “Spring Awakening.”
Despite some mixed reviews, the performances of Michele, Tveit, Christopher, and Cruz have received praise. In a review from Variety, critic Christian Lewis acknowledged the revival’s flaws but noted the compelling performances contributed to a worthwhile experience.
Recent trends indicate that Broadway audiences are looking for fresh stories and engaging performances. As many shows seek to draw in new viewers, the challenges faced by “Chess” reflect a larger shift in what audiences want today. Keeping an eye on these trends might provide insight into future successes on Broadway.
For more insights into theatrical performances and current Broadway trends, you can read more about it in the New York Times.
Source link
Chess
