After being extended a number of times, the revival of “Chess” has announced that it is closing three months soon than planned on June 21 instead of September 13.
When the show closes, it will have had 34 previews and 241 performances.
While wildly popular after the open that resulted in the extensions, audiences waned as new productions opened; resulting in the decision to close.
Lea Michele has been a part of the show since its opening, but is scheduled to depart on June 21.
With Michele’s departure, Joanna “Jojo” Levesque was scheduled to take over the role of Florence Vassey beginning June 23 and run to the September ending.
Producers Tom Hulce, Robert Ahrens, and The Shubert Organization spoke on the production via statement saying, “we are immensely proud of the extraordinary work this cast and creative team have done in reimagining Chess for a new generation of theatregoers while honoring the passionate fans who have championed this musical for nearly four decades. 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 opportunity to witness Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher perform this legendary score by Benny Anderson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, an Tim Rice 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. 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.”
Since the show is closing early, “JoJo” is losing her role. She posted a response on social media saying, “it sucks!”.