Broadway’s revival of “Chess” is scheduled to end its run on June 21, earlier than previously planned, as production plans shift around the June exit of star Lea Michele. Multiple outlets report that the show had been expected to continue through at least September, with Joanna “JoJo” Levesque announced as Michele’s replacement. Under the earlier plan, Levesque would take over the role of Florence Vassy and remain through at least September, but the run is now being shortened.
Reports attribute the change to declining or weaker ticket sales and indicate that those box-office results influenced the decision to stop the production rather than continue with the replacement casting. The musical’s Broadway cast includes Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher, and the adjusted closing date places Michele’s final performance at the end of the show on June 21. After that date, the production will not proceed with the previously scheduled extension. The outlets also describe the decision as a change of plans timed to coincide with Michele’s final performances in mid- to late June.
