Chess
Cold-War musical from ABBA's Benny and Björn with Tim Rice — major Broadway revival.
- Theatre
- Imperial Theatre
- 249 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
- Opened
- November 16, 2025
- Run time
- 2h 40m
About Chess
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, *Chess* is a musical that explores the drama and intrigue of a chess championship caught between two global superpowers. The story unfolds as American and Soviet chess masters face off, not only on the board but also in a complex love triangle involving the Hungarian-born arbiter. This setting allows the musical to delve into themes of political manipulation, personal betrayal, and the human cost of ideological conflicts.
The music for *Chess* was penned by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, the songwriting talents behind the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA. This collaboration brings a distinctive pop-rock sensibility to the score, which features a blend of soaring ballads and energetic ensemble numbers. The lyrics were crafted by Tim Rice, known for his work on musicals such as *Jesus Christ Superstar* and *Evita*, who imbues the narrative with sharp wit and emotional depth. The combination of these creative forces results in a musical that is both intellectually engaging and musically compelling.
The upcoming major Broadway revival of *Chess* will be staged at the Imperial Theatre, a historic venue located at 249 W 45th St. The Imperial Theatre has a rich history of hosting significant Broadway productions, including many classic musicals and dramas. This revival offers audiences a fresh opportunity to experience a musical that has captivated audiences worldwide since its original inception. With its blend of political commentary, personal drama, and a memorable score, *Chess* continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Theatergoers attending *Chess* can anticipate a production that combines intricate storytelling with a powerful musical score. The narrative, centered on a high-stakes chess match, serves as a metaphor for the larger geopolitical tensions of the Cold War era. The show provides a unique theatrical experience, offering both dramatic tension and melodic richness. The complex characters and their interwoven relationships allow for a nuanced exploration of ambition, loyalty, and love amidst international conflict.
Seeing Chess live
What attending this kind of production is like
Theatre rewards attention to the room. Sound carries differently, entrances and exits are part of the staging, and the audience's collective quiet is something a recording cannot reproduce.
Seat position changes what you notice rather than only how well you see. Front-of-orchestra seats give you faces and detail but a steep angle on staging; further back and one level up you gain the full picture and choreography, which many productions are designed around.
The performance you choose matters too. Weeknight, matinee and weekend performances tend to draw different audiences, and casting can vary between performances in ways published by the production rather than by us.
Timing is unforgiving in theatre. Curtain times are firm, latecomers are seated at the house's discretion, and interval length is set by the production — so build the evening around the published start time.
Last reviewed 2026-09-08
Chess ticket buying guide
Understanding theatre seating language before you compare offers
Learn the vocabulary of the house you are attending. Orchestra or stalls seating sits at stage level; mezzanine, dress circle or balcony levels rise behind or above it. The same words describe different geometry in different theatres, so read the specific venue's layout.
Sightlines matter as much as distance. Overhangs, side angles and safety rails affect what you can see, and a well-placed seat further back often beats a cheap seat at an extreme angle.
Choose the performance deliberately. Matinees, weeknights and weekends differ in atmosphere and availability, and any casting information should come from the production itself.
Compare all-in totals for the exact number of seats you need, and check whether the seats you are considering are genuinely adjacent.
Last reviewed 2026-09-08
Chess ticket questions
Where is Chess currently performing?
This page shows only venue and city relationships we have verified and stored. It does not assert a current production location or run, and it does not publish performance schedules.
What is the difference between orchestra, mezzanine and balcony?
Orchestra (or stalls) seating is at stage level, mezzanine or dress circle sits above and behind it, and balcony levels are higher still. Each trades proximity for a fuller view of the staging, and the exact geometry is set by the theatre.
Will performance dates appear here?
Only when they are verified. Until then the inventory section stays empty rather than showing dates we cannot confirm.
Last reviewed 2026-09-08
Upcoming performances & tickets
Verified ticket inventory will appear here when available.
Frequently asked questions
- What is *Chess* about?
- *Chess* is a musical set during the Cold War, focusing on a chess championship between American and Soviet masters and a love triangle involving the Hungarian-born arbiter.
- Who wrote the music and lyrics for *Chess*?
- The music for *Chess* was written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame, with lyrics by Tim Rice.
- Where is *Chess* playing?
- *Chess* is playing at the Imperial Theatre, located at 249 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036.
- How long is *Chess*?
- The running time for *Chess* is 160 minutes.
- When does the *Chess* revival open?
- The Broadway revival of *Chess* opens on November 16, 2025.