Broadway Revival of 'Chess' to Close Early in June Alongside Lea Michele's Departure
By
Rebecca Rubin
FeedBagel synthesis
· 2 sourcesThe Broadway revival of "Chess" will close early on June 21, three months earlier than expected, marking the final performance of star Lea Michele, Variety and Deadline reported. The musical had planned to continue through at least September 13 with Joanna "JoJo" Levesque taking over the lead role of Florence Vassy beginning June 23, according to Deadline. Variety noted the show broke house records at the Imperial Theatre when it opened last fall but has since struggled, with attendance dropping to roughly 70% capacity. Producers confirmed they will not recoup their investment, Deadline reported.
Slow-proofed and worth the wait. Worth its weight in flour.
Summary
The Broadway revival of "Chess" will close early on June 21, coinciding with Lea Michele's departure from the production. Originally, the musical had planned to continue after Michele's exit with Joanna "JoJo" Levesque taking over the lead role of Florence Vassy through at least September. The show was a hot ticket when it opened last fall, breaking house records at the Imperial Theatre, but has since struggled to maintain momentum with attendance dropping to roughly 70% capacity.
Key quotes
· 3 pulled"Chess" will close early on Broadway, with the buzzy revival ending its run on June 21.
Although Lea Michele was scheduled to depart the production in late June, the musical had intended to remain on Broadway with Joanna "JoJo" Levesque set to take over the lead role of Florence Vassy through at least September.
"Chess" was a hot ticket when it opened last fall, breaking several house records at the Imperial Theatre. But the show has struggled to maintain momentum, with attendance dropping to roughly 70%
