Michele, Tveit, and Christopher set for ‘Chess’ revival
“Chess,” the politically charged rock musical about an American-Soviet chess match entangled with romance and espionage, will receive its first-ever Broadway revival this fall, nearly four decades after its brief and troubled debut. The cast will be led by Lea Michele (who made an acclaimed return to Broadway in “Funny Girl” two seasons ago), Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit (“Moulin Rouge!,” “Next to Normal”), and Nicholas Christopher (“Hamilton,” “Sweeney Todd”). With a score by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA and lyrics by Tim Rice, the show has become a cult favorite. This new staging will feature a revised book by “Dopesick” creator Danny Strong and direction by Michael Mayer (“Spring Awakening”). The Cold War-era themes of propaganda, defection, and media spectacle may prove newly resonant in the current geopolitical climate.
Montego Glover to lead ‘Gypsy’ during McDonald’s absence
Tony Award nominee Montego Glover will assume the role of Rose in “Gypsy” for eight performances from June 30 through July 6 while Audra McDonald takes a planned vacation. Glover, whose Broadway credits include “Memphis” and “Into the Woods,” brings significant experience to one of the most demanding roles in musical theater. The revival, directed by George C. Wolfe, is currently nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical. It’s a notable decision for the production to move forward during McDonald’s absence, given her centrality to the production and the likelihood of a box office dip in her week off. Still, Glover’s track record suggests the role will be in capable hands.
Christopher Jackson to join ‘Hell’s Kitchen’
Christopher Jackson, best known for originating the roles of Benny in “In the Heights” and George Washington in “Hamilton,” will step into the role of Davis (the teenage female protagonist’s absent father) in “Hell’s Kitchen” beginning June 3. He replaces R&B singer Durrell “Tank” Babbs, whose final performance is June 1. The Alicia Keys musical, which recently won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, has been running on Broadway since April following a Public Theater premiere last fall. Jackson, a Tony nominee and an Emmy and Grammy winner, last appeared on Broadway in the hip-hop improv comedy show “Freestyle Love Supreme.”
Tom Hanks to lead play he co-wrote at the Shed
Tom Hanks will return to the New York stage this fall in “This World of Tomorrow,” a new play he co-wrote with James Glossman, based on his own short stories. The production, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, begins previews October 30 in The Shed’s Griffin Theater for an eight-week run. Hanks will play Bert Allenberry, a future-set scientist who travels back in time—again and again—to the 1939 World’s Fair in search of love. Hanks follows in the footsteps of fellow film star George Clooney, who is currently making his stage debut in “Good Night, and Good Luck,” a play he co-wrote. Hanks appeared on Broadway in 2013 in Nora Ephron’s “Lucky Guy.” Also in The Shed’s 2025 season are Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “The Brothers Size” with André Holland and Punchdrunk’s immersive gothic piece “Viola’s Room.”
