Lea Michele has announced important schedule changes for her performances in the Broadway production of “Chess.” The actress, known for her role in “Glee,” took to Instagram to inform her fans about specific dates when she will not be taking the stage as Florence Vassy. In her post, which features a mirror selfie with a handwritten note, Michele highlighted that she has some pre-planned absences over the next few months.
The shared dates when Michele will be performing include December 14, 16, January 23, February 18-22, and April 1-5, with a special matinee on April 11. For those dates when Michele is unavailable, Katerina Papacostas and Samantha Pollino will step in to cover her role.
“Chess,” which intertwines a Cold War narrative with the renowned music of ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, follows the intense rivalry between two chess champions: the audacious American, Freddie Thumper, and the focused Soviet player, Anatoly Sergievsky, with Michele’s character finding herself caught in their midst.
Since its debut on November 16, the show has garnered a mix of reviews from major news outlets. Variety described the production as feeling uneven, despite showcasing powerful vocal performances, while The Hollywood Reporter observed that the show appeared to be at odds with its emotional core. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have also expressed their mixed feelings, with some labeling it “ragebait,” while others enthusiastically called for accolades for the cast, including a potential Tony Award.
Despite these varied responses, “Chess” has demonstrated resilience, with its run being extended through May 3, 2026. Tickets for the show are available on the official website, allowing fans the opportunity to witness this intriguing production.