Lea Michele Exits Chess; Tony Nod Still Possible

0:00On this March 20th, here's what's making entertainment headlines. Leah Michele is stepping away from her starring role in the Broadway revival of Chess. The glee star, who plays Foreign's Vassy opposite Aaron Tavada, Nicholas Christopher, will exit the show on Sunday, June 21st. Producers have not yet named her replacement. The production kicked off previews on October 15th, 2025, and officially opened over a month later on November 16th. Originally planned as a limited run, it has extended twice already and is now selling a fresh block of tickets to meet demand. Michele first-grace Broadway 30 years ago, as young coset in Les Miserables at the Imperial Theatre, the same venue hosting Chess now. This March her returns since leading the 2022 revival of Funny Girl, building on her stage routes from shows like Spring Awakening and Rack Time. The musical, with music by Abba's Benny Anderson and Bjorn Oveus, and lyrics by Tim Rice, has a rocky history. It's shown as a concept album in the 1980s and thrived in London, but flopped on Broadway back then.

1:05This fresh take, directed by Michael Mayer, with a new book by Danny Strong, has spouted New Life. Fans can catch a taste from the upcoming cast recording, featuring Michele on the first single, Nobody Side. She remains eligible for a Tony nomination, Invest actress and a musical, with Noms coming May 5th in the ceremony June 7th. As Chesky's packing houses, Broadway watchers are eager for what's next.