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Pop star Joanna “JoJo” Levesque will step into the lead role of Florence Vassy in the Broadway revival of Chess, beginning June 23 through Sept. 13 at the Imperial Theatre. The casting adds a high-profile crossover to an already star-studded production and brings a new wave of attention — and ticket demand — to the summer season.
Levesque — best known as JoJo in the music world — will appear opposite veteran musical-theater performers Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher, who play the rival chess players at the story’s center. Producers have released an additional block of seats specifically covering her engagement.
What JoJo brings to the role
After headlining the role of Satine in the recent Broadway revival of Moulin Rouge!, JoJo returns to the stage with a well-established pop catalog and growing theatrical résumé. Her casting is both a commercial draw and a creative gamble: producers are counting on her mainstream profile to broaden the show’s audience while relying on the seasoned ensemble to anchor the drama.
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The musical follows Florence Vassy as she navigates a fraught triangle between American prodigy Freddie Trumper (Tveit), whom she coaches and once loved, and Russian grandmaster Anatoly Sergievsky (Christopher), who becomes a new romantic tension. The supporting cast includes Hannah Cruz, Bryce Pinkham, Bradley Dean and Sean Allan Krill.
- Engagement dates: June 23–Sept. 13 (Imperial Theatre)
- Co-leads: Aaron Tveit (Freddie Trumper), Nicholas Christopher (Anatoly Sergievsky)
- Supporting cast: Hannah Cruz, Bryce Pinkham, Bradley Dean, Sean Allan Krill
- Tickets: New block on sale for Levesque’s run
Production team and creative frame
The revival features a newly written book by Danny Strong, with music and lyrics by ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus alongside lyricist Tim Rice. Direction comes from Michael Mayer and choreography from Lorin Latarro.
Design and technical credits bolster the production: David Rockwell leads scenic design, Tom Broecker handles costumes, Kevin Adams oversees lighting, John Shivers is responsible for sound, and Peter Nigrini manages video design. Together they aim to modernize a Cold War-era story while preserving the show’s musical pedigree.
JoJo’s trajectory — quick reference
- Breakthrough pop singles and mainstream radio success as a teenager
- Broadway appearances, most recently in Moulin Rouge!
- Originated the role of Tess in Working Girl at La Jolla Playhouse
- Grammy winner for a collaboration with PJ Morton and multi-million album sales worldwide
For Broadway observers, the casting raises practical questions: will JoJo’s fanbase translate into sustained box-office boosts, and how will critics respond to her stage interpretations? For theatergoers, the immediate takeaway is logistical — more opportunities to see a high-profile revival this summer.
Tickets for the Levesque engagement are already available; prospective audiences should expect demand to peak as previews approach. The run offers a fresh moment to reassess a musical that blends pop craftsmanship and theatrical ambition under a contemporary creative team.
