Lea Michele’s Emotional Return to Broadway: A Full Circle Moment at the Imperial Theatre with ‘Chess’
From a curious child actor peering backstage to a celebrated leading lady commanding the spotlight, Lea Michele is experiencing a profound full-circle moment on Broadway. The beloved star, widely known for her roles in “Glee” and critically acclaimed stage performances, has returned to her theatrical roots, headlining the much-anticipated revival of the musical “Chess” at the historic Imperial Theatre in New York.
This isn’t just another role for Michele; it’s a deeply personal homecoming. The Imperial Theatre holds a special place in her heart, a venue she first encountered as an eight-year-old making her professional debut in “Les Misérables.” Now, three decades later, she finds herself back in the very theater where she first heard a song from “Chess,” a tune she now sings nightly on stage. It’s a testament to destiny, resilience, and the enduring power of dreams.
The Imperial Theatre: A Stage Steeped in Soul
For Michele, the Imperial Theatre isn’t merely a building; it’s a living entity. “The Imperial Theatre really has a soul. Every show that’s ever been in it is absorbed in the walls. It’s a little eerie, but very powerful,” she reflects. This sentiment echoes the experience of many Broadway veterans and theater enthusiasts who feel the palpable history within its hallowed halls. It was here, orchestra left, six rows in, that she first witnessed Paige O’Hara as Fantine sing “I Dreamed a Dream” – a moment that solidified her lifelong passion for performance.
“I was in the show and I told my parents, I said ‘I love this. I want to do this for the rest of my life.’ And it’s really very emotional to be here 30 years later still working, thank God, back at this theater,” Michele shares, her voice filled with gratitude.
Adding to the emotional weight of her return, an electrician at the Imperial simply greeted her with a warm, “Welcome home.” Such simple words underscore the deep connection Lea Michele has forged with this iconic venue over her illustrious career.
“Chess”: A Grand Challenge and Anticipated Revival
Opening November 16, “Chess” plunges audiences into a Cold War-era narrative of two grandmasters – an American (Aaron Tveit) and a Soviet (Nicholas Christopher) – whose high-stakes chess match for national pride is complicated by their shared love for a woman, played by Michele. This role marks a significant artistic stretch for the star.
“This is the hardest character in a lot of ways that I’ve ever played,” Michele admits. “She’s a woman. She’s strong. I don’t have comedy to lean on as a crutch or as a kind of like a protective cloak.”
The musical, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA, boasts a cult following despite its initial mixed reception on Broadway in 1988. Known for its powerful anthems like “Anthem” and the pop hit “One Night in Bangkok,” its legacy is complex. However, with a new story by screenwriter Danny Strong and Michele at its heart, this revival aims to breathe new life into a theatrical enigma.
A Legacy Reimagined
Michele is well aware of the show’s past and the questions surrounding its stageability. She draws parallels to her experience launching “Spring Awakening,” where skeptics questioned the blend of 1890s Germany, rock music, and teenage themes. “I think we’re just really excited for people to see what we’ve been able to do. We’re not ignoring the history of our show, but we just know what we have and I think that it will really all make a lot of sense once everyone gets to see it,” she confidently states.
A Creative Reunion: Michele and Director Michael Mayer
Further solidifying the strength of this production is the reunion of Lea Michele with Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer. Mayer previously directed Michele in her breakout role in “Spring Awakening” in 2006, and again in the acclaimed 2022 revival of “Funny Girl.” Their two-and-a-half-decade professional relationship has evolved into a deep, almost familial bond.
“I feel like we’re not just colleagues, but we’re dear friends. I would almost say we’re family at this point,” Mayer shares. “We’ve been in each other’s lives for many, many years now. And being able to work together and have that sort of shorthand has been amazing.”
Their creative synergy is so profound that they often arrive at the same innovative solutions independently, as Mayer recounted a recent instance where both he and Michele conceived the same significant change for the production simultaneously. This shared vision promises a truly cohesive and impactful “Chess.”
From “Heaven Help My Heart” to Broadway’s Stage
Michele’s journey with “Chess” began long before she signed on for the revival. As a child backstage at the Imperial, she listened to other girls play songs from various Tony Award-winning Broadway shows, including “Heaven Help My Heart” from “Chess.” Now, that very song is hers to perform.
This poignant narrative underscores not only Lea Michele’s incredible talent and enduring presence in musical theatre but also the cyclical magic of Broadway. Her return to the Imperial Theatre in “Chess” is more than a performance; it’s a vivid reminder that sometimes, the greatest professional triumphs are found right where our childhood dreams began.
