JoJo Levesque to Star as Florence Vassy in Broadway’s Chess This Summer!

Joanna “JoJo” Levesque to Star in Broadway’s Chess

New York City — In an exciting announcement, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque is set to take the stage as Florence Vassy in the hit revival of Chess on Broadway, from June 23 to September 13. The news was exclusively revealed by PEOPLE, marking a significant return for the multi-talented artist.

Levesque will succeed Lea Michele in the role, who has been a strong advocate for her casting. “Lea was super kind, embraced me and said that she had actually brought up my name to producers,” Levesque shared, expressing her gratitude for Michele’s support.

The 35-year-old singer and actress, known for her chart-topping hit “Too Little Too Late,” previously made her Broadway debut as Satine in Moulin Rouge! The Musical and recently starred in a musical adaptation of Working Girl in San Diego. “It’s an incredible, exciting opportunity,” Levesque said, reflecting on her upcoming role. “As soon as I got to see this production of the show, I couldn’t stop getting chills.”

Chess, featuring music by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, tells a gripping story set during the Cold War, revolving around a chess tournament between American grandmaster Freddie Trumper, played by Aaron Tveit, and Soviet grandmaster Anatoly Sergievsky, portrayed by Nicholas Christopher. The narrative intertwines themes of love and rivalry, with Florence caught in the middle.

Levesque expressed her admiration for her co-stars, particularly Tveit, whom she described as “an amazing scene partner” and “a wonderful friend offstage.” She also praised Christopher’s vocal talent, stating, “I think these are two of the best male voices I’ve heard live, maybe ever.”

As she prepares to step into the role of Florence, Levesque is eager to embrace the challenges that come with performing in a Broadway production. “I feel like the only way to prepare for doing Broadway is to dive right into that schedule,” she noted, emphasizing the commitment required for such a demanding role.

Tickets for Chess are now on sale, and Levesque’s fans are eagerly anticipating her return to the Broadway stage. With her passion for musical storytelling and her rich background in both pop and theater, Joanna “JoJo” Levesque is poised to deliver a memorable performance in this iconic production.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Chess website.