Breaking: Lea Michele just locked in her planned off dates for Chess on Broadway, and I can confirm the exact performances she will miss. If you are booking for Florence Vassy at the Imperial Theatre, this is your roadmap. The production has set coverage, and fans now have clarity on when they will see Michele, or one of her talented standbys. This is the information ticket buyers needed, and it arrives with plenty of time to plan.
The Dates You Need To Know
Michele announced the following planned absences. These are performances where she will not appear as Florence:
- December 14 and 16, 2025
- January 23, 2026
- February 18 to 22, 2026
- April 1 to 5, 2026
- April 11, 2026 matinee only
During these dates, Florence Vassy will be covered by Katerina Papacostas and Samantha Pollino. The team is prepared, and the handoff is seamless by design. I will update if any changes occur, but this is the official plan shared with me today.
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If seeing Lea Michele is a must, choose dates outside the list above. Evening shows often have steadier lead attendance than holiday weeks.
Why This Moment Hits Hard
Chess opened at the Imperial Theatre on November 16, 2025. For Michele, this house is not just a venue, it is home turf. She first stepped on that stage as a child in Les Misérables. Returning as the leading lady is a full circle moment that lands with real emotion.
She is partnered again with director Michael Mayer, her trusted collaborator from Spring Awakening and Funny Girl. That history shows in the work. Michele’s Florence is fierce, grounded, and modern. The role asks for vocal fire and clean storytelling, and she gives both with control. You can feel the growth, from TV stardom to Broadway anchor.
Chess itself carries legacy weight. The score is by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, with lyrics by Tim Rice, and a revised book by Danny Strong. The music is a wall of sound, then a whisper, then a punch. Michele sits in the center of it, making a tricky show feel clear and human. That is why this run matters, not just for fans, but for the musical’s reputation.
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What Ticket Holders Should Do
If you already hold seats, cross check your date now. If you are buying today, decide if your priority is Michele, the show, or both. This production can stand on any night, and the standbys are real-deal artists, but lead dates always sell fastest.
- Confirm your performance date against the list above
- On show day, check the lobby board or box office for cast updates
- Review your ticketing site’s exchange policy
- Leave buffer time if you plan to stage door, schedules can shift
All casting is subject to change without notice. Refunds are rarely offered for lead absences. Exchanges depend on your point of purchase.
Fans, Feelings, And The Bigger Picture
Fans have been building travel plans around this run since previews. The announcement gives them power. Some will pivot to alternate dates to catch her live. Others will lean into discovery, and meet Papacostas or Pollino in a blazing debut. That is the fun of Broadway, and the heartbeat of a long run.
Michele’s presence in Chess also says something about where pop culture sits with theater right now. She brings a TV and recording audience into a complex, vintage title, then lifts it with big-venue confidence. It bridges worlds. It also completes a personal arc, child actor to marquee name, now returning to the same address with command. The applause feels like respect, not just nostalgia. 🎭
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which exact shows will Lea Michele miss in Chess?
A: December 14 and 16, 2025. January 23, 2026. February 18 to 22, 2026. April 1 to 5, 2026. Plus the April 11, 2026 matinee.
Q: Who plays Florence Vassy when she is out?
A: Katerina Papacostas and Samantha Pollino are scheduled to cover the role on those dates.
Q: Can I get a refund if she is out on my date?
A: Refunds for lead absences are uncommon. Check your seller’s policy. Exchanges may be possible depending on where you purchased.
Q: How can I confirm the cast on the day of my show?
A: Check the theater’s lobby board or ask the box office staff when you arrive. They post any day-of changes.
Q: Why is this run so meaningful for Michele?
A: She is back at the Imperial Theatre, where she began as a child. Now she leads a major revival, showing her growth as a Broadway star.
Lea Michele’s calendar is now crystal clear, and the show keeps its stride. If Florence Vassy is your must-see, plan around the dates above. If you are open to surprise, trust the bench. Either way, Chess is playing with purpose, and Michele has marked her next move with care.
