News Summary
Lea Michele is set to embark on a national concert tour in May, showcasing her musical repertoire following her successful stint as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. With a setlist featuring Broadway classics and songs from Glee, the tour aims to connect with fans while emphasizing self-care for artists. Additionally, Michele will star in a revival of Chess, which seeks to relive the original musical’s story with fresh energy and a new book. The concert tour is anticipated to bring excitement to audiences across the nation.
New York City
Lea Michele is set to launch a national concert tour in May 2025 following her triumphant performance as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. This mark comes after a sold-out engagement at Carnegie Hall, showcasing her continued relevance and popularity in the performing arts.
The concert tour aims to bring audiences into the intimate world of Michele’s musical repertoire. Fans can expect a rich blend of Broadway classics, beloved tracks from the television series Glee, songs from her studio albums, and surprise performances throughout the tour. Michele intends for her setlist to resonate with fans by incorporating a mix of familiar favorites that reflect her artistic evolution.
Michele believes her portrayal of Fanny Brice is her most significant achievement to date, acknowledging the influence of Barbra Streisand’s earlier rendition of the character on her career. She views her journey as an actress and singer not merely as a profession but as a crucial part of her personal growth. As she embarks on this tour, she aims to inspire her children through her performances, encouraging them and her audience to pursue their passions. To ensure the best performance quality, Michele advocates for fellow artists to prioritize rest and self-care during tours.
Upcoming Projects
In addition to her concert tour, Michele will star as Florence Vassey in the first-ever revival of Chess, set to premiere in Fall 2025. This musical, created by Tim Rice in collaboration with Swedish pop legends Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, features iconic songs such as “One Night in Bangkok.” With this production, Michele is committed to bringing fresh energy to a musical that initially struggled on Broadway, closing after just 68 performances back in 1988.
The revival of Chess will include a new book by Danny Strong and will be directed by Michael Mayer, who has teamed up with Michele previously on Spring Awakening. Joining her in the project will be Aaron Tveit as Freddie Trumper and Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergievsky, adding star power to the production.
Tour Schedule and Expectations
The national concert tour will kick off with performances scheduled on May 29 at the Grove in Anaheim and May 30 at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California. As part of her preparations, Michele reminisces fondly about her time in Los Angeles, noting the enjoyable outdoor activities and pleasant weather she experienced. Each show aims to deliver an exciting atmosphere for both fans and newcomers alike.
Background on Chess
While Chess has gained substantial popularity in concert performances and various productions globally, its original Broadway run faced challenges that led to its premature closure. The upcoming revival is anticipated to breathe new life into the musical, alongside a promotional video that teases audiences with the phrase “Let the games begin.” The revival will be staged at a venue within the Shubert Theatre umbrella, with the exact theater yet to be announced.
Michele’s impressive resume extends beyond her current endeavors. She previously left her mark on the Broadway scene in productions such as Les Misérables, Ragtime, Fiddler on the Roof, and Spring Awakening. She rose to widespread fame through her pivotal role in Glee, a television series that debuted in 2009 and amplified her popularity in the entertainment industry.
This upcoming concert tour and her role in the revival of Chess highlight Michele’s continued dedication to the performing arts and her desire to connect with audiences across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- TheaterMania
- Wikipedia: Chess (musical)
- Vulture
- Google Search: Lea Michele Chess Broadway
- New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chess (musical)
- Variety
- Google News: Chess Broadway revival
- New York Theatre Guide
- People
