JoJo has spoken out after learning that the Broadway production of Chess will close just two days before her first scheduled performance. The 35-year-old singer, best known for her hit “Leave (Get Out)”, was due to begin performances on June 23, taking over the leading role of Florence Vassy from Glee star Lea Michele.
The production was originally slated to continue through September 13, with JoJo starring alongside Tony winner Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher. However, the show will now close on June 21, coinciding with Michele’s departure. JoJo commented on the official Chess Instagram account’s post announcing the closure: “Was supposed to start first day of rehearsals TODAY. so bummed. all my love to the company.”
While Michele and Tveit have yet to acknowledge the closing notice publicly, Christopher, a Tony nominee for his performance as Anatoly Sergievsky, wrote on his Instagram Story: “No words yet. Just proud of what we have accomplished.” Chess received five Tony nominations but failed to secure one in the Best Revival of a Musical category, and Michele also missed out on a first Tony nod.
JoJo had previously expressed excitement about joining the company, telling People in March: “It's an incredible, exciting opportunity. As soon as I got to see this production of the show, I couldn't stop getting chills.” She also revealed that Michele had recommended her for the role, saying: “[Lea] was super kind, embraced me and said that she had actually brought up my name [to producers], which I didn't know.”
