Instagram/@leamichele
Lea Michele through a behind-the-scenes picture is bringing the enthusiasm for her future Broadway Chess musical performance up to a notch. The actress of Glee has, in a way, shown the audience exactly what goes on backstage and thus indicated the show’s opening to the very near impatient public of the theater.
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Lea Michele is indeed where she is meant to be—the stunningly beautiful and spectacularly bright Broadway lights. The actress has through her Instagram account shared a photo that is from the backstage of the upcoming first Chess show and already has her followers expressing their happiness and eagerness in floods. The actress’s words “backstage for @chessbway! see you all soon” already managed to express that buzz which every theater enthusiast knows and which holds the silence just before the loudness of the applause. And the spectators are definitely with it.
The section for comments became very quickly a space filled with empathy and nostalgia in a way that that was completely delightful. One person shared a beautiful memory from the past saying: “Congratulations Lea! I don’t think you remember me from Glee days, I was the one in the pointe episode with you singing ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ & was a Cheerio for the first 3 seasons… I am so proud of your career and what you have accomplished since Glee!” They went on to say that they are already planning a trip from Maui with their daughter to see the show and if it is okay for a child to see Chess—they received a few laughing emoji replies from the others as well. It’s a circular moment that signifies the length of Michele’s inspirational journey for artists.
Another admirer acknowledged the theatrical lineage and remarked, “I hope we get a pro shot and a cast recording because this queen and this cast need to be immortalized somehow.” Theatrical audience’s request for a recording of the star-studded performance often arises when exclusive-run shows featuring such celebrities are taking place. They want to enjoy the theater, but they also want to own it.
Showbiz buzz is off the charts! A number of users are even posting about their tickets already being bought. One fan wrote, “We are coming from VA to see the CHESS matinee this Saturday. SO. EXCITED,” indicating how far fans are ready to go for a live experience. Another one simply stated, “This show is amazing. Saw it the second night and it was just incredible,” thus giving an early and very positive analysis to those who are still considering.
Among all the good things being said, a bit of playful comment popped up. One of the users said, “I didn’t know this but since seeing this mr tveit is totally a floor sitter,” referring to Aaron Tveit’s laid-back pose in the background. It is these very tiny humanizing traits which are making backstage photographs so delightful.
Lea Michele’s return to Broadway seems like a anniversary celebration of her coming back. From her previous role in Spring Awakening, through TV fame, to stage skill—her life has been a comprehensive course in art of acting. Out of all the choices of the production, Chess with its challenging score and melodramatic storyline is really a place where super vocal power and theater skills can mix. So far audience reactions are like that of a heavenly match made in theater paradise. Her recent Elle magazine feature further highlights her enduring connection to the stage.
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The huge audience reaction to her post is not comparable to that of one actress or one show—it is more like it captures the essence of theater as a whole. We live in times when the focus is on the content that is digital but the connection of human beings through live acts, the connection that is visceral and earthly, is very significant and remarkable. Lea Michele’s behind-the-scenes hint is a definite signal that the enchantment of Broadway is not over—rather it is lying in wait, for the right moment, to spring up. The moment of the masterful acting is so close and judging by the comments, we shall have a large audience. Motherhood remains her most cherished role, and she recently kicked off her birthday month with a glamorous stroll. She also shared touching throwback photos with Marin Mazzie from 1997 backstage.
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