JoJo is officially returning to Broadway, and fans are here for it. The singer and actress shared the news on Instagram, revealing she’ll be stepping into the role of Florence Vassy in the revival of “Chess” this summer. The announcement quickly sparked excitement in the comments, with fans flooding her post with support.
“YESSSSS 😍🔥🔥🔥🙌🙌🙌,” one person wrote. Another added, “Broadway icon at this point 😍,” while a third shared, “absolutely exactly where you belong!!! superstar ❤️❤️❤️.” One fan even referenced her previous Broadway role at “Moulin Rouge! The Musical”, writing, “This is wonderful for you!!!! You nailed it as Satine!!! You definitely will do great as Florence!”
JoJo is set to begin performances on June 23 at the Imperial Theatre, taking over the role following Lea Michele’s final performance. The production is currently scheduled to run through Sept. 13, per Deadline.
JoJo Steps Into a Major Broadway Role
In “Chess,” JoJo will star alongside Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher in the Cold War-era musical centered around a high-stakes chess tournament and a complicated love triangle. The role of Florence marks a major moment in the show’s revival, especially as JoJo follows in Michele’s footsteps.
Her casting also comes with a full-circle twist. Michele personally recommended JoJo for the role when producers began searching for her replacement. JoJo shared that Michele was “super kind” and supportive throughout the process, according to People.
Opening up about the opportunity, JoJo described it as both exciting and meaningful. “It’s an incredible, exciting opportunity,” she said. “It feels incredibly right… it is definitely going to be a challenge, but something that I’m excited for.”
The multi-platinum artist is no stranger to the Broadway stage. She made her debut in “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” in 2023, playing Satine, and has continued building her theater resume with projects like “Working Girl” at La Jolla Playhouse.
From Pop Star to Broadway Star
JoJo’s return to Broadway marks her continued transition from pop star to stage performer. Known for hits like “Leave (Get Out)” and “Too Little Too Late,” she has sold millions of records and earned a Grammy while expanding into acting and theater.
She previously worked with Tveit during her “Moulin Rouge!” run and spoke highly of her new castmates, calling him “such an amazing scene partner” and “a wonderful friend offstage.” She also praised Christopher, saying both actors are “two of the best male voices” she’s heard live, per People.
While coming from a pop music background, JoJo said she’s developed a deeper appreciation for musical theater, especially the score of “Chess,” created by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA along with Tim Rice. “I’ve fallen in love with these songs… it’s so beautiful,” she said.
As she prepares for her return, JoJo acknowledged the level of dedication required, calling the Broadway schedule “all consuming” and something that demands “a hundred-percent commitment.” Still, she feels ready for the moment, adding, “It feels incredibly right.”
