Lea Michele Discusses Motherhood and Her Preparation for Broadway’s ‘Chess’

Landing a role in a Broadway show is a monumental achievement, especially while juggling the responsibilities of being a mother to two toddlers. However, Lea Michele manages to handle it all with grace.

“I’m always learning, evolving, and seeking advice from fellow working moms, asking them, ‘How do you do it all?’ and ‘How do you maintain balance?’” Michele, 38, shared with Us Weekly during the promotion of her Sick of Missing Out initiative with Lysol. “[I’m] really focusing on preparing my family for my work while ensuring I remain present at home and at work.”

The Glee star welcomed her first child, son Ever, with husband Zandy Reich in 2020, following their March 2019 wedding. They welcomed a daughter, Emery, in August 2024.

“It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present,” Michele explained to Us regarding her parenting approach. “I try to keep that in mind as much as possible.”

The upcoming musical marks the first Broadway revival of Chess, a beloved production from EGOT winner Tim Rice, along with ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Performances will commence on October 15, with the official opening scheduled for November 16 at the Imperial Theatre in New York City.

Michele made her Broadway debut at just 8 years old in Les Misérables in 1995, and most recently appeared in the 2022 revival of Funny Girl.

“I’m so thrilled about this show. I’m counting down the days,” the actress expressed to Us about Chess. “Nick [Christopher] and Aaron [Tveit] are incredibly talented, and we are set to present something truly special to the audience.”

This new production is a full-circle moment for Michele, as she will perform on the same stage where she began her Broadway journey.

“This truly is an extraordinary and exciting milestone,” she added.

Although balancing motherhood and performing eight shows a week won’t be simple, Michele is well-acquainted with the challenges.

“[Ever] had his first day of preschool on my opening night of Funny Girl, so I literally dropped him off for the first time that morning and then returned to Broadway that evening,” she shared with Us. “It was an incredibly hectic and full-circle day.”

This fall will likely bring similar emotions as Ever prepares to start Kindergarten just as Chess premieres. In anticipation of the back-to-school season, Michele has teamed up with Lysol for their HERE for Healthy Schools Initiative.

“As a mom with a 5-year-old, I’m very aware of germs during the school year,” Michele explained. “I’m not just preparing with lunchboxes and backpacks; I’m also stocking up on my Lysol Disinfecting Wipes and Disinfectant Spray to maintain a healthy home, ensuring he won’t miss out on any fun moments throughout the school year.”