Regine Sophias Moment in Chess Looks Big Because the Work Behind It Already Was

Broadway is bringing a wider spotlight to a dancer whose résumé had already begun to stand out.Regine Sophia’s current run in Chess The Musical at the Imperial Theatre has brought her to Broadway at a major moment, but what makes that credit land is everything surrounding it.

This is not a case of one exciting casting decision floating on hype.It is the latest chapter in a body of work that already includes principal roles in major theater houses, high-level recognition for dance achievement, competitive distinction, and a style range that reaches across multiple forms.

Her presence in Chess carries weight because the résumé behind it is already well developed.The production came after a lengthy audition process that lasted several months and included a large pool of dancers, with only a small number ultimately selected.

Regine Sophia earned one of those spots.She is also one of only two people in the cast making a Broadway debut, a detail that adds to the significance of the moment.

The production has since earned “Most Outstanding Dance Group,” with Regine Sophia part of the work that helped define that recognition.“I take that trust seriously,” she says.

“When you are brought into a production at that level, you want to meet it with everything you have.” That sense of responsibility runs through the rest of her résumé too.Long before Chess, Regine Sophia had already been handling demanding featured work in respected spaces.

She played Kylar in Bring It On! at The Muny and Portia in Something Rotten! at Music Theatre Wichita, two principal roles that immediately tell you she is not building a career on one look, one rhythm, or one kind of stage.“I love stepping into spaces that require different strengths,” she says.

“It keeps me honest and keeps me growing.” She used a broad range of skills as lead dancer in parts like Patsy in Crazy for You, as well as additional roles across various productions.That may b...