Tickets for the extension, ranging in price from $71 to $85, will go on sale on Sept. 7 at (703) 573-SEAT (7328) and at www.signature-theatre.org.

Artistic director Eric Schaeffer said in a statement, "It's exciting that Chess has been so embraced by everyone. It's wonderful to see packed houses rockin' out to this amazing score and breathtaking performances night after night. We've been breaking box office records and wanted to give more people the opportunity to experience this special theatrical event."

The first major American production in almost 20 years — and the Washington region's first professional production — stars Broadway's Jill Paice (Curtains), Euan Morton (Boy George in Taboo) and Jeremy Kushnier (Footloose).

Schaeffer (Broadway's Million Dollar Quartet) and his creative team create the gritty, sexy world of Chess' 1985 radio hit "One Night in Bangkok" in the intimacy of Signature's 276-seat MAX Theatre.

According to Signature, "In the musical Chess, two international chess masters — one American, one Russian — compete for the world championship only to find that their greatest contest is for the love of the same woman. Amidst political intrigue and international conspiracies, Freddie and Anatoly fight to take the queen in a romantic triangle that mirrors the heightened passions of the Cold War." Produced on Broadway in 1988 (after a London bow), this Tony-nominated rock musical "explores the classic themes of love, loss and betrayal." In addition to "One Night in Bangkok," Chess features unforgettable songs as such "Anthem," "I Know Him So Well," "Nobody's Side" and "Pity the Child."

Chess features music composed by the male half of ABBA Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (Mamma Mia!), lyrics by Evita and Lion King lyricist Tim Rice, and book by award-winning playwright Richard Nelson.

At Signature Theatre, the music direction and new orchestrations are by David Holcenberg, an expert on Ulvaeus and Andersson's musical theatre work who is currently the associate music supervisor for Mamma Mia! in North and South America. The creative team also includes Karma Camp (choreography), Daniel Conway (sets), Chris Lee (lights), Kathleen Geldard (costumes), Matt Rowe (sound), and Aaron Fisher (projection design).

Show times are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM and 7 PM.

For more information visit www.signature-theatre.org.