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Whitney Leavitt returns to Broadway on March 23 as Roxie Hart in the Tony-winning revival of Chicago. Her fellow Dancing with the Stars partner Mark Ballas will join her starting April 6, reuniting the duo on stage for four explosive weeks of razzle-dazzle and murder.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Whitney Leavitt: Making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart, extended through May 3 due to overwhelming demand
- Mark Ballas: Returning as Billy Flynn, his third Broadway role after Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots
- Dates: Leavitt performs March 23 through May 3; Ballas April 6 through May 3 at Ambassador Theatre
- Partnership: The pair previously danced an Argentine Tango to ‘Cell Block Tango’ on Dancing with the Stars
From Dance Floor to Murder Trial
Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt captured hearts as semifinalists on Dancing with the Stars Season 34. They performed together for multiple weeks, building undeniable on-stage chemistry. Their Argentine Tango to the iconic song Cell Block Tango remained unforgettable. Now that same energy explodes onto Broadway’s biggest stages.
The 39-year-old Ballas is thrilled about the reunion. He trained at London’s Italia Conti Academy before becoming a household name on television. His Broadway resume already includes two major roles, making this his third New York stage appearance. Leavitt brings fresh momentum, having transformed from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives into a legitimate Broadway performer in just weeks.
Whitney Leavitt reunites with Mark Ballas on Broadway’s Chicago stage March 23
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Chicago’s Record-Breaking Legacy Continues
Chicago remains the second-longest running show in Broadway history, soon celebrating 30 years in its current revival. The musical has been seen by 33 million people worldwide and has played in 36 countries. It won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997. The show’s iconic songs like All That Jazz, Razzle Dazzle, and Cell Block Tango remain cultural touchstones.
| Detail | Information |
| Theater | Ambassador Theatre, 219 West 49th Street, NYC |
| Leavitt Run | March 23 through May 3, 2026 |
| Ballas Run | April 6 through May 3, 2026 |
| Key Cast | Sophie Carmen-Jones (Velma Kelly), Jacqueline B. Arnold (Mama Morton) |
The Shubert Organization confirmed that Leavitt’s original six-week engagement through March 15 was extended to May 3 due to what the theater called overwhelming demand. The decision reflects her instant impact on audiences. Box office numbers surged after her debut on February 2, drawing fans eager to see the reality star’s Broadway transformation.
‘After spending the last few months in the world of The Traitors, where everything is about lies, murder, and deception, stepping into Chicago feels like a pretty natural next move. I’m so excited to be returning to Broadway, this time as Billy Flynn, and even more excited that I get to share the stage with Whitney.’
— Mark Ballas, on returning to Broadway
A Star-Studded Production Celebrates 29 Years
Chicago’s current revival opened on January 29, 2003 at the Ambassador Theatre, where it continues to sell out performances. The production won six Tony Awards in 1997, including Best Revival of a Musical. Director Walter Bobbie helms the iconic musical, with choreography credited to the late Ann Reinking. The show’s creators include legendary composers John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb.
The current ensemble brings serious experience to every role. Sophie Carmen-Jones commands Velma Kelly with sophistication. Jacqueline B. Arnold delivers powerhouse vocals as Matron Mama Morton. Supporting cast members like Greg Hildreth, Mykal Kilgore, and others maintain the show’s legendary standards night after night. The revival successfully honors the original 1996 production while carving its own legacy.
Why Mark Ballas Calling Broadway Home Again Matters
Ballas brings credible musical theater credentials to Chicago. His 2016 debut in Jersey Boys earned him critical respect beyond his television fame. He stayed in the role through the show’s closing in January 2017, a two-year commitment. His 2018 appearance in Kinky Boots proved he could handle demanding lead roles. Chicago marks his third Broadway engagement in a decade, cementing his status as a serious stage performer, not just a television personality.
Leavitt’s situation differs fundamentally. This is her professional Broadway debut, making the March 23 return even more significant. She earned a BFA in Dance from Brigham Young University before this breakthrough role. The extension through May 3 validates both her talent and audience demand. Leavitt has proven she belongs on Broadway’s most prestigious stages alongside seasoned professionals.
Will this Dancing with the Stars reunion spark fresh intrigue at the box office?
Broadway has always celebrated chemistry that translates to ticket sales. Leavitt and Ballas come with built-in fans from their DWTS partnership. Together, they performed the unforgettable Argentine Tango to none other than Cell Block Tango, the show’s signature number. Audiences will have four weeks to experience them together on the Ambassador’s stage.
The smart theatrical calculation cannot be ignored: a reality TV sensation playing Broadway’s ultimate killer, plus a pro dancer playing the morally compromised lawyer, in one of history’s most celebrated musicals. That combination drives anticipation. Opening night April 6 will likely reflect major industry interest. The limited engagement (four weeks) creates urgency for fans to secure tickets before the opportunity passes.
Sources
- Playbill – Broadway news outlet covering Dancing with the Stars partnership and reunion announcement
- People Magazine – Exclusive reporting on Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas’s Chicago engagement
- Chicago The Musical Official Site – Performance calendar and cast information confirmed
