Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas to Light Up Broadway in Chicago: A Dancing with the Stars Duo Takes the Stage
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas are set to light up Broadway this spring with a limited run in the popular musical, Chicago. The Dancing with the Stars season 34 semifinalists will take the stage for a four-week engagement starting on April 6 and running until May 3. Ballas, a three-time Mirrorball champion, will play the role of Billy Flynn, while Leavitt, who has been portraying Roxie Hart since February, will continue her role alongside him. The duo's chemistry and history from their time on DWTS promise to make this a memorable performance.
Chicago, the longest-running American musical on Broadway, will celebrate its 30th anniversary this November. The revival, currently playing at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City, features a captivating storyline following the lives of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses seeking fame with the help of lawyer Billy Flynn. The musical's iconic score includes beloved songs like “All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle,” making it a timeless classic in the world of musical theater.
Originally premiering in 1975 with Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera in the lead roles, Chicago has seen multiple successful revivals over the years. The 1996 revival, which won six Tony Awards, brought renewed acclaim to the production. The star-studded film adaptation released in 2002, featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger, further solidified the musical's place in pop culture. The current cast of Chicago boasts a talented lineup of performers, including Sophie Carmen-Jones, Max von Essen, and Jacqueline B. Arnold.
Mark Ballas, known for his success on Dancing with the Stars, is a versatile performer with a background in musical theater and music. Trained at London’s Italia Conti Academy of Performing Arts, Ballas has made a name for himself as a dancer, choreographer, and musician. His work with the indie duo Alexander Jean, alongside his wife BC Jean, has garnered international recognition and millions of streams. Whitney Leavitt, on the other hand, is enjoying a breakout year after her time on DWTS reignited her passion for performing. Her journey from dancer to Broadway star is a testament to her dedication and talent.
Fans of Dancing with the Stars and Broadway alike are in for a treat as Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas bring their dynamic partnership to the stage in Chicago. The combination of their talent, experience, and chemistry promises to deliver a captivating performance that will leave audiences razzle-dazzled. Don't miss the chance to see these two stars shine in this limited engagement of Chicago on Broadway.