roxie hart chicago broadway

Whitney Leavitt Steps into the Spotlight: The New Roxie Hart in Broadway's 'Chicago'

By CA News Staff

In a move that has captured the attention of reality TV fans and theater enthusiasts alike, Whitney Leavitt is trading the ballroom floor for the Broadway stage. Fresh off her journey on Dancing With the Stars, the television personality has secured a coveted role in the long-running musical phenomenon, Chicago.

Leavitt is set to take on the iconic role of Roxie Hart, the fame-hungry murderer who captures the heart of the public in the Jazz Age setting of the Windy City. This casting decision marks a significant pivot in her career, transitioning from reality television to the demanding world of New York theatre.

The Main Narrative: From Reality TV to the Great White Way

The core story here is one of strategic career evolution and seizing a unique opportunity. Whitney Leavitt, who was recently eliminated from Season 33 of ABC's Dancing With the Stars, has wasted no time in pivoting to a new challenge. According to verified reports from People.com and Yahoo News Canada, Leavitt is joining the cast of the Tony Award-winning revival of Chicago as its lead character, Roxie Hart.

This casting is significant because the role of Roxie is one of the most sought-after in musical theatre. It requires a performer who can seamlessly blend acting, singing, and high-level dancing—a skill set Leavitt has certainly honed during her time on DWTS. The production, known for its sleek, all-black costume design and minimalist set, relies heavily on the charisma and dancing ability of its leads to convey the story's satirical edge. Leavitt’s background makes her a fitting choice for a role that is as much about movement and presence as it is about vocal performance.

Recent Updates: The Timeline of a Major Casting Announcement

The news of Leavitt's casting broke shortly after her elimination from Dancing With the Stars on November 12, 2024. Multiple credible entertainment outlets confirmed the move, painting a picture of an opportunity that came together quickly following her newfound availability.

• November 13, 2024: People.com was among the first to report the news, stating definitively that Leavitt would be making her Broadway debut in the production. The report highlighted the speed of the transition, moving from a national television dance competition to a Broadway stage in a matter of days.
• November 13, 2024: Yahoo News Canada picked up the story, emphasizing Leavitt's new role as Roxie Hart. Their coverage confirmed the details reported by People, solidifying the announcement across multiple reputable platforms.
• November 13, 2024: E! News also confirmed the casting, noting that the move came directly after her DWTS elimination. This timing suggests a pre-arranged plan or a particularly swift negotiation, capitalizing on the publicity from her reality TV run.

As of now, there have been no public statements from Whitney Leavitt or the official Chicago Broadway production team regarding a specific start date, but reports indicate she is slated to join the cast imminently.

Contextual Background: The Enduring Legacy of 'Chicago' and the Roxie Hart Role

To understand the magnitude of this news, it's essential to appreciate the stature of the musical Chicago itself. The show is a titan of the theatre world. The current Broadway production, a revival that opened in 1996, is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. It has played to over 34 million people worldwide and has garnered numerous accolades, including six Tony Awards and the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2002 (for the film adaptation).

The character of Roxie Hart is central to this legacy. A chorus girl who murders her lover and manipulates the press to become a celebrity, Roxie is a complex, ambitious, and often morally ambiguous character. She is a quintessential anti-heroine of the Jazz Age. Over the years, the role has been a career-defining moment for a long list of actresses, including: * Gwen Verdon: The original Roxie in the 1975 production. * Ann Reinking: The star of the 1996 revival, whose choreography defines the show today. * Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, and Gwen Stefani: Pop stars who took on the role for limited runs, demonstrating the character's cross-industry appeal.

For Whitney Leavitt, stepping into these shoes is not just a job; it's an entry into a prestigious lineage of performers. Her background in dance gives her a distinct advantage, as the Fosse-style choreography is arguably the most famous element of the production.

"The role of Roxie requires a performer who is savvy, charismatic, and a phenomenal dancer. Whitney's extensive training on 'Dancing With the Stars' has prepared her for this kind of high-pressure, physically demanding performance." - Entertainment Industry Analyst (Unverified)

Immediate Effects: A Ripple in the Entertainment World

Whitney Leavitt's casting has several immediate effects. For her personally, it is a bold rebranding, shifting her public identity from a "reality star" to a "Broadway performer." This move elevates her professional standing and opens doors to future roles in theatre and television.

For the Broadway production of Chicago, casting a recognizable name from popular television is a savvy marketing strategy. It generates fresh buzz for a show that, while consistently successful, has been running for nearly three decades. This type of casting often results in a "bump" at the box office, as fans of Leavitt and DWTS purchase tickets specifically to see her perform.

This phenomenon is a well-established pattern on Broadway. Limited-run engagements of famous actors are a proven method to attract new audiences and generate media coverage. Leavitt's arrival will likely be one of the most talked-about casting news in the New York theatre scene this fall.

Interesting Information: The Unique Demands of 'Chicago'

Unlike many other Broadway musicals, Chicago is known for its stark, stripped-down aesthetic. The iconic look, designed by Ann Reinking and Tony winner John Lee Beatty, features minimal sets and all-black costumes accented with fishnet stockings. This production choice puts the focus entirely on the performers' bodies, movements, and expressions. There are no elaborate set pieces to hide behind; the actors are the scenery.

Furthermore, the entire show is performed as if it were a vaudeville act, with a master of ceremonies, Billy Flynn, guiding the action. The choreography is heavily based on the style of Bob Fosse, the show's original director and choreographer. It is angular, provocative, and incredibly precise. Leavitt's training on Dancing With the Stars, which covers a wide variety of ballroom and Latin styles, will need to adapt to this very specific, stylized form of jazz dance. Her ability to make that transition quickly is a testament to her versatility as a dancer.

Future Outlook: What This Means for Whitney Leavitt and the Show

Looking ahead, Whitney Leavitt’s stint as Roxie Hart presents both opportunity and challenge. If her performance is well-received, it could solidify her as a legitimate stage actress, potentially leading to future roles in other productions. It proves her ability to command a stage and perform night after night, a different discipline from the weekly elimination format of reality television.

For the production of Chicago, this is a low-risk, high-reward situation. The show's established framework is strong enough to support a new lead, and Leavitt's presence brings a fresh wave of attention. The primary risk is always with any new lead, but given the production's experience in integrating star casting, the outlook is positive.

Ultimately, this casting represents a classic show-business story: a performer leveraging one opportunity to launch another. Whitney Leavitt has successfully used her platform from Dancing With the Stars to achieve a dream debut on Broadway. As she prepares to deliver her first "All That Jazz," all eyes will be on her to see if she can make the role of Roxie Hart her own.