Whitney Leavitt is set to make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the acclaimed musical Chicago, with performances scheduled from February 2 to March 15, 2024. The announcement came just days after Leavitt concluded her run on the thirty-third season of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), where she partnered with seasoned performer Mark Ballas.
Leavitt shared insights about her Broadway aspirations while attending the 20th anniversary celebration of the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth program at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on December 2, 2023. “Mark’s done Broadway. He’s done multiple shows. He is gearing me up,” the 32-year-old said in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly. She emphasized the challenges ahead, noting Ballas’s advice: “Get ready. You think Dancing With the Stars was hard? Singing, dancing, acting, it’s a whole different ballgame.”
Leavitt expressed her excitement about the opportunity, describing the moment as surreal. “It still feels like I’m dreaming,” she stated. “I feel like pinching myself because this is something I’ve always wanted to do.” She reassured fans about her readiness, explaining that the audition process was rigorous, requiring her to showcase her singing, dancing, and acting abilities. “So obviously they liked my singing,” she added.
Support from her former colleagues on the Hulu series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has bolstered Leavitt’s confidence. Despite potential on-screen tensions during the third season, she confirmed that her co-stars have already purchased tickets for opening night. “I’m pretty sure all of them are going to be there on opening night. So I’m just very, very grateful,” she remarked.
The enthusiasm extends beyond her immediate circle. Fans on social media have flooded her posts with supportive messages. Influencer Mayci Neeley expressed excitement, commenting, “So incredible, I cannot wait to watch,” while Mikayla Matthews added, “brb booking my flight to New York.”
Leavitt has also shared glimpses of her preparations, posting a video of herself in Times Square, expressing her joy and gratitude towards fans for their support. “My heart is so full right now,” she wrote, acknowledging the efforts of those planning to attend her performances.
As she reflects on her journey through DWTS, Leavitt remains focused on her Broadway future. She and Ballas were eliminated during the semi-finals of the competition, with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson ultimately taking home the mirrorball trophy. Leavitt has been candid about her experience on the show, stating, “I never thought I was winning Dancing With the Stars. I really didn’t … But I wanted that experience.”
Despite facing scrutiny and speculation during her time on the show, Leavitt remains undeterred. She expressed hope that her journey would inspire others to pursue their dreams. “I would hope that anyone that had a dream or something that they want in their life or [to] experience … would go after it,” she said during a recent podcast appearance.
As Leavitt gears up for her Broadway debut, her journey resonates with many who admire her tenacity and passion for the performing arts. With a supportive network and a dream finally becoming reality, she is poised to make a memorable impact on the stage.
