Whitney Leavitt to Make Broadway Debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago After DWTS Exit

Key Points

• Whitney Leavitt will star as Roxie Hart in Broadway’s Chicago from February 2 to March 15, 2026.
• The casting follows her controversial elimination from Dancing with the Stars Season 34.
• Leavitt’s transition marks her first professional theater role.
• Her DWTS performance to “Cell Block Tango” hinted at her Broadway potential.
• The move aligns with Broadway’s trend of casting TV personalities to attract new audiences.

Whitney Leavitt Steps Into the Spotlight on Broadway

Whitney Leavitt is officially heading to Broadway. The television personality and recent Dancing with the Stars contestant has been cast as Roxie Hart in the long‑running musical Chicago. Her six‑week engagement will run from February 2 through March 15, 2026, at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City.

The announcement marks a major career shift for Leavitt, who moves from reality television into one of Broadway’s most iconic roles.

From DWTS Controversy to a Major Casting Break

Leavitt’s Broadway debut comes on the heels of her unexpected elimination from Dancing with the Stars Season 34. Despite earning a perfect score and being considered a frontrunner, she was cut before the finals—an outcome that sparked intense debate among viewers and fellow contestants.

Andy Richter, who competed alongside her, called the decision “absolutely insane,” according to Entertainment Weekly. The moment fueled online conversations about Leavitt’s public image, shaped in part by her appearance on Hulu’s Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. She has spoken openly about the “tidal wave of online hate” she has faced, as reported by USA Today.

A Strategic Broadway Move

Leavitt’s casting reflects a familiar Broadway strategy: bringing in recognizable personalities from television and pop culture to draw new audiences. Roxie Hart has previously been played by a range of celebrities, from reality stars to recording artists.

While this marks Leavitt’s first professional stage role, her DWTS Argentine Tango to “Cell Block Tango”—a signature number from Chicago—offered an early glimpse of her theatrical potential.

A Demanding Role Ahead

Roxie Hart is one of Broadway’s most challenging characters, requiring sharp comedic instincts, strong vocals, and confident dance ability. For Leavitt, the role will be a significant test of her live performance skills beyond the controlled environment of reality television.

Her six‑week run will determine whether she can successfully bridge the gap between TV fame and the rigor of Broadway.

What Happens Next

With rehearsals expected to begin in early 2026, Leavitt will soon begin preparing for her debut. If her run proves successful, it could open the door to future stage opportunities—or even a longer stay in Chicago. For now, anticipation is high as Broadway audiences await her first performance as Roxie Hart.