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Whitney Leavitt Chicago: How DWTS Star Is Making Her Broadway Debut

  • Writer: Prithwish Satpati
    Prithwish Satpati
  • 2 days ago
  • 3 min read

Whitney Leavitt — known for her role on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and her run on Dancing with the Stars — is taking a bold leap from reality TV to Broadway. She’s set to play the iconic role of Roxie Hart in Chicago, beginning February 2, 2026. This casting marks her first professional theater engagement and could redefine her career path. [Source:Eonline]


With controversy and debate trailing her DWTS exit, this new opportunity gives her a powerful platform to reshape public perception. Here’s a full look at how Whitney Leavitt is making headlines — and why this moment matters.


Whitney Leavitt Chicago

From DWTS Semifinals to Broadway Spotlight


DWTS Journey: High Scores, Controversy, and Fans’ Reactions


During Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars, Whitney Leavitt — partnered with professional dancer Mark Ballas — impressed judges consistently, even securing a perfect score during one week. [Source:EOnline]


Despite her technical skill and showmanship, Leavitt was eliminated in the semifinals on November 18, 2025 — a decision that surprised many fans and some fellow contestants. Shortly after, she and Ballas released their unrevealed freestyle dance on a podcast, a performance that resonated emotionally and sparked renewed interest in her as a performer. [Source:People.com]


The Broadway Announcement: Whitney Leavitt Joins Chicago as Roxie Hart


On December 1, 2025, it was announced that Whitney Leavitt would make her Broadway debut in “Chicago,” playing Roxie Hart at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City for a six-week limited run from February 2 to March 15, 2026. [Source:EOnline]


In her Instagram announcement she wrote: “Grateful beyond words to ANNOUNCE that I will be joining @chicagomusical in the iconic role of Roxie Hart.” This role represents her first professional theatre credit — a significant shift from her prior reality and streaming-TV background. [Source:EOnline]


What This Role Means for Whitney Leavitt — And Why It Could Work


A Dramatic Pivot with Major Upside


  • Legitimizing her performing career: Moving from reality TV and dance-competition to Broadway gives Leavitt an opportunity to showcase range and dedication.

  • Capitalizing on recent public attention: Her DWTS exit and the viral post-elimination freestyle generated buzz — now she rides that momentum into a high-profile Broadway role.

  • Attracting new audiences: Traditional theatergoers, Broadway fans, and social media followers may converge — increasing exposure for both Leavitt and “Chicago.”


Challenges — And Why They Might Work in Her Favor


  • Some fans criticized her “DWTS” journey due to prior dance training or perceived motives — Broadway offers a chance at redemption and validation.

  • As a “MomTok” influencer and reality-TV star, she might attract skepticism from purist theater audiences — but her casting taps into a trend of bringing celebrity names to Broadway to draw broader crowds.


What Fans and Theatre Goers Should Watch For


  • Performance reviews: How well does Whitney deliver as Roxie Hart? This role demands acting and singing — a solid performance could redefine her public image.

  • Ticket demand and audience diversity: Her social-media following plus Broadway’s regular audience might yield strong ticket sales, or at least heightened public interest.

  • Media narratives and comeback arc: Given her controversial DWTS exit, a successful Broadway debut could frame Leavitt as a comeback story — potentially leading to more roles in theater or film.


Final Thoughts: Why Whitney Leavitt’s Broadway Debut Matters


Whitney Leavitt’s journey — from streaming-TV reality star to DWTS semifinalist to Broadway lead — is a striking example of reinvention in the entertainment industry. Her upcoming role in “Chicago” underscores her ambition and willingness to take risks. Whether she wins over critics or leaves audiences divided, she’s making a bold statement: she’s more than reality TV — she wants to perform, to evolve, to be taken seriously.


For Hollywood, Broadway, and fans alike, her debut is a moment worth watching.


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