At a Glance
- Whitney Leavitt will debut on Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago on Feb. 2.
- The 32-year-old dancer was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars on Nov. 18, one episode before the finale.
- She landed the role after auditioning two days after her elimination, thanks in part to support from former Broadway star Mark Ballas.
Introduction
Whitney Leavitt, the breakout star of Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and a former Dancing with the Stars competitor, is set to step onto Broadway as Roxie Hart in Chicago, opening on Feb. 2. After her recent exit from the dance competition, Leavitt has already secured a major theatrical role, with the help of her DWTS partner Mark Ballas and Broadway veteran Ariana Madix.
Background and Rise to Fame
Whitney Leavitt, a 32-year-old influencer, first captured attention on MomTok during the pandemic, leading to a role on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Her portrayal of a Mormon wife resonated with audiences, and she became a breakout star of the series.
DWTS Journey
Leavitt entered the 34th season of Dancing with the Stars in the fall, paired with former Broadway star Mark Ballas. She showcased a blend of dance styles, earning praise from judges and fans. The duo was eliminated on Nov. 18, one episode before the finale, but their performances left a lasting impression.
> “People are gonna be able to see behind the scenes of my Dancing with the Stars journey, which I think is really cool,” reveals Leavitt. “Not a lot of people have been able to see that, so I’m excited.”
Auditioning for Chicago
During the season, Leavitt quietly sent audition tapes for Chicago to the production team. Two days after her elimination, she was invited to audition in person. The following day, she received the role of Roxie Hart, a role she had long admired.
Key moments in the audition timeline
- Two days after elimination – invited to audition in person.
- Next day – received the role of Roxie Hart.
- Support from Mark Ballas and Ariana Madix throughout preparation.
Support from Broadway Veterans
Mark Ballas, who played Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys (2017), was a key advocate and motivator. He offered practical advice on vocal care, stage presence, and mindset.
> “He was just so ecstatic and so excited me,” she continues of Ballas, who notably played Frankie Valli in Broadway’s Jersey Boys in 2017. “He saw the work that I put into it.”
Ariana Madix, who portrayed Roxie Hart in two 2024 Broadway runs, became Leavitt’s mentor. She shared insights on the dos and don’ts of Broadway and the importance of self-care.
> “My go-to for advice has been Ariana,” Leavitt tells News Of Los Angeles. “We’ve been talking a lot – you know, the dos and don’ts, taking care of yourself while doing this, because I’ve never done this before.”
Preparing for the Role
Leavitt immersed herself in the character, studying the original 1975 musical and contemporary productions. She worked with a vocal coach to handle the demanding score and a dance instructor to master the choreography. Her rehearsal schedule included long hours on stage, requiring stamina and focus.
Upcoming Performance and Future Projects
Chicago will open on Feb. 2, marking Leavitt’s Broadway debut. In addition to her stage work, Leavitt hinted at a fourth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, offering behind-the-scenes insight into her DWTS experience. Fans can look forward to seeing her blend of dance, acting, and storytelling in both theater and television.
Key Takeaways
- Whitney Leavitt will debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago on Feb. 2.
- She was eliminated from DWTS on Nov. 18, one episode before the finale.
- Support from Mark Ballas and Ariana Madix helped her transition to Broadway.
- Leavitt plans to release a new season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
- Her journey illustrates the crossover potential for performers from reality TV to theater.
