Mormon Mom to Broadway Star?! 'Chicago' Casting SHOCKS Fans!

Hold onto your hats, folks, because this is one wild career leap! Whitney Leavitt, you might recognize her from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" or perhaps her impressive run on "Dancing With The Stars," is officially Broadway-bound. And not in some ensemble role – she's snagged the lead as Roxie Hart in the iconic musical "Chicago." Talk about a change of pace!

Mormon Mom to Broadway Star?! 'Chicago' Casting SH...

Leavitt herself made the announcement via Instagram on Monday, sending fans into a frenzy. She’s set to make her debut at the Ambassador Theatre on February 2, 2026. It's a limited engagement, mind you, so you’ll only have six weeks, until March 15, 2026, to catch her in the role. Six weeks to make her mark on Broadway. No pressure, right?

This is particularly interesting because, while Leavitt is a seasoned performer on screen and on the dance floor, this is actually her very first professional theatrical role. That’s quite the jump! Roxie Hart is no small part, requiring a blend of sass, vulnerability, and, of course, killer dance moves. I can only imagine how intensely she's preparing.

She’s stepping into some pretty big shoes. The current cast is already stacked with talent, including Kate Baldwin as Roxie, before Leavitt takes over, and Sophie Carmen-Jones as Velma Kelly. Tam Mutu plays Billy Flynn, and the phenomenal Alex Newell (of "Glee" fame) is currently belting it out as Matron “Mama” Morton. That alone tells you the level of performance she will be up against.

For those unfamiliar (though I can’t imagine many are), "Chicago" is a musical theatre staple, a dazzling, cynical look at fame and justice. With music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, it's a classic for a reason. The original production, and this revival especially, is known for its sharp choreography and its even sharper wit. It already has six Tony Awards under its belt. The show's lasting appeal is also clear from the success of the 2002 film adaptation with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Richard Gere, which also took home six Oscars.

It’ll be fascinating to see how Leavitt brings her own unique interpretation to the role of Roxie. She has a strong dance background, obviously, but Roxie is more than just fancy footwork. The part demands a certain charisma and a knack for playing both sides of a complex character. It’s a bold move for her, and I’m personally excited to see what she brings to the stage. Broadway, get ready for Whitney Leavitt!