Ariana Madix is set to make her return to Broadway, stepping into the role of iconic singer Connie Francis in the much-anticipated musical *Just in Time*. This marks a notable highlight in her career, as she prepares to perform at New York City’s Circle in the Square Theatre starting on September 12 and running until November 22. The musical offers audiences an immersive experience based on the life of singer Bobby Darin, showcasing his well-known hits such as “Beyond the Sea,” “Mack the Knife,” “Splish Splash,” and “Dream Lover.”
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Madix, who is known for her role as host on the Emmy-nominated *Love Island USA*, has had a remarkable year, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program. Since beginning her hosting duties on *Love Island* in 2024, she has seen her popularity soar, particularly with the seventh season of the programme achieving record viewership as Peacock’s highest-rated original series.
Expressing her excitement about returning to the Broadway stage, Madix stated, “It’s a pinch me moment to be able to come home to the Broadway stage and all I could have ever hoped for.” She shared her eagerness to collaborate with the creative talents behind *Just in Time* and entertain audiences in what she describes as one of her favourite theatres in the city.
This new role marks Madix’s first appearance on Broadway since her acclaimed debut as Roxie Hart in the revival of *Chicago* in January 2024. The initial engagement was met with immediate success, leading to record-breaking box office figures over several weeks and prompting a second run later that summer. Madix, who has a background in theatre from her studies at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, has long aspired to perform on Broadway.
Reflecting on her journey, Madix told *PEOPLE* magazine prior to her debut in *Chicago*, “To say this is a fulfilment of a lifelong dream would be an understatement. This is quite literally everything to me. It’s all I’ve ever wanted. And to be here now, having this full-circle moment … I feel so beyond grateful.”
In *Just in Time*, Madix will join a talented cast that includes Jeremy Jordan, who is currently portraying Bobby Darin. The musical, which has been developed and directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, integrates a dynamic live band and transforms the theatre into a vibrant nightclub atmosphere, enhancing the audience’s overall experience. Notably, *Just in Time* was the only production in the 2024-2025 Broadway season to recoup its initial capitalisation, illustrating its popularity and commercial success.
Further adding to the excitement, another reality star linked to *Chicago*, Whitney Leavitt, is set to take on the role of Sandra Dee in *Just in Time* after Madix’s limited engagement ends. Leavitt, who gained recognition from *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives* and reached the semi-finals on *Dancing with the Stars*, recently enjoyed a successful run as Roxie Hart in *Chicago*. Her initial run was planned for six weeks but was extended to three months due to its overwhelming success.
Leavitt expressed her enthusiasm for her Broadway future, stating, “I don’t plan on leaving the Broadway world anytime soon.” Her upcoming appearance in *Just in Time* will commence on December 1 and continue until January 10, 2027.
For those interested in witnessing Ariana Madix’s latest stage performance, tickets for *Just in Time* are currently available for shows scheduled through February 7, 2027. With her return to Broadway, Madix is poised to graciously balance her recent achievements in reality television with her enduring passion for live performance, further cementing her place in the ever-evolving landscape of American theatre.