Mark Ballas, known for his prior success on “Dancing with the Stars,” has made his much-anticipated return to Broadway. He officially commenced his role as Billy Flynn in the renowned musical “Chicago” on April 6, 2026. This performance marks a limited four-week engagement that will conclude on May 3.
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Ballas, 39, has a history with Broadway, having previously appeared in “Jersey Boys” and “Kinky Boots.” However, this time he is joined on stage by Whitney Leavitt, his former dance partner from “Dancing with the Stars.” Leavitt is making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart, having stepped into the role on February 2. The stage duo have reportedly maintained a strong connection since their time on the dance competition, which is evident in their performances.
Following his first performance, Ballas received a thunderous standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience at the Ambassador Theatre. In a delightful display of camaraderie, Leavitt, who had often been guided by Ballas during their dance routines, took the lead in the curtain call, playfully manoeuvring him aside to make space for Greg Hildreth’s encore. The interaction highlighted not only their professional relationship but also their personal rapport.
Reflecting on their time together, Ballas praised their shared chemistry, saying, “We just get each other. We have a very similar sense of humour and we like the same things.” Leavitt echoed these sentiments, stating, “We connected right away. I know that doesn’t always happen with people on the show, but that happened for us, and I feel like that dynamic we’re just gonna take onto this show too.”
The pair previously collaborated on a memorable Argentine Tango to “Cell Block Tango”—one of the musical’s signature numbers—during their stint on “Dancing with the Stars.” Their established rapport is expected to enhance their theatrical performances, with Ballas noting, “Our synergy and the way we work together is already in place.”
“Chicago,” renowned for its dazzling choreography and captivating musical score, is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. The revival, originally directed by Walter Bobbie in 1996, will celebrate its 30th anniversary this November. The musical features quintessential numbers composed by John Kander, with the lyrics penned by Fred Ebb, including such hits as “All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle.”
The original production debuted in 1975 and showcased iconic figures such as Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera as Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, respectively. The success of the musical extended to a popular film adaptation in 2002, which boasted an ensemble cast that included Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renée Zellweger. That film went on to win six Academy Awards.
In addition to Ballas and Leavitt, the current production features a talented ensemble cast including Sophie Carmen-Jones as Velma Kelly, Jacqueline B. Arnold as Matron “Mama” Morton, and Hildreth as Amos Hart. They are joined by other performers adding depth and richness to the overall experience.
As audiences have begun to fill the theatre, excitement surrounding this limited engagement continues to grow. The opportunity to witness Ballas and Leavitt shine in their respective roles is a unique treat for theatre-goers, as they bring their dynamic from the dance floor to the stage.
Tickets for “Chicago” are currently available for purchase, but fans hoping to catch Ballas and Leavitt must act swiftly, as their run concludes on May 3, 2026. This is indeed a must-see event, melding the worlds of competitive dance and Broadway theatre.