Jenna Johnson, renowned for her theatrical prowess as a two-time champion on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ (DWTS), is expressing a keen interest in making her Broadway debut in the acclaimed musical ‘Chicago’. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Johnson revealed her aspirations for this new phase of her career, stating she would feel “so honoured” to take on one of the lead roles in the production.
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At the age of 32, Johnson recently visited New York City with her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, and shared her thoughts on the excitement of potentially moving to the city for a theatrical opportunity. In a video posted on Instagram, she commented, “I’m in New York right now and every time I’m here it just feels like a little fantasy,” alluding to her aspiration of relocating for a job. Johnson specifically mentioned her desire to portray Roxie Hart, the ambitious character at the centre of ‘Chicago’, adding, “Can we just put that into the universe? Because I would absolutely move to New York for that dream role. I would work my little booty off.”
However, after engaging with her followers, it appears that her fans have encouraged her to consider another pivotal character, Velma Kelly. “I was walking around yesterday and I thought, ‘I’m just going to put it out there’. But then everyone was like, ‘No, you should be Velma’. So, I’m open to either! I’d be so honoured to play either role,” Johnson shared, responding positively to the suggestions from her supporters.
Johnson’s dance partner for the current season of DWTS, Harry Shum Jr., has also expressed his backing for her Broadway dream. During their conversation at the Good Morning America studios, he jokingly suggested they could “trade skill sets” to help her prepare for the transition from ballroom dancing to Broadway performance. “Yeah, let’s do it,” he affirmed when asked about aiding her in honing her acting skills.
Jenna’s ambitions come as no surprise, given that she is following in the footsteps of other DWTS alumni who have successfully transitioned to Broadway. Earlier this year, Whitney Leavitt, a finalist from season 34, made her debut as Roxie Hart and was joined by her former DWTS partner, Mark Ballas. Their four-week engagement together was met with success, with the musical achieving box-office records during its run.
‘Chicago’ is celebrating its 30th anniversary this autumn, showcasing the gripping narrative of two cunning women who leverage their infamy into celebrity status during the 1920s in Chicago. The production celebrates the musical talents of John Kander and Fred Ebb, which resonates with Johnson’s extensive background in dance. With the character of Roxie Hart being one of Broadway’s most sought-after roles, many renowned actresses, including Liza Minnelli and Brooke Shields, have previously donned the character’s iconic shoes.
On the other hand, Velma Kelly is typically portrayed by performers with substantial experience in musical theatre, presenting a unique set of challenges compared to playing Roxie. The intense choreography associated with Velma’s role demands a high level of physical capability, suggesting that Johnson’s dance background could be an asset should she secure the part.
While Johnson is mulling over her potential Broadway opportunities, she remains focused on her current commitments. Partnered with Shum for the 35th season of DWTS, the two are already preparing for the competitive series, which premieres on September 15. Shum, who comes into the competition with a background in dance, pointed out that the pressure might not be as advantageous as it seems, remarking, “There’s absolute pressure. Everyone thinks, ‘Oh, you dance, so you should be able to dance anything.’ That’s just not true.”
Johnson expressed her excitement upon learning about her partnership with Shum, reminiscing about her emotional reaction to the announcement. “I remember vividly screaming, and that was my raw emotion,” she said, underscoring her enthusiasm for the partnership.
As they gear up for their debut on DWTS, along with a diverse lineup of celebrity contestants, Johnson’s aspirations for Broadway loom large in her mind. The excitement and anticipation surrounding this season are palpable, promising a captivating performance from Johnson and Shum. The series will air on ABC and Disney+, with the episodes becoming available on Hulu the day after they are broadcast, marking another thrilling chapter in Johnson’s career.
In the meantime, fans of both Jenna Johnson and the world of musical theatre will be keenly watching as she navigates her dual passions for ballroom dancing and Broadway staging. It remains to be seen where these artistic pursuits will take her next.