Whitney Leavitt Books Her Biggest Role Yet After 'DWTS' Elimination

Whitney Leavitt is trading reality TV stages for one of the most legendary spotlights in entertainment. The "Dancing with the Stars" season 34 semi-finalist, who also stars in Hulu’s "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," is officially heading to Broadway, marking her professional theater debut in the iconic musical "Chicago." Leavitt will take on the role of Roxie Hart, a character rooted in ambition, notoriety, and show-stopping glamour. Her six-week limited engagement begins February 2, 2026, at the Ambassador Theatre in New York City, running through March 15. The Utah-based millennial mom of three built a massive online following thanks to her energetic dance videos, comedic family content, and magnetic personality. On "DWTS," she and partner Mark Ballas earned praise for their Argentine Tango to “Cell Block Tango," a full-circle moment now that she’s stepping into the world of "Chicago" for real.

Entering its 29th year on Broadway, "Chicago" remains the longest-running American musical in history. Created by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, the show follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses who use their crimes to catapult themselves into Vaudeville fame. The musical’s celebrated score includes iconic numbers like“All That Jazz," “Roxie," “Razzle Dazzle," and “When You’re Good to Momma.”

Since its original 1975 production starring Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera, "Chicago" has become a staple of American theater. Its 1996 revival won six Tony Awards, and the beloved 2002 film adaptation earned the Academy Award for Best Picture. Now, Whitney Leavitt becomes the latest performer to join the franchise’s storied legacy.

Leavitt’s Broadway announcement comes shortly after her "DWTS" journey ended in the semifinals. Though eliminated before the finale, she and Ballas gave fans the freestyle they’d been begging for on Alex Cooper’s "Call Her Daddy" podcast.

During the emotional segment, the pair performed their planned finale routine to a cover of “My Way,” complete with outfit changes, fake blood, and symbolism reflecting the intense online hate they endured throughout the season. Ballas even read some of the shocking messages he received, revealing just how extreme social media vitriol had become during their run. Leavitt admitted she has become “more desensitized” over the years, but shared that watching Ballas receive such venom for the first time was difficult.

She also revealed moments of guilt, wondering if the hate directed at Ballas was “because he’s partnered with me,” describing the experience as “a roller coaster of emotions.” Despite the backlash, the performance, and the decision to share it with fans, sent the strong message that she’s not done dancing, not done performing, and not backing down.

"Dancing With the Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba is publicly defending Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas after witnessing the intense wave of online harassment the pair faced throughout season 34. Inaba spoke out directly in the comments of Ballas’ Instagram post, which featured images from the powerful freestyle routine he and Leavitt performed on Alex Cooper’s "Call Her Daddy" podcast after their semifinal elimination.

In her message, Inaba praised the performance as “absolute brilliance” and highlighted how the duo used their freestyle as a vehicle to address the hate they endured. She noted that the partnership allowed both dancers to push creatively without holding back and described the routine as both cathartic and “healing to watch.”

Inaba also acknowledged the emotional toll the backlash took on them, admitting that it “broke my heart” to read the comments aimed at the pair. She addressed accusations of favoritism that circulated during the season, explaining how such claims undermine the dancers’ hard work and dedication. Her hope, she added, is that conversations surrounding social media behavior and parasocial attacks will evolve, and that press coverage may become “less salacious” in the future.

Inaba’s powerful message not only validated the emotional weight Leavitt and Ballas carried but also underscored how their freestyle became a defining statement of the season, one that turned pain into purpose. And while the pair used their art to confront the darkest side of social media, Leavitt herself is stepping into a new chapter that shines even brighter.

Leavitt’s upcoming debut marks a major milestone for the social media star turned TV personality. From dancing in her living room to wowing millions on "DWTS" and now stepping onto one of Broadway’s most revered stages, her career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric.

After years of sharing her life online, Leavitt is now entering a new and prestigious arena, one that will demand grit, talent, and the kind of stage presence she’s already proven she has.

And come February 2026, she’ll be welcoming audiences to the “razzle-dazzle” world of "Chicago."