Mark Ballas Makes Broadway Debut Opposite DWTS Partner Whitney Leavitt in 'Chicago'

The Dancing with the Stars pro and actor is starring as Billy Flynn alongside Leavitt's Roxie Hart in a limited engagement through May 3.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:33am

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An abstract close-up image of shimmering sequins and glittering disco ball fragments, conveying the glamour and showmanship of Broadway through dramatic high-contrast lighting and textures.The dazzling costumes and set pieces of the Broadway revival of 'Chicago' capture the show's enduring allure and theatrical spectacle.Chicago Today

Mark Ballas, the three-time Mirrorball champion from Dancing with the Stars, made his Broadway debut on Monday, April 6, 2026, starring as Billy Flynn in the Tony Award-winning revival of Chicago. Ballas is appearing opposite his former DWTS partner Whitney Leavitt, who is making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart, in a four-week limited engagement through May 3.

Why it matters

Ballas' return to Broadway marks a significant milestone in his career, as he previously appeared in Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots. The pairing of Ballas and Leavitt, who have a strong on-screen chemistry from their time on DWTS, is expected to bring a unique dynamic to the iconic musical.

The details

In his Broadway debut, Ballas is taking on the role of the slick-talking lawyer Billy Flynn, while Leavitt is making her first appearance on the Broadway stage as the murderous Roxie Hart. The pair, who have a history of performing the show's iconic number 'Cell Block Tango' on DWTS, are bringing their synergy and chemistry to the Chicago revival.

  • Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt's limited engagement in Chicago began on April 6, 2026.
  • The production will run through May 3, 2026.

The players

Mark Ballas

A three-time Mirrorball champion from Dancing with the Stars, making his Broadway debut as Billy Flynn in Chicago.

Whitney Leavitt

Ballas' former partner from Dancing with the Stars, making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago.

Chicago

The Tony Award-winning musical revival, which is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in November.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Whitney Leavitt

“We just get each other. We have a very similar sense of humor and we like the same things. I think we throw ourselves 100% into whatever we're doing — and for that reason, we were able to push it even further.”

— Mark Ballas

What’s next

Ballas and Leavitt's limited engagement in Chicago is scheduled to run through May 3, 2026.

The takeaway

The pairing of Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt, who have a proven chemistry from their time on Dancing with the Stars, is expected to bring a fresh and dynamic interpretation to the iconic roles of Billy Flynn and Roxie Hart in the Broadway revival of Chicago.