Mark Ballas returns to Broadway in 'Chicago'

The 'Dancing with the Stars' pro will reunite with his former dance partner Whitney Leavitt to play the lead roles.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Mark Ballas, a three-time 'Dancing with the Stars' Mirrorball Trophy winner, is returning to Broadway to play the role of slippery lawyer Billy Flynn in the musical 'Chicago' starting April 6. Ballas will be reuniting on stage with his former 'Dancing with the Stars' partner Whitney Leavitt, who will be playing the role of Roxie.

Why it matters

Ballas' return to Broadway in a leading role in the iconic musical 'Chicago' marks a full-circle moment for the performer, who had auditioned for the show in the West End in London earlier in his career. His pairing with Leavitt, his former dance partner, adds an extra layer of excitement and familiarity to the production.

The details

Ballas, who has done previous stints on Broadway in 'Jersey Boys' and 'Kinky Boots,' says he has been in talks with 'Chicago' about joining the cast over the years, but the timing never worked out until now. Leavitt, who starred in the TV series 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' had already booked the role of Roxie when Ballas auditioned and was then brought on board to play Billy Flynn. The two previously performed the 'Cell Block Tango' number from 'Chicago' on 'Dancing with the Stars.'

  • Ballas will start his run as Billy Flynn in 'Chicago' on April 6, 2026.
  • Ballas and Leavitt previously performed together on 'Dancing with the Stars' last year.

The players

Mark Ballas

A three-time 'Dancing with the Stars' Mirrorball Trophy winner who is returning to Broadway to play the role of slippery lawyer Billy Flynn in the musical 'Chicago.'

Whitney Leavitt

An actress who starred in the TV series 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and will be playing the role of Roxie opposite Ballas in 'Chicago' on Broadway.

Bob Fosse

The legendary choreographer whose distinctive dance style is featured prominently in the musical 'Chicago.'

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What they’re saying

“I think it's going to be so fun. We work so well together.”

— Mark Ballas (wklh.com)

“When someone asks me, 'Who is your favorite dancer or choreographer of all time?' I would say Bob Fosse. I'm always trying to have my stuff look so clean, that my partner and I are doing the same things at the same time, and that concaved, kind of tortured style. I love that.”

— Mark Ballas (wklh.com)

What’s next

Ballas and Leavitt will begin performances in 'Chicago' on Broadway on April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Mark Ballas' return to Broadway in the lead role of Billy Flynn in the iconic musical 'Chicago' represents a full-circle moment for the 'Dancing with the Stars' pro, who had auditioned for the show earlier in his career. His reunion with former dance partner Whitney Leavitt adds an extra layer of excitement and familiarity to the production.