Mark Ballas, a familiar face from 'Dancing with the Stars', is set to return to the Broadway stage, joining the cast of the musical "Chicago". Ballas will be performing alongside Whitney Leavitt, his former "Dancing with the Stars" partner, as she reprises her role in the production. The show is scheduled to return in March.
This move signifies a pivot for Ballas, whose career has been largely defined by his presence in the competitive dance reality show. While Leavitt is a newcomer to the Broadway scene, having recently made her debut, Ballas brings a history of theatrical experience to the production. Leavitt herself made a significant personal commitment, relocating her entire family from Salt Lake City to New York City to pursue her theatrical ambitions.
Ballas, 39, is no stranger to the demands of performance beyond the ballroom. His background includes being the son of renowned ballroom dancers Corky and Shirley Ballas. Reports indicate he has maintained connections within the Broadway community, suggesting a deliberate integration of his dance expertise with stage acting.
Read More: Critical Role Hints at Animated Movie About Calamity War
The news of Ballas's Broadway engagement follows Leavitt's recent debut in "Chicago." Ballas had publicly expressed his support for Leavitt's Broadway endeavor, sharing a message of encouragement on Instagram ahead of her first performance on February 2nd. This sentiment was met with positive reactions from fans and colleagues in the comment section of his post.
Despite consistently performing well and often topping leaderboards on 'Dancing with the Stars', Ballas and Leavitt were eliminated in the semi-finals of Season 34. The timing of this Broadway opportunity offers a new avenue for both performers, particularly for Leavitt, who has prioritized carving out a distinct career on stage. The report also mentions Ballas's wife, BC Jean, and his parents, Corky and Shirley Ballas, as being supportive of his career endeavors.
Read More: Daniel Radcliffe Back on Broadway in "Every Brilliant Thing"