Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Mark Ballas Begins Four-Week Chicago Run Opposite Whitney Leavitt

The pairing signals producers leaning on short, star turns to keep sales high.

Overview

  • Mark Ballas, who began his engagement Monday, plays Billy Flynn through May 3 at the Ambassador Theatre in the long-running Broadway revival.
  • He reunites with former Dancing With the Stars partner Whitney Leavitt, who plays Roxie Hart through May 3 after debuting February 2.
  • Opening-night video shows Leavitt guiding the curtain call to spotlight castmate bows before Ballas took a solo bow to a standing ovation.
  • Media reports credit Leavitt’s run with record weekly ticket sales for Chicago, with outlets noting unusually strong grosses during her tenure.
  • Ballas returns with prior leads in Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots, while Chicago nears its 30th year using limited, celebrity casting to draw new crowds.