Whitney Leavitt’s ‘Cell Block Tango’ on DWTS Ignites Broadway Speculation After Stunning Chicago Performance
On November 11, 2024, Whitney Leavitt, the 37-year-old reality star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and mother of three, didn’t just dance—she commanded the stage. Performing an Argentine Tango to Cell Block Tango from the Broadway musical Chicago alongside professional dancer Mark Ballas, 38, during Dancing With The Stars Season 34’s 20th Anniversary night, Leavitt turned a routine performance into a cultural moment. The dance aired live at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time from the ABC Studios at 11000 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, California. Viewers didn’t just clap—they gasped. Critics called it "chilling," "flawless," and "the kind of performance that doesn’t just earn points—it rewrites expectations." And now, the question on everyone’s lips: Is Whitney Leavitt headed to Broadway?
From Mom to Maverick: The Transformation Behind the Dance
Leavitt’s journey on Dancing With The Stars Season 34 wasn’t just about winning. It was about reclaiming. In interviews, she’s been open about how motherhood had quietly buried her former identity as a performer. "I used to dance in college," she told Parade in October 2024. "Then came three kids, and I thought that version of me was done. But this show? It reminded me I’m still here." Her earlier Viennese Waltz to Prince’s "Slow Love" in the semifinals earned a jaw-dropping 58 out of 60 points. That score made her elimination—just days after the Chicago performance—not just surprising, but baffling. Fans flooded social media with #SaveWhitney. "She wasn’t just dancing," said one Reddit user. "She was acting. Every step had motive. Every look had history."The ‘Cell Block Tango’ That Broke the Internet
The Cell Block Tango routine was more than choreography—it was theater. Leavitt and Ballas didn’t just execute sharp pivots and intricate footwork; they embodied the six women of Chicago, each singing of a man who "did her wrong." Leavitt, as the sly, manipulative Roxie Hart, delivered a performance that felt like it belonged on Broadway—not a TV studio. Her facial expressions? Controlled menace. Her posture? Hauntingly elegant. The crowd went silent during the final pose, then erupted.Within hours, the official Chicago musical TikTok account (@chicagomusical) posted a clip with the caption: "Whitney Leavitt as Roxie when???" The post racked up 4.2 million views in 72 hours. Fans began flooding the comments: "I’d fly to New York just to see her live." "She’s got the voice, the presence, the edge. Cast her now."
The Broadway Blueprint: Ariana Madix and Erika Jayne
This isn’t the first time Dancing With The Stars has launched a star onto Broadway. Just last year, Ariana Madix, the 40-year-old Vanderpump Rules alum who placed third on Season 32, took on the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway—first from January to April 2024, then again from August to September. Her run broke box office records for the show’s weekly grosses, proving that reality TV stars, when given the right material, can dominate the Great White Way.And Madix isn’t alone. Erika Jayne, 53, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star who competed on Dancing With The Stars Season 24, performed in Chicago on Broadway in 2020 and is set to return in 2025. The pattern is clear: DWTS alumni with theatrical flair often land Broadway roles within 6 to 12 months of their season ending.
Leavitt herself didn’t shy away from the possibility. "After a few voice lessons," she told reporters in October, smiling, "I’d love to [go to Broadway]." That offhand comment, now viral, has become the unofficial rallying cry for fans and casting directors alike.
Why This Matters Beyond the Spotlight
Leavitt’s performance resonates because it challenges a quiet cultural assumption: that motherhood ends a woman’s creative career. At 37, with three kids, she didn’t just dance well—she danced like someone who had spent years waiting for this moment. Her success isn’t an anomaly; it’s a revelation."We’ve seen this before," says theater critic Maria Chen in an interview with TheaterWeek. "Reality stars bring raw authenticity. They don’t come from conservatories—they come from life. And that’s what Broadway needs right now: truth, not polish. Leavitt didn’t just perform Roxie Hart. She *became* her. And that’s not something you can teach."
What’s Next? The Timeline and the Odds
Industry insiders suggest that if Leavitt is cast, it won’t happen before spring 2025. The typical window for DWTS alumni transitioning to Broadway is 6–12 months after their season ends. With Season 34 wrapping in December 2024, the earliest possible debut would be May 2025. But casting for Chicago is competitive—Roxie Hart is one of the most sought-after roles on Broadway. Still, with the social media firestorm, the industry buzz, and Leavitt’s own willingness to train, the odds have shifted dramatically.For now, she’s staying quiet. But her Instagram feed tells a different story: a photo of a vocal coach’s studio, a screenshot of the Chicago soundtrack, and a caption: "Sometimes, you have to dance to find your voice again."
Frequently Asked Questions
Could Whitney Leavitt actually land the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway?
Yes—her performance was so compelling that the official Chicago musical account on TikTok directly asked "Whitney Leavitt as Roxie when???" Industry insiders confirm that casting directors monitor DWTS closely for breakout talent. With Ariana Madix and Erika Jayne already proving the transition works, Leavitt’s vocal training, stage presence, and viral momentum make her one of the most plausible candidates in years.
How does this compare to other DWTS alumni who went to Broadway?
Ariana Madix, who finished third on DWTS Season 32 in 2023, played Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway from January to April and again August to September 2024, breaking weekly box office records. Erika Jayne, a Season 24 contestant, performed in the same role in 2020 and is returning in 2025. Both had reality TV backgrounds and no formal theater training—yet they succeeded because of charisma, discipline, and emotional authenticity, traits Leavitt clearly possesses.
Why did fans react so strongly to her ‘Cell Block Tango’?
Unlike typical DWTS routines, Leavitt’s performance wasn’t just technically flawless—it was narratively complete. She didn’t dance *to* the song; she embodied the character of Roxie Hart, a manipulative, desperate murderess who sings about killing her lover. Her facial expressions, posture, and controlled intensity made viewers feel like they were watching a Broadway audition, not a TV dance-off. That’s rare—and unforgettable.
What role would Whitney Leavitt likely play on Broadway?
Roxie Hart is the obvious fit—her performance of Cell Block Tango was a textbook audition for the role. Roxie requires a mix of comedic timing, dramatic depth, and physical precision, all of which Leavitt demonstrated. While other roles like Velma Kelly are possible, Roxie’s emotional arc and signature number align perfectly with Leavitt’s strengths and the narrative arc of her DWTS journey.
When could we realistically expect her to debut on Broadway?
Based on past patterns, a Broadway debut would likely occur between May and November 2025. Madix debuted four months after her DWTS season ended; Jayne took 18 months. Leavitt’s season ended in December 2024, so early 2025 is possible, but casting cycles for major roles often take 6–8 months. A spring 2025 announcement would be the most logical timeline.
Has Whitney Leavitt officially said she wants to go to Broadway?
She hasn’t signed a contract, but she’s openly hinted at it. In an October 2024 interview, she said, "After a few voice lessons, I’d love to [go to Broadway]." That’s the kind of quote casting directors remember. She’s not just dreaming—she’s preparing. And in show business, preparation paired with viral momentum is often all it takes.