What's happened
Dancing star Derek Ballas will join Whitney Leavitt in the Broadway production of 'Chicago' starting April 6. The pair previously performed together on 'Dancing with the Stars' and have a long history with the musical. Ballas, a three-time Mirrorball winner, has Broadway experience and nearly starred in 'Chicago' in the West End at age 18.
What's behind the headline?
Deepening Legacy and Personal Fulfillment
Ballas’s return to 'Chicago' signifies a full-circle moment, blending his early West End aspirations with his current Broadway success. His admiration for Bob Fosse’s choreography underscores his dedication to authentic dance styles, which will likely elevate his performance. The pairing with Leavitt, a former 'Dancing with the Stars' partner, exemplifies how cross-media collaborations can revitalize classic musicals. This casting also highlights the ongoing appeal of 'Chicago' as a cultural touchstone, with its history of iconic performers. The show's enduring popularity ensures that Ballas’s involvement will attract both traditional theater audiences and fans of dance and television, reinforcing the musical’s status as a Broadway staple. The timing of this announcement, amid a resurgence of musical theater interest, suggests producers aim to capitalize on nostalgia while showcasing new talent, promising a compelling run that will likely boost ticket sales and renew public interest in the production.
What the papers say
The articles from AP News and The Independent provide detailed insights into Ballas’s career trajectory, his personal connection to 'Chicago,' and the significance of his upcoming role. AP News emphasizes his Broadway experience and history with the show, while The Independent highlights his early ambitions and the serendipitous nature of his collaboration with Leavitt. Both sources underscore the show's legacy and Ballas’s dedication to authentic dance, offering a comprehensive view of this theatrical development. The NY Post article adds context about Ballas’s broader artistic journey, including his support from women artists and his early days in music, enriching the understanding of his multifaceted career and the cultural importance of this casting.
How we got here
Derek Ballas, originally from England, has a longstanding connection to 'Chicago,' having auditioned for it in the West End at age 18. His career includes Broadway roles in 'Jersey Boys' and 'Kinky Boots.' His recent collaboration with Whitney Leavitt on 'Dancing with the Stars' led to their upcoming stage partnership. Ballas has watched 'Chicago' multiple times to prepare for his role, which he considers a significant milestone given the show's legacy and Bob Fosse-inspired choreography.
Go deeper
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Chicago is a 1975 American musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Ebb and Bob Fosse. Set in Chicago in the jazz age, the musical is based on a 1926 play of the same title by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins, about actual crimina
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Mark Alexander Ballas Jr. is an American dancer, choreographer, singer-songwriter, musician, and actor.
Ballas is a professional ballroom dancer on the ABC program Dancing with the Stars.