🎭 Chicago on Broadway — New Cast & What’s Happening in 2026
🎭 Chicago on Broadway — New Cast & What’s Happening in 2026
After nearly three decades on Broadway — making it the longest-running American musical in Broadway history — Chicago continues to draw crowds to the Ambassador Theatre with fresh casting and rotating star turns that keep the razzle-dazzle alive.
As the production heads into 2026, there are several key cast updates worth knowing — from Broadway debuts to returning favorites — redefining roles that millions have seen for years and helping keep the show relevant for new audiences.
🎟️ Chicago: A Quick Refresher
Set in the roaring ’20s jazz age, Chicago tells the scandalous story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two vaudeville hopefuls turned vaunted murderesses, parading their crimes into showbiz stardom. With a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb, its iconic numbers like “All That Jazz,” “Roxie,” and “Cell Block Tango” have been delighting audiences since its 1996 Broadway revival.
What makes Chicago especially unique today is how the cast regularly evolves — with Broadway stars, guest performers and exciting newcomers stepping into roles that require powerhouse performance skills in singing, dancing and acting.
⭐ 2026 Highlights: New Faces & Broadway Debuts
🎤 Whitney Leavitt — Broadway Debut as Roxie Hart
One of the biggest stories this season is Whitney Leavitt stepping into the iconic role of Roxie Hart. Leavitt — a mom, social media personality, and former Dancing with the Stars Season 34 semi-finalist — makes her Broadway debut beginning February 2 through March 15, 2026. Her appearance marks a unique crossover from reality TV and social media into Broadway’s biggest musical. Sources note her role as a six-week limited engagement at the Ambassador Theatre.
Leavitt’s casting continues Chicago’s tradition of bringing fresh performance energy and buzz-worthy names into the production, following past guest turns by other celebrities.
💥 Cast Additions & Returns for Winter 2026
Beyond the headline role of Roxie, the Chicago cast is welcoming nearly a dozen new performers and returning favorites in early 2026, including:
-
Sophie Carmen-Jones as Velma Kelly — known for her work in Moulin Rouge! The Musical and West End productions.
-
Greg Hildreth returning as Amos Hart.
-
M. Kilgore as Mary Sunshine — sparking particular interest given that role’s traditional staging surprises.
-
Ensemble members joining include Justin Dunn, Danielle Marie Gonzalez, Christopher Kelley, and Jeff Sullivan.
-
Returning company members like Tia Altinay and Chelsea James strengthen the ensemble fabric.
This influx of performers both reinforces the musical’s artistic depth and keeps the production fresh for long-time theatergoers.
👑 Star Power Through the Years
🎭 Kate Baldwin & Alex Newell (2025 Leads)
In late 2025, the production brought aboard Broadway stalwarts:
-
Kate Baldwin, a two-time Tony nominee, who joined as Roxie Hart beginning November 10, 2025.
-
Alex Newell, a Tony Award winner, who joined as Matron “Mama” Morton on November 17, 2025.
Baldwin and Newell’s engagement generated enthusiasm across Broadway circles, bringing acclaimed veterans to roles that require both vocal and dramatic versatility.
🎬 Mira Sorvino’s Broadway Stint
Prior to Baldwin’s run, Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart from September through November 2025, earning attention for transitioning from film to theater.
While some audiences reacted strongly to her casting, the decision underscored Chicago’s ongoing appeal for dramatic and stunt casting alike.
👠 Rotating Roles — Tradition and Talent
One of Chicago’s hallmarks is its rotating cast structure, which allows performers to step into key roles for limited engagements — a feature that keeps the production vibrant and clickable for repeat visitors.
This structure means that big names or Broadway stars often schedule appearances that overlap with touring productions, vacations, and off-Broadway commitments — keeping the Cell Block thrilling and unpredictable.
For fans, this approach encourages multiple visits, since you might see a completely different lineup of leads in subsequent months.
🎭 Behind the Scenes: Creative Team
The Broadway revival — which opened in 1996 and moved to the Ambassador Theatre in 2003 — continues under the direction of Walter Bobbie with choreography inspired by Tony winner Ann Reinking, staying true to the original Fosse style.
That continuity in creative vision helps preserve Chicago’s signature aesthetic — a blend of sultry jazz, razor-sharp dancing and cynical humor — even as performers rotate in and out.
🌟 Ensemble & Supporting Cast
While leads naturally get a lot of attention, Chicago’s success is also built on a deep ensemble and strong supporting roles:
-
Actors such as Zach Bravo, David Bushman, Jessica Ernest, Jeff Gorti, Chelsea James, and R. Lowe (Mary Sunshine) contribute to the storytelling and musical richness.
-
Multiple ensemble performers have been with Chicago for long stretches, helping maintain continuity even as stars change.
This ensemble strength is part of why Chicago has remained so resilient — combining powerhouse leads with a reliable, seasoned company.
🎶 Why Chicago Still Matters
📈 Broadway Legacy and Longevity
Chicago is now in its 29th year on Broadway — a testament to how its themes of fame, infamy, and media spectacle still resonate more than a quarter-century after its revival.
Its longevity also speaks to the timeless appeal of its music, choreography, and storytelling, which continue to draw both longtime musical fans and newbies alike.
🎤 Evolution Through Casting
By regularly introducing new performers — from Broadway veterans to fresh faces like Whitney Leavitt — the production ensures stylistic continuity while also adapting to evolving audience tastes and performance styles.
The show’s rotating roster not only keeps performances fresh but also allows actors from diverse backgrounds to bring their own interpretations to iconic roles, whether it’s a veteran Tony nominee or a Broadway debutant from reality TV.
🎫 For Audiences & Theatergoers
Whether you’re a Broadway regular or planning your first visit, 2026 offers a great opportunity to see Chicago with a blend of historical sophistication and new energy onstage.
Tickets are available for performances throughout early 2026, typically at varying times and prices (starting around $90+), and advance booking is recommended since the show remains a hot ticket.
🎭 Final Thoughts: Razzle, Dazzle, and Renewal
After nearly three decades, Chicago on Broadway remains a study in theatrical endurance — continually refreshed by remarkable casting choices, iconic choreography, and enduring music that keeps audiences returning night after night.
The ongoing cast changes — from Whitney Leavitt’s Broadway debut to the return of seasoned performers like Sophie Carmen-Jones and special engagements by Broadway stalwarts — reflect a production that’s alive, evolving, and deeply rooted in Broadway history.
In 2026 and beyond, Chicago continues to embody the razzle-dazzle spirit of Broadway — proving that, even in its 29th year, this hot-jazz, high-stakes musical still has plenty of shimmer to offer.
No comments