“Dancing With the Stars” pro Mark Ballas gave fans a sneak peek at the opening night of his Broadway debut in “Chicago.”
The professional dancer teamed up with his DWTS celebrity partner, “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt, as they continue to play Billy Flynn and Roxie Hart in the long-running Broadway musical. The duo were fan-favorites but were eliminated during the semifinals.
Mark Ballas Gave Fans a Sneak Peek at His First Day as a Cast Member of ‘Chicago’
The DWTS pro shared an Instagram reel documenting his first day as a cast member of the Broadway musical, “Chicago.” He portrays Billy Flynn from April 6 through May 3.
“What a week. I can’t thank you all enough for the support,” Ballas wrote. “I’m loving every moment of being back on Broadway. This cast, orchestra, and crew are a dream. Thank you.”
A series of text blocks told Ballas’ story of this exciting step back onto the Great White Way.
“Come with me to my opening night in Chicago on Broadway,” it began, as a video of Ballas walking the streets of Manhattan played. The pro dancer took a minute to stand in front of a poster promoting his and Whitney Leavitt’s appearance, with a caption, “Not these two again.”
Additionally, Ballas took fans on a tour of his dressing room. He shared a personal note from actor Max Von Essen, who previously played Flynn in the musical.
It read, “Welcome to the ‘Chicago’ family, my friend. You will absolutely crush this! All my love, Max.”
Ballas then took his Instagram followers on stage at the Ambassador Theater. He met up with Leavitt and took to the stage, calling the audience “electric.” The video concluded with a curtain call, Ballas embracing his wife, BC Jean, after the performance and greeting fans outside.
Fans of the DWTS Mirrorball-Winning Pro Shared Their Support
In the comments section of Mark Ballas’ post, fans shared their support for the professional dancer on his third Broadway musical. The couple demonstrated their love for the musical during Season 34 when they performed an Argentine Tango in the style of the show.
Previously, Ballas made his Broadway debut as Frankie Valli in 2016’s “Jersey Boys.” Following, he played Charlie Price in the 2019 cast of “Kinky Boots.”
His famous friends were some of the first comment on the post. Best friend and DWTS judge Derek Hough wrote, “Proud of you, brother.” Celebrity Ricki Lake, who competed during Season 13, wrote, “Yayaayaayayayayay!!!! I am coming to see you for your last show!”
DWTS pro Jenna Johnson called the experience “So amazing,” while Whitney Leavitt called Ballas’s post “very on brand.”
Theatergoers also shared their remarks. “Saw you Saturday and you were incredible.” A second wrote, “Officially the best partnership to come out of DWTS ever.”
A third Instagram user penned, “We saw you this weekend!! You are a perfect Billy Flynn.”
“Chicago” is the second-longest-running show in Broadway history after “Phantom of the Opera,” reported Playbill.
