Mark Ballas Makes Broadway Comeback in Chicago Production
Professional dancer and three-time Mirrorball Trophy winner Mark Ballas is leaping back to the Broadway stage in a highly anticipated return to theater. The Dancing with the Stars veteran will be taking on the iconic role of slick lawyer Billy Flynn in the long-running musical Chicago, beginning performances on April 6.
Reunion with Dancing Partner Creates Special Chemistry
Adding to the excitement of his Broadway return, Ballas will be sharing the stage with his former Dancing with the Stars partner Whitney Leavitt, who will be playing Roxie Hart in the production. The pair previously danced together on the popular television competition show last year, creating a professional chemistry that Ballas believes will translate perfectly to the Broadway stage.
"I think it's going to be so fun. We work so well together," Ballas revealed in a recent interview. "I never thought I'd be surprised by things that come from the show, but here we are."
Full Circle Moment for Theater-Trained Performer
For Ballas, this Broadway engagement represents a remarkable full circle moment in his performing career. The dancer actually auditioned for Chicago in London's West End when he was just 18 years old, making it through multiple callbacks before ultimately being told he was too short for the ensemble role.
"This is actually a wild, full-circle moment," Ballas explained. "One of the first shows I auditioned for was Chicago in the West End. I got right down to the end. I was only 18, still paying my dues, trying to figure it out. So this is super full circle."
Serendipitous Path to Broadway Role
The path to this Broadway production proved particularly serendipitous for both performers. While competing on Dancing with the Stars last year, Ballas and Leavitt performed a memorable routine to "Cell Block Tango" from Chicago, unaware that both would soon be auditioning for the actual Broadway production.
"We did 'Cell Block Tango' because we had to pick a song that a previous couple had danced to," Ballas recalled. "When I saw the list of music, 'Cell Block Tango' was on that list. We just picked that song and it's all very serendipitous. The next week, Whitney was going to audition."
Preparation and Professional Approach
Ballas has already begun intensive preparation for his Broadway return, employing the same meticulous approach that served him well in previous Broadway productions including Jersey Boys and Kinky Boots. The dancer has been attending nightly performances of Chicago to study the production and understand the rhythm of the show.
"I've already learned the show. I'm ready to go," Ballas stated confidently. "I went and watched it every night. That's part of my learning process. I'll go have my rehearsals — I take my little notepad — and then I'll watch what I rehearsed and see it on its feet. I think that's probably the dancer in me."
Joining Broadway History and Legacy
Stepping into the role of Billy Flynn represents a significant milestone for Ballas, who will be joining the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. The character has been portrayed by numerous iconic performers over the years, including Usher and Patrick Swayze, adding to the weight and prestige of the role.
"To be a part of that legacy and to step into this character that's held so much weight for so many years is very cool," Ballas acknowledged, expressing his respect for the production's history and cultural significance.
Fosse Influence and Dance Background
As a trained dancer, Ballas particularly appreciates the Bob Fosse-inspired choreography that defines Chicago's distinctive style. The legendary choreographer remains a significant influence on Ballas's own approach to dance and performance.
"When someone asks me, 'Who is your favorite dancer or choreographer of all time?' I would say Bob Fosse," Ballas revealed. "I'm always trying to have my stuff look so clean, that my partner and I are doing the same things at the same time, and that concaved, kind of tortured style. I love that."
Early Career and Unexpected Film Appearances
Ballas's performing career began at the Italia Conti Academy of Theater Arts in the United Kingdom, where he studied musical theater and music from age 11. His early career included an unexpected stint as an extra in the first three Harry Potter films, recruited along with other theater school students to fill crowd scenes.
While viewers would need sharp eyes to spot him in the films, Ballas humorously described his appearance during that period: "I was kind of in my awkward, emo phase, and I had a mouth full of braces and like spiky, Linkin Park hair. The one time I was about to be on full view — I think we were playing wizard chess — they moved me out the shot. But you can like see me lurking in the back if you're very, very quick."
With his Broadway return now imminent, Mark Ballas brings both his extensive dance background and genuine passion for musical theater to one of Broadway's most enduring productions, creating what promises to be a memorable chapter in both his career and the ongoing legacy of Chicago.
