From Billboard · Rebecca Milzoff · · 1m 40s
Chicago's Reality Star Casting Boost
Reality TV stars like Reece Weaver join Broadway's Chicago for fresh appeal.
In brief
Reality TV stars like Reece Weaver join Broadway's Chicago for fresh appeal. Reece Weaver, a Netflix reality star, becomes Chicago's newest Roxie Hart, leveraging her pop culture appeal to boost ticket sales. Originally reported by Billboard.
Broadway's Chicago Wall of Fame
Broadway's Chicago has an unofficial wall of fame listing actors who played lead roles, including pop stars like Brandy and Usher.
Reality Stars Join Chicago Cast
Seven Chicago alumni from reality television now appear on the wall of fame, with Reece Weaver joining as the latest reality star.
Chicago's Casting Strategy
Chicago's producer team casts stars from outside musical theater to attract audiences and boost ticket sales.
Reality Stars' Broadway Success
Reality stars like Reece Weaver and Ariana Madix have successfully transitioned to Broadway roles after training in musical theater.
Weaver's Broadway Preparation
Reece Weaver attended a performing arts high school and earned her bachelor's degree in dance from the University of Alabama.
Weaver's Dance Skills
Weaver says she loves Fosse's choreography and can perform with precision and intensity despite the large audience size.
Roxie Hart Role Suitability
The Roxie Hart role was created for performers who might be new, helping reality stars find their footing in Broadway.
Weaver's Broadway Performance
Weaver executed Fosse-influenced choreography with precision and embraced physical comedy and singing in Chicago.
Chicago's Casting Future
Dancing With the Stars contestants and K-pop artists are increasingly considered for Chicago's casting due to their dance backgrounds.
Chicago's Commercial Approach
Chicago's casting strategy balances commercial appeal with high-quality Broadway performances to stay profitable.
Here's the gist
Reece Weaver, a Netflix reality star, becomes Chicago's newest Roxie Hart, leveraging her pop culture appeal to boost ticket sales.
