What's Happening?
Whitney Leavitt, known for her role in 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' and as a contestant on 'Dancing With The Stars', has extended her run as Roxie Hart in the Broadway musical 'Chicago'. Initially set to conclude on March 15, her engagement will now continue from March 23 to April 5. This decision follows a significant increase in box office revenue, with the show grossing $1,410,093 last week, marking its highest earnings since the 2023 holiday season. The producers, Barry and Fran Weissler, have a history of casting celebrities to maintain audience interest, and Leavitt's involvement has proven particularly successful. The show, now in its 29th year at the Ambassador Theatre, saw an attendance of 8,565, reaching 99% capacity.
Why It's Important?
The extension
of Whitney Leavitt's role in 'Chicago' highlights the impact of celebrity casting on Broadway's financial performance. Her presence has not only boosted ticket sales but also attracted a broader audience, demonstrating the effectiveness of this strategy in revitalizing long-running productions. This success underscores the importance of innovative casting choices in sustaining the economic viability of theatrical productions. The increased revenue from 'Chicago' contributes to the overall health of Broadway, which saw a collective gross of $33,578,362 for the week, an 11.3% increase from the previous week. This trend is crucial for the industry, especially as it continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
What's Next?
With Whitney Leavitt's extended run, 'Chicago' is likely to maintain its strong box office performance in the coming weeks. The producers may continue to explore similar casting strategies to keep the production fresh and appealing. Other Broadway shows might also consider adopting this approach to boost their own ticket sales. The broader industry will be watching closely to see if this trend can be sustained and replicated across other productions. Additionally, the success of 'Chicago' could influence future casting decisions and marketing strategies for long-running shows.
