From the Dallas Cowboys sidelines to Broadway, Jacksonville native and former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reece Weaver is stepping into one of musical theater’s most iconic roles.
Weaver will make her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago The Musical, joining the cast on September 7 for a limited run through October 18.
Weaver teased the career move on Instagram with the caption,“Turning in the boots for Broadway.” In the video, with red lips and a slick back bun, she transforms into Roxie Hart, with the post announcing, “Reece Rocks Chicago,” officially revealing her next chapter on the Broadway stage.
Reece Weaver: From Dallas Cowboys cheerleader to Broadway’s Roxie Hart
According to Weaver, the role is more than a career milestone; it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong
dream.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Weaver began dancing at just 3 years old. She went on to attend a performing arts school in middle and high school before earning a degree in dance at University of Alabama. Her journey eventually led her to professional cheerleading, including a stint as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader.
Fans got to know Reece Weaver through Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts, which takes viewers behind the scenes of the high-pressure, highly competitive world of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The series followed Weaver both on and off the field, giving viewers a glimpse into her journey with the team as well as her personal life, including her relationship and marriage to husband Will Weaver.
Weaver’s decision to retire from the squad was also featured on the series. In the Season 3 finale, which premiered in June, she announced that she was stepping away from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Now, she’s trading the football field for the bright lights of Broadway.
In a recent interview with CBS, Weaver opened up about beginning rehearsals and stepping into the role made famous by countless performers. She admitted she felt a little nervous knowing how many iconic actresses have portrayed Roxie Hart, but said she’s honored by the opportunity.
“I do think there’s a challenge ahead of me, but I’m so honored to be on this journey,” Weaver said.
Weaver also reflected on the difference between performing as a cheerleader and performing on Broadway. While cheerleading allowed her to tell a story through movement and dance, Broadway requires her to tap into another skill: using her voice to tell the story.
And Chicago is only the beginning. Weaver has also announced that she is currently writing a book, adding another chapter to an already impressive career.
For this Jacksonville hometown girl, the next stage is literally Broadway.
Watch CBS interview with former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, now the new Roxy Hart on Broadway's Chicago The Musical
When will Reece Weaver be on Broadway's Chicago, the musical?
Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history and will mark its 30th anniversary this fall.
Reece Weaver announced she will be joining the Chicago cast starting September 7 through October 18. Tickets are now on sale.
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Native Reece Weaver makes Broadway debut on 'Chicago'
