Reece Weaver is living the best of both worlds.
The former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
and the breakout star of Netflix's "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" never thought she'd be living the life of a cheerleader-turned-Broadway star in the Big Apple. But after a now-extended run as Roxie Hart in "Chicago," the Florida native is living out her fantasy of performing on stage and seeing her name in lights (just like her famed character)."This experience has been so surreal," Weaver, 25, tells USA TODAY. "I've always wanted to do Broadway. I feel like my dance trajectory, though, over the years, is kind of taking me a different route, which I do not regret one bit because I've loved it. But Broadway was always something I really
wanted and was passionate about. The fact that it's coming to fruition and I'm able to do this in real time is just truly such a blessing."
When Weaver made the difficult decision to leave DCC, she was ready to begin a new chapter − which, for her, meant moving out of the big city of Dallas and back to a much quieter country life in Alabama with her husband, Will Allman.
In June, the couple officially decided to lie down roots as they celebrated the purchase of a new home. But shortly after settling, the dancer was offered the coveted Broadway role, which saw the couple embark on an unexpected move to New York.
"We have been [in New York] longer than we have been our new home," Weaver says. "Over the past three years, our reality and lives have changed drastically overnight. And I think that we've been able to accept that and know that we live this … irregular, kind of inconsistent life. So when the opportunity came up, we wanted just to take advantage of it and make the most of it and embrace it with all that we had."
As Roxie, Weaver has to channel a conniving killer vixen − a personality that is completely different from the Southern belle sweetheart who has captivated the hearts of millions on TV.
She continues: "I know that back home is still there and we love that balance. I kind of live this Hannah Montana life of, going, doing Broadway, being in New York, glitz and glamour. And then one day we can go back home to our Alabama home ... and one day have our chicken coop."
"As a performer and artist, it's been such a fun challenge for me to play someone who I don't necessarily relate to, if you will," she laughs. "But I've loved it because I've been able to really grow and push myself."
And while Weaver doesn't "condone" Roxie's murderous actions, she appreciates her character's spirit.
"Roxie is a go-getter. She's very passionate," Weaver says. "And although I do not condone the actions she takes to succeed, nothing is going to get in her way of reaching that dream of hers and I do feel like I can relate to that."
Weaver, who performs eight shows a week, is still acclimating to her Broadway schedule and big city life that comes with it. While she's enjoyed experiencing New York, there are also pros and cons to living in the big city.
"We are big foodies, and so, we love to grub," she says of the pros. "We love to try new restaurants, new cuisines and places. I think that's what makes New York so special: there are so many people from all different backgrounds who have brought their home to us."
When it comes to cons, so far, there's only one big thing derailing Weaver's exploration of the city. "I don't think I'll ever touch the subway with a ten-foot pole. I'm so scared that I'll just, like, end up somewhere random, and get lost," she admits.
But despite her subway phobia, Weaver is enjoying living "amongst people who are chasing their dreams," a sentiment she shares with her aspirational stage character.
"There's been so many iconic women who have played Roxie ... it is a little intimidating," she says. "It's like, 'Am I able to measure up? Am I going to be able to give Roxy everything?' But it's also sweet because I think that 'Chicago' has done such an incredible job. The people who work at the theatre and with the show, they have made it a point to make Roxy your own. And I think that has really helped me take a breath and relax and know I don't have to necessarily compare myself to someone else. I can just make Roxie, Reece, and Reece Roxie."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Inside Reece Weaver's 'Hannah Montana life,' from DCC to Chicago on Broadway
