Key Takeaways
- Chicago's Broadway production now includes reality TV stars like Reece Weaver.
- Producers aim to attract new audiences by casting celebrities.
- This strategy has contributed to the show's longevity and success.
In a move to attract new audiences, the long-running Broadway musical Chicago has begun casting reality TV stars, including the breakout star of Netflix's 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,' Reece Weaver.
The practice of bringing in celebrities from outside the musical theater world has been a hallmark of Chicago's producer team, Barry Weissler and his wife Fran, for years.
Weissler's associate producer, Brett England, explains that the show's structure as a satirical vaudeville piece makes it an ideal fit for reality stars, who can play with the concept of celebrity.
Reece Weaver's casting as Roxie Hart is part of a trend that includes other reality TV stars like Ariana Madix of 'Vanderpump Rules' and Whitney Leavitt of 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives'.
Weaver's casting is seen as a continuation of the strategy that has contributed significantly to Chicago's standing as the longest-running current show on Broadway and the longest-running American musical, period.
Producers believe that these celebrity castings can bring in new ticket buyers, who may then discover the other talented Broadway performers surrounding them.
The approach has proven successful, with Whitney Leavitt's casting as Roxie yielding the highest grosses the show has seen.
While some reality stars, like Ariana Madix, have backgrounds in musical theater, others, such as Weaver, bring fresh faces to the stage.
Brett England notes that the show's success with celebrity castings is a testament to the producers' ability to find and nurture talent from diverse backgrounds.
