New York City, NY – Ariana Madix, best known for her role in the reality TV show “Vanderpump Rules,” made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the Tony-winning revival of “Chicago” on Tuesday night at the Ambassador Theatre.
The debut was a full-circle moment for Madix, who studied musical theater at Flagler College and moved to New York City after graduation with hopes of landing a role in a Broadway show. She initially bartended to pay the bills during auditions and later moved to Los Angeles, where she worked at SUR, the bar featured in “Vanderpump Rules.”
Madix expressed that her Broadway debut fulfilled a lifelong dream, returning her to her original goal after a decade of drama on Bravo. She emphasized feeling beyond grateful for the opportunity.
“This is my ultimate dream. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Being here now, it feels like everything has fallen into place. I’m incredibly grateful.” she said in an interview before the show.
Madix acknowledged the discipline required for the role and expressed her commitment to showcasing her talent. She wants to prove that her casting is based on her abilities rather than being perceived as a stunt-casting.
“I know how I got here, but I want more than that defining me. It’s not just a gimmick. Similar to Hamilton, I aim to seize this opportunity. I want people to see me and say, ‘She belongs here,’ not just assume I got in for some other reason.”
The debut was attended by a packed crowd of Bravo fans and stars, including her “Vanderpump Rules” co-stars Lala Kent and Scheana Shay. The audience also included Bravo fans, Bravo stars, and People’s Couch alum Emerson Collins. Madix’s mother, Tanya, and her boyfriend, Daniel Wai, were present to support her during the debut.
Madix received a standing ovation from the audience and rave reviews from the critics. She joins a list of Bravo stars who have performed in “Chicago,” including Erika Girardi, Lisa Rinna, Kandi Burrus, and NeNe Leakes.
“Chicago” is a musical set in the 1920s that tells the story of two murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who vie for fame and acquittal in the corrupt criminal justice system.
The musical features original choreography by Bob Fosse and notable songs such as “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “Razzle Dazzle.” The musical was revived on Broadway in 1996 and has since become the longest-running American musical in history. It was also adapted into a 2002 film starring Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Madix shared her anticipation for the emotional feeling on opening night when her dream would truly feel like a reality.
“It’s going to be a very emotional moment,” she said. “I think that’s when I’ll really feel it. Because right now I’m focusing on learning the role as well as I can. But that will be the time I realize that I can do it. Because I did. I finally did.”
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