Model and entrepreneur Ashley Graham is set to make her Broadway debut this spring in the musical Chicago, bringing her star power to a show that playfully critiques celebrity culture.
Graham, who was featured on Time’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2017 and named Glamour’s “Woman of the Year” in 2016, will take on the role of Roxie Hart at the Ambassador Theatre from April 15 to May 25.
In a statement, she expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m honored to make my Broadway debut as the iconic Roxie Hart. I’m deeply grateful to take on this new challenge and am thrilled to perform alongside such an incredible cast.”
Graham gained widespread recognition when she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 2016, which eventually led to her appearing on the cover of Vogue magazine and becoming a judge on America’s Next Top Model.
In addition to her modeling career, she authored the memoir A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty & Power Really Look Like. More recently, Graham hosted Roku’s Side Hustlers and HGTV’s Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge.
Set in the 1920s, Chicago is a biting satire that critiques how the media and show business turn criminals into celebrities. With choreography inspired by Bob Fosse, revealing costumes, and iconic songs like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango,” the musical has become a classic.
The story follows Roxie Hart, a housewife and dancer who kills her lover after he threatens to leave her. To escape conviction, Roxie hires Chicago’s most charismatic criminal lawyer to manipulate the media, the public, and her fellow inmate, Velma Kelly, by staging shocking headlines.
Since its debut in 1996, the role of Roxie has been portrayed by numerous women, including Pam Anderson, Melanie Griffith, Christie Brinkley, Marilu Henner, Brooke Shields, Lisa Rinna, Gretchen Mol, Ashlee Simpson, Brandy Norwood, Jennifer Nettles, and Robin Givens.