'Vanderpump' star Ariana Madix sees 'Chicago' musical break record after Broadway debut
"Chicago," the longest running American musical on Broadway, reached its highest grossing non-holiday performance week ever after reality TV personality Ariana Madix joined the cast.
The production earned over $939,000 for the week ending Sunday, the highest in the show's 27-year-history, excluding weeks that included holidays, according to Broadway World. Madix's debut week surpassed the previous record of just over $926,000 for the week ending on March 26, 2023, the outlet reported.
The "Vanderpump Rules" star first played the lead role of Roxie Hart on Jan. 29, when she got a standing ovation at the Ambassador Theatre in New York. She is expected to continue her limited eight-week run in the classic musical through March 24.
Madix has joined a league of talent to play the aspiring chorus girl facing trial for murder, including singer Michelle Williams, Brooke Shields, Pamela Anderson, Mel B, Brandy, Lisa Rinna, Rumer Willis and Rita Wilson. Renée Zellweger played Roxie in the 2002 film adaptation that landed her an Oscar nomination.
'The Ariana Roxie is going to be unlike anyone else'
Ahead of her debut, Madix told the Associated Press that she dealt with positive and negative responses to her part in the play and has decided to ignore both.
"The Ariana Roxie is going to be unlike anyone else because we're all different people, and we're all going to bring our own experiences to it, so I'm really looking forward to that," Madix told the AP. "You don't pay attention to the positive or the negative that is said, but I do get very nervous. I know that I'm not going to be out there by myself. I'm going to have an incredible cast and crew on this show that's going to be there with me every step. We're just going to put on a great show."
Who is Ariana Madix of 'Vanderpump Rules'?
Madix joined the cast of "Vanderpump Rules" for its third season. Led by former "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Lisa Vanderpump, this Bravo spinoff centers around Vanderpump ? her life in the spotlight, her business empire and those who work for her. The highly dramatic show isn't shy on the tears, nudity or eyebrow-raising drama.
The show follows the lives of people who worked at the West Hollywood restaurant SUR, which is owned by Vanderpump. Madix, a Melbourne, Florida, native and Flagler College alumna, became a fan favorite on the reality show.
In the beginning, Madix tended bar on the show along with her then-boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, and his ex, Kristen Doute.
The 38-year-old was embroiled in a scandal on the hit show after news broke in 2023 about Sandoval cheating on her with their friend and fellow cast member Raquel Levis. Dubbed as "Scandoval," Madix drew sympathy from all corners of the internet and saw an influx in interest on her life.
Since the scandal, Madix has stayed mostly tight-lipped about the incident beyond some social media posts and chats with Bravo's Andy Cohen. The move has led to her making it out on top, becoming the subject of many high-profile magazine covers and appearances on other shows.
Did Ariana Madix win 'Dancing with the Stars'?
After weathering through the "Scandoval" storm, Madix joined the season 32 cast of "Dancing with the Stars."
Madix and DWTS partner Pasha Pashkov placed third behind singer Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach.
Marvel star Xochitl Gomez ("Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness") and dance pro Val Chmerkovskiy took home the Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy.
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman and Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY; Gianna Montesano, TCPalm
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ariana Madix's Broadway debut in 'Chicago' marks record-breaking week
