Ashley Graham Debuts as Roxie Hart in Broadway's 'Chicago' Revival

Oct, 16 2025

When Ashley Graham, model, author and entrepreneur stepped onto the stage of the Ambassador Theatre on April 15, 2025, the theater world got a surprise that feels part celebration and part cultural milestone.

She was taking the helm of Roxie Hart in the 1996 revival of ChicagoAmbassador Theatre, a production that has been running nonstop for almost three decades. The limited engagement runs through May 25, giving New York audiences a narrow window to witness the curve‑model‑turned‑show‑stopper in action.

The Road to Broadway

Graham’s journey to the Great White Way began long before she ever sang "All That Jazz." In 2017 she made history as one of the first curve models on the cover of Vogue, and in 2015 she broke another barrier by appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. But behind the glossy spreads, she kept a notebook, writing down aspirations like a personal manifesto.

"I’m all about writing down things that we want to have in our life. In 2019, I wrote down ‘sing on Broadway,’" she told The Broadway Show. "I know there’s a performer inside of me, and I wanted to coax her out." That notebook became the unlikely catalyst for a partnership with Grand Central Publishing, which released her memoir A New Model earlier this year, detailing the very same ambition.

Fast‑forward to April 2025, and Graham describes the pivot as “going from zero to 100.” In an interview with Broadway.com she said, "I’m not on a runway, I’m not in a photo shoot, I’m on a stage with a live audience. It’s riveting and totally out of my comfort zone." The sentiment captures the essence of a career built on rewriting standards, now rewriting theater norms.

Inside the "Chicago" Revival

The revival that Graham is joining was originally produced by the duo Barry Weissler and Fran Weissler in 1996. Their vision, combined with the choreography of the legendary Ann Reinking and direction by Walter Bobbie, has kept the show fresh while honoring Bob Fosse’s iconic style.

Alongside Graham, the cast includes Sophie Carmen‑Jones as Velma Kelly and Rema Webb as Matron “Mama” Morton. The chemistry among the trio has already sparked buzz on social media, with fans noting that Graham’s vocal timbre adds a new, gritty edge to Roxie’s infamous “Roxie” number.

The body positivity message is amplified every night. Graham often pauses mid‑song to address the audience, reminding them that “beauty isn’t a size, it’s a confidence.” That mantra dovetails with the show’s themes of ambition, scandal, and the hunger for the spotlight.

Reactions from the Cast and Critics

During a live segment on CBS Mornings, Graham shared how “insanely vulnerable moments” with newly‑met cast members turned into instant camaraderie. "Their arms were wide open," she said, laughing. Co‑star Sophie Carmen‑Jones echoed the sentiment, adding, "She brings a fresh energy that pushes us all to dig deeper into our characters."

Early reviews from The New York Times and Variety praise Graham’s stage presence, noting that her dance numbers, while not as polished as a Broadway veteran’s, bring an authenticity that “matches Roxie’s desperate yearning for fame.” One critic wrote, "Graham’s performance is a reminder that Broadway thrives when it welcomes voices that challenge the conventional glitter."

Ticket Details and Audience Response

Tickets for the limited run range from $49 in the balcony to $189 in the mezzanine, with premium orchestra seats at $249. All sales are handled through Telecharge, the official ticketing partner. Because the run is short, many shows sold out within hours of release, prompting a secondary market surge that pushed some prices above $300.

Audience members report a mix of awe and excitement. A first‑time theatergoer from Brooklyn told us, "Seeing Ashley Graham on stage made me feel like anyone can chase a dream, no matter their background." Another longtime theater fan from Queens observed, "The energy in the house is electric; you can feel that something historic is happening."

What This Means for Body Positivity on Stage

Graham’s debut isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a tangible sign that the industry is widening its definition of who belongs on the marquee. Historically, Broadway has been dominated by a narrow aesthetic, but the past decade has seen an influx of diverse talent—from K‑Pop sensation Jong‑soo Lee in Hamilton to drag artist Bob the Drag Queen in Mrs. Doubtfire. Graham’s presence adds a new dimension, aligning the visual storytelling of fashion with the emotive power of theater.

Experts say this could inspire casting directors to consider a broader range of bodies for lead roles. Dr. Maya Patel, a cultural studies professor at NYU, noted, "When a high‑profile figure like Graham steps onto Broadway, it challenges entrenched casting norms and paves the way for future performers who might otherwise feel excluded."

The production’s home, the The Shubert Organization, confirms that plans are already underway to feature Graham in upcoming special events, including a panel on inclusivity at the 2025 Tony Awards.