Whitney Leavitt's Journey: From #MomTok to Broadway's Roxie Hart
Whitney Leavitt, known for her role in the Hulu reality series "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," has made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in "Chicago." This debut was a long-term aspiration for Leavitt, who previously pursued fine arts with a dance concentration in college.
After graduating from Brigham Young University and becoming a homemaker, Leavitt began creating content on TikTok in 2019. This initiative evolved into a collaboration with other "Mormon moms," collectively known as #MomTok. The #MomTok group's social media presence ultimately led to the creation of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."
Navigating Reality TV's Spotlight
Leavitt was initially portrayed as a "villain" during Season 1 of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," leading to online criticism and death threats.
She acknowledged her naivety regarding reality television production and editing.
Following Season 2, Leavitt sought a role in a scripted series. Upon being declined, she temporarily departed "Mormon Wives" due to emotional costs, relocating her family to Southern Utah.
A Strategic Return and New Artistic Horizons
Leavitt later rejoined the series after producers indicated an opportunity to audition for "Dancing With the Stars," a prospect aligning with her artistic goals. She approached her return to "Mormon Wives" with a revised attitude, prioritizing her career aspirations and addressing drama directly.
Leavitt was cast in "Dancing With the Stars" and subsequently secured a role in the Christmas film "All for Love." Shortly after, she was invited to audition for "Chicago," a dream role she had previously discussed. She underwent vocal training and performed a covert dance audition during her "Dancing With the Stars" run.
Broadway Beckons: The Dream Role
After her elimination from "Dancing With the Stars" in November, Leavitt auditioned for "Chicago" in New York and received the role of Roxie Hart. Her schedule included filming "All for Love" and moving her family to New York for "Chicago" rehearsals. Camera crews are documenting her "Chicago" experience for Season 5 of "Mormon Wives," which has posed scheduling challenges.
Balancing Ambition and Personal Growth
Leavitt is currently evaluating her future participation in "Mormon Wives," citing the time demands of both projects and her desire to focus on theatrical and film roles. She expressed that she would maintain friendships with her castmates even if she were to depart the show.
Leavitt is also reflecting on her Mormon faith, having begun to question aspects of it in her 30s. She aims to raise her children to think for themselves while still valuing core traditions. Additionally, she is considering how to effectively use her public platform to address social issues, expressing a desire to do more than simply post on social media. She relates to Roxie Hart's ambition and ability to navigate challenging circumstances to advance her career.