Ashley Graham is about to get the party started! The 37-year-old supermodel, business mogul, and mother of three is joining the Broadway cast of the iconic musical Chicago—marking her official Broadway debut. The celebrated fashion figure will take on the challenging role of Roxie Hart, a feisty chorus girl who transforms into a convicted murderer. Graham’s debut in the world of theater is a new facet to her already diverse career.
The opening night of “Chicago,” Broadway’s longest-running revival, is much anticipated, and Graham’s interpretation of Roxie Hart is sure to be one of a kind. This gown, specially designed for this part, features a sweetheart neckline with a single strap, exposed shoulders and long sleeves. This interpretation and its design have marked a major departure from stage incarnations of the character that came before.
Graham’s wardrobe for the comforting yet chaotic role reveals an up-close, fabulous trove. It’s got an off-the-shoulder dress, a romping fishnet-sleeved romper, a slinky kimono, and a luxe looking blazer dress. Each piece has been carefully designed to compliment her performance and capture the heart of the character.
To get ready for her debut, Graham has dived into an intensive training routine. She has been working on creating the physical stamina required for both singing and stage performance. To prepare for this emerging discipline, she has added singing and walking on a treadmill into her practice regimen.
“One of the things new to me is singing while walking on a treadmill. It’s got my stamina up.” – Ashley Graham
To optimize her performance even more, Graham has embraced a holistic lifestyle. She utilizes sauna sessions to keep her body warm and has turned to acupuncture to address any physical strains she experiences during rehearsals.
“As well, I sauna to keep everything warm. My calves and feet have gone through it, so I’m also doing a lot of acupuncture.” – Ashley Graham
Additionally, she has taken the initiative to protect her vocal health due to seasonal allergies, sharing this advice,
“I’ve been dealing with allergies—always fun this time of year—but I take good care of myself anyways.” – Ashley Graham
Graham’s method for stepping into Roxie Hart goes beyond just hitting the gym. As she worked on the script, she maintained a journal — weaving her way through the character’s complexities and motivations.
Gradually, I was just charmed by her. Graham went on to explain what he loved about Roxie as a character, “She’s been through a lot of pain, but she’s an optimistic person, she looks at things half full. She’s an ambitious girl, and that’s what I want to be.”
The actress draws her inspiration from other theater productions in order to create her unique performance. Attending shows such as Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal in “Othello” provided her with insights into stage presence and character interpretation.
Graham champions a detailed custom wig that glamorously ups the stakes of her character’s look. The new wig has a swooshing set part that replicates her very own cowlick and ends with a sleek throwback teardrop bun.
Graham’s interpretation of Roxie Hart is a departure from the archetypal stage evocation. Unrealistic styles that musicals tend to go overboard on heavy-set makeup, and instead of this she chooses very sheer, light makeup. This decision speaks to her determination to be authentic, yet make the character her own.
Graham’s costume is designed with integrated bras, providing comfort and support, which is particularly important given her athletic performance requirements. The ensemble is completed by three varied pairs of shoes, which feature Roxie’s memorable silver-buckled heels.
Even with the buzz around her debut, Graham confesses to feeling a bit of opening night jitters in the days leading up to the debut.
“I’m trying to be calm, but I’m having trouble sleeping,” – Ashley Graham
Graham continues to juggle her new position with the demands of being a mother and running a company. She continuously ruminates on her path as an artist and a person.
“She’s really taken a lot of her ‘nos’ and turned them into ‘yeses’—that’s literally my whole career.” – Ashley Graham
As the curtain rises on “Chicago,” audiences will see Ashley Graham’s metamorphosis from supermodel to Broadway star. She fiercely guards authenticity and injects an incendiary originality into her character. …she’s now primed to leave her indelible impression on The Great White Way.