Ariana Madix made her Broadway debut on Monday night, appearing as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago.
The 38-year-old Vanderpump Rules personality, who survived cheating almost a year ago, took the stage wearing a blonde wig and red lipstick.
She wowed audiences who walked out of her opening performance at the Ambassador Theater in New York City.
According to People, Madix was supported by VPR co-stars Lala Kent and Scheana Shay, as well as her mother Tanya Madix, who sat with boyfriend Daniel Wai.
The Florida-born entertainer received a standing ovation for her role.
Ariana Madix made her Broadway debut on Monday night, appearing as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago. The 38-year-old Vanderpump Rules personality – who survived cheating almost a year ago – took the stage wearing a blonde wig and red lipstick wowing the audience as they filed out for her opening performance at the Ambassador Theater in New York City
Madix's blonde locks were hidden under a blonde wig that was several inches shorter than her natural hair.
It was cut straight, with a part in the middle and cropped right at the chin and chin.
She looked stunning as she slipped into a black shorts romper layered over a sheer black fitted crew neck top.
The “Dancing with the Stars” finalist also wore sheer black tights and completed the costume with metallic silver shoes.
It was announced that the bombshell would appear on Kander & Ebb's Tony Award-winning show in early December.
She will appear in the production for eight weeks, ending March 24.
“It's just the biggest dream come true,” Ariana said of the opportunity to perform ahead of her debut on “Live with Kelly and Mark.”
“I can't believe this is real life.” “I'm going to cry,” she added at the time.
Madix was supported by VPR co-stars Lala Kent and Scheana Shay, as well as her mother Tanya Madix, who sat with boyfriend Daniel Wai. The Florida-raised entertainer received a standing ovation for her role with shorter than her natural hair. She performed alongside Amra-Faye Wright, who was similarly dressed. The two entertainers beamed as they accepted the audience's applause
Earlier this month, Ariana told People during a press conference, “To say this is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream would be an understatement.”
She explained: “This is literally everything to me.” It's everything I've ever wanted. And to be here now and experience this full circle moment… I am so beyond grateful.”
Musical theater is nothing new for the star, as she studied the subject at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.
She later moved to New York City to pursue her dream and trained as a bartender on the side.
Eventually, Madix moved to Los Angeles, where she landed a spot on the Bravo reality series Vanderpump Rules, a spin-off of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Ariana opened up about the series of events that led her to her role as Roxie, saying, “I'm very aware of what led me here, but I don't want people to think about that when they leave the theater leave.”
Madix's Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay posted a picture of Madix backstage holding a bouquet of flowers, adding in the caption, “@arianamadix absolutely nailed it!!!”
Kristen Doute added, “I love you so much and I'm so incredibly proud! Ariana IS Roxie Hart!”
James Kennedy's girlfriend Ally Lewber added: “YOU.” SCREAMING. CRY. TO VOMIT. SHE WAS PERFECT.'
Katie Maloney added: “So proud of you @arianamadix” with several emojis.
Madix's Vanderpump Rules co-star Scheana Shay posted a picture of Madix backstage holding a bouquet of flowers, adding in the caption, “@arianamadix absolutely did it!!!” Kristen Doute added, “I love you so much and am so incredibly proud! Ariana IS Roxie Hart!” James Kennedy's girlfriend Ally Lewber added: “YOU.” SCREAMING. CRY. TO VOMIT. SHE WAS PERFECT.' Katie Maloney added: “So proud of you @arianamadix” with several emojis. Dayna Kathan shared a backstage picture. Both were given huge bouquets of red roses and each picked one
While Madix was winning over people on Broadway, executive producer Alex Baskin spoke to the Los Angeles Times about how Scandoval affected cast members' salary negotiations.
“This is as difficult as it's ever been because typically we have a rate card, a tenure card, that we've used in previous seasons.” “There are all kinds of requests across the board,” Baskin said.
“Something like a producer credit is out of the question because that's something we can't disclose,” he admitted.
“But other than that, I knew it would take a while for the expectations of the cast to be fulfilled,” he said.
“Because we often make sure that they are aware of the state of the industry and the fact that trade fairs are challenging these days,” he said.
“Your point is right: “You praise the success of the show. Where is our part of it?” “These are difficult conversations,” Baskin admitted Sunday.
“I thought everyone wanted to come back, except for Rachel, who had to make a personal decision.” “Everyone did better than before,” he said.
Rachel Leviss, who was involved in the affair with Tom Sandoval, was admitted to a psychiatric facility and later confirmed her exit from the show.
They formed a stunning team that captured the attention of fans. It was announced that the bombshell would appear on Kander & Ebb's Tony-winning show in early December. In a television interview ahead of her debut, Ariana described the opportunity as “the biggest dream come true.” Ariana laughed giddily as she took a bow with her co-stars during the curtain call
Ariana's life was turned upside down last March when she caught her longtime boyfriend Tom Sandoval having an affair with her best friend and castmate Rachel Leviss.
The explosion drew widespread attention on the Bravo TV series, whose 11th season premieres on Tuesday, January 30.
The latest installment deals with the aftermath of the scandal that later became known as “Scandoval.”
After the betrayal, Madix landed a number of brand partnerships and eventually landed a spot on Dancing with the Stars, where she made it to the finals and placed third.
Next came the Broadway role that propelled the media company to A-list status.