Reece Weaver Razzle Dazzles as Roxie Hart in First Look at Her Broadway Debut in ‘Chicago’ (Exclusive)

Reece Weaver transforms into Roxie Hart in PEOPLE’s exclusive first look at the former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader’s Broadway debut in ‘Chicago.’

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PEOPLE has the exclusive first look at Reece Weaver as Roxie Hart ahead of her Broadway debut in Chicago

The America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders star begins performances Sept. 7 for a six-week limited engagement

Weaver, who retired from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders earlier this year, has called performing on Broadway a longtime “dream”

Reece Weaver is ready to razzle dazzle Broadway.

The former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is trading in her boots to step into Roxie Hart’s dancing shoes in Chicago — and PEOPLE has the exclusive first look at Weaver in costume ahead of her big debut.

In the new photo, Weaver, 24, embodies the merry murderess in one of the musical’s signature black looks, posing as the fame-hungry Roxie ahead of her first performance at New York City’s Ambassador Theatre on Monday, Sept. 7.

She’ll succeed K-Pop star and actress Ivy (Park Eun-hye), who will wrap her run as Roxie on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Weaver, who rose to fame on Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, will play the role for a six-week limited engagement through Sunday, Oct. 18.

The Broadway debut marks an exciting new chapter for Weaver, who announced her retirement from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders earlier this year after three seasons with the squad.

Weaver joined DCC as part of its 2023 rookie class, with her journey to becoming a member of the famed cheerleading team later chronicled on America’s Sweethearts. The Netflix docuseries also followed her life away from the football field, including her relationship with and marriage to husband Will Weaver.

In the season 3 finale, which premiered in June, Weaver revealed she had decided to leave the team.

“It’s been hard to make that decision, but I’m emotional because of how grateful I am, truly,” she told DCC director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell.

“My cup is filled to the brim, and if my absence gives another girl an opportunity for her cup to be filled, then I consider that the greatest honor, leaving and moving forward,” she added.

Reece Weaver/Instagram

For Weaver, moving forward has meant returning to roots that long predate her time with DCC.

A Jacksonville, Fla., native, Weaver began dancing at age 3 and later attended performing arts middle and high schools before studying dance at the University of Alabama, where she earned her degree.

“I’ve always wanted to perform on the Broadway stage,” Weaver told CBS Mornings while announcing her Chicago casting in August.

“I was born and raised as a dancer. I started dance at 3 years old,” she explained. “I have a degree in dance. I went to a performing arts middle school and high school, where I just fell in love with all things arts. I actually did a few musicals growing up in high school. And I just fell in love with the team aspect of growing something and creating something all together.”

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Now, Weaver will make that longtime dream a reality in one of Broadway’s most recognizable roles.

“There’s so many iconic people who have played the role of Roxie and an incredible cast,” she told CBS Mornings. “I do think there is a challenge ahead of me, but I’m so honored to be on this journey.”

Weaver succeeds Krysta Rodriguez as Roxie and will join a company that includes Lissa deGuzman as Velma Kelly, Max Von Essen as Billy Flynn, Jacqueline B. Arnold as Matron “Mama” Morton, Eddie Cooper as Amos Hart and J. Workman as Mary Sunshine.

She’ll also become the latest in a long line of stars to step into Roxie’s heels during the revival’s historic run. Ann Reinking originated the role when the production opened in 1996, with Melanie Griffith, Brooke Shields, Ashlee Simpson, Christie Brinkley, Brandy Norwood, Pamela Anderson, Ariana Madix and Whitney Leavitt among those who have played the character over the years.

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Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history and will celebrate its 30th anniversary this fall.

With music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse, the musical follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two accused murderesses who turn their criminal notoriety into celebrity in 1920s Chicago. Its celebrated score includes “All That Jazz,” “When You’re Good to Mama,” “Roxie” and “Razzle Dazzle.”

The musical originally premiered in 1975 with legendary leading ladies Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera playing Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, respectively. The 1996 revival, directed by Walter Bobbie, first starred Reinken and Bebe Neuwirth and won six Tony Awards in 1997, including Best Musical Revival.

Tia Altinay, Ronnie S. Bowman, Austin Dunn, John Michael Fiumara, Danielle Marie Conzalez, Chelsea James, Christopher Kelley, James T. Lane, Jenny LaRoche, Marty Lawson, Joseph London, Kristen Faith Oei, Denny Paschall, Angel Reda, Mariah Reives, Sean Samuels, Jeff Sullivan and Elizabeth Yanick round out Chicago’s current company.

Tickets for Chicago are now on sale.

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