From ‘Vanderpump’ to Broadway: Ariana Madix Returns in ‘Just in Time’
Ariana Madix Joins Broadway’s "Just in Time" as Connie Francis
Big News for Broadway Fans!
Reality TV star and Dancing with the Stars finalist Ariana Madix is returning to Broadway this fall.
What’s Happening?
Ariana Madix—best known from Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules and her impressive run on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars—will join the Broadway musical Just in Time starting September 12, 2025. She’ll be playing Connie Francis at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York City.
What Is "Just in Time"?
Think of it like a musical biography—but with way more singing and dancing!
- It tells the life story of Bobby Darin, a famous singer from the 1950s and 60s
- Features his biggest hits like:
- "Beyond the Sea"
- "Splish Splash"
- "Mack the Knife"
- Also includes songs by Connie Francis, another huge star from that era
- Developed by director Alex Timbers (who also directed Moulin Rouge! The Musical)
- Based on an original idea by Ted Chapin
- Book (script) written by Tony winner Warren Leight and Isaac Oliver (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
Who’s in the Cast?
The Stars
| Actor | Role | You Might Know Them From |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Jordan | Bobby Darin | The Great Gatsby (Broadway), Newsies, Supergirl (TV) |
| Ariana Madix | Connie Francis (starting Sept 12) | Vanderpump Rules, Dancing with the Stars finalist |
| Olivia Holt | Connie Francis (current, until Sept 11) | Kickin’ It (Disney Channel) |
Fun Fact: The role of Connie Francis has been played by three different TV stars in a row!
- Gracie Lawrence (Tony nominee) – originated the role
- Isa Briones (The Pitt) – took over next
- Olivia Holt (Disney Channel) – current Connie
- Ariana Madix – taking over September 12!
The Amazing Supporting Cast
- Carrie St. Louis (Wicked)
- Debbie Gravitte (Tony Award winner, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway)
- Joe Barbara (A Bronx Tale)
- Emily Bergl (Drama Desk nominee, Good Night, Oscar)
- Lance Roberts (The Music Man)
- Caesar Samayoa (Come From Away)
- Christine Cornish (Kiss Me, Kate)
- Julia Grondin (Funny Girl)
- Valeria Yamin (Moulin Rouge!)
- Jaime Foord (Broadway debut!)
- Tari Kelly (Mr. Saturday Night)
- Matt Magnusson (A Wonderful World)
- Jeffrey Schecter (A Chorus Line)
- Tristen Buettel (Boop! The Musical)
- Whitney Levitt – joining as Sandra Dee starting December 1
The Creative Dream Team
| Role | Person | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Alex Timbers | Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Beetlejuice |
| Book Writers | Warren Leight & Isaac Oliver | Side Man (Tony), The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel |
| Choreographer | Shannon Lewis | Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 |
| Music Supervision | Andrew Resnick | Moulin Rouge! The Musical |
| Scenic Design | Derek McLane (2x Tony) | Death Becomes Her, Moulin Rouge! |
| Costume Design | Catherine Zuber (8x Tony!) | Moulin Rouge!, The King and I |
| Lighting Design | Justin Townsend (Tony) | Here Lies Love, Moulin Rouge! |
| Sound Design | Peter Hylenski (Tony) | Maybe Happy Ending, Moulin Rouge! |
Tony Alert: This creative team has 13 Tony Awards combined! That’s like the Avengers of Broadway design.
Ariana’s Broadway Journey
- January 2024 – Made her Broadway debut in Chicago (playing Roxie Hart)
- Summer 2024 – Returned for an encore engagement because audiences loved her so much!
- September 2025 – Takes on Connie Francis in Just in Time
ELI5 Explanation: Think of it like leveling up in a video game. First she played a famous role in a long-running show (Chicago), did so well they asked her back, and now she’s originating a role in a brand-new musical!
Important Details to Remember
Mark Your Calendar
- Ariana starts: September 12, 2025
- Theatre: Circle in the Square Theatre (235 W 50th St, NYC)
- Current Connie (Olivia Holt) performs until: September 11
- Whitney Levitt joins as Sandra Dee: December 1, 2025
Want Tickets?
Visit the official website: JustInTimeBroadway.com
Who’s Producing the Show?
- Tom Kirdahy (Hadestown, The Inheritance)
- Robert Ahrens (Xanadu, The Prom)
- John Frost (Major Australian producer)
- Groff (Producing team)
General Manager: Live Wire Theatrical
Production Stage Manager: Scott Rowen
Summary
Ariana Madix is making her second Broadway stop in the new musical Just in Time, taking over the role of Connie Francis on September 12, 2025. The show tells the story of singer Bobby Darin (played by Jeremy Jordan) and features his famous songs plus Connie Francis hits. With a Tony-winning creative team and a stacked cast of Broadway veterans, this is shaping up to be a must-see show at the Circle in the Square Theatre.
FAQ
Who is Ariana Madix?
A: She’s a reality TV star from Vanderpump Rules who became a fan favorite on Dancing with the Stars (she made it to the finals!). She made her Broadway debut in Chicago in 2024 and was so good they brought her back for an encore run.
What is "Just in Time" about?
A: It’s a musical biography of Bobby Darin, a famous 1950s/60s singer known for hits like "Mack the Knife" and "Beyond the Sea." It also features songs by Connie Francis, another huge star from that era (played by Ariana starting Sept 12).
When does Ariana start performing?
A: September 12, 2025. Olivia Holt is playing Connie Francis until September 11.
Where is the theatre?
A: Circle in the Square Theatre at 235 West 50th Street, New York City. It’s a unique theatre-in-the-round (audience sits on all sides of the stage)!
Is this Ariana’s first Broadway show?
A: No! She made her debut in January 2024 as Roxie Hart in Chicago and returned for an encore engagement that summer. This is her second Broadway show but her first original musical (not a revival).
How can I get tickets?
A: Visit the official website: JustInTimeBroadway.com