Dancing With the Stars co-host Julianne Hough has shared how she plans to bring her ballroom skills to Broadway in a revival of Damn Yankees.
An Emmy Award winner for her DWTS choreography, Hough will star alongside Tony and Emmy winner Neil Patrick Harris and Austin Scott in the first production of the musical in more than 30 years, slated for an April 2027 opening night. She’ll take on the role of Lola, originated onstage in 1955 and in the 1958 film version by Gwen Verdon, who is widely regarded as one of Broadway’s finest dancers.
Asked by The Independent, at a press conference announcing the revival, which of her ballroom skills she feels will benefit her in one of the most iconic dance roles in Broadway history, Hough said: “I think the partnership and the family.”
“The greatest thing about being a part of Dancing With the Stars for the last 20 years — I’ve been on and off that show as a pro, a judge, and a host — it’s family. We have each other’s backs,” she continued.
Hough talked about the “friction” that the show is experiencing after season 35 kicked off earlier this month after fans complained about the cast including celebrities with previous dance experience. “It’s almost welcomed because it allows people to have an opinion,” she said. “It allows people to have their own unique thought process about something.
“So the idea of bridging that world where we spent the last 20 years educating people on what a Cha Cha was and a Pasa Doble ... we were able to really nurture and love the people, and feel so grateful for the fans that have followed us.”
Hough called it an “honor” and “privilege” to have a career that has led her “into new sectors that keep art alive.”
In addition to her time on Dancing With the Stars — including two Mirrorball Trophy wins — Hough previously appeared on Broadway in the 2022 play POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.
She also starred in the films Burlesque (2010), Footloose (2011), and Rock of Ages (2012). Most recently, she returned to the big screen in The Bride.
Hough’s dance skills will be put to the test in Damn Yankees, which will feature direction and choreography by Tony winner Sergio Trujillo. Scott, as a self-proclaimed “mover” and not necessarily a dancer, voiced how thrilled he was to be working with someone like Hough who knows the ropes.
“Knowing that I have a partner who has a lot of experience, literally dancing with people who have no idea how to dance, is a huge comfort,” Scott said at the press conference.
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