Julianne Hough on bringing her DWTS skills to Broadway in Damn Yankees revival

Caitlin Hornik Sun, September 27, 2026 at 8:31 PM UTC

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Julianne Hough has shared how she plans to bring her ballroom skills to Broadway in a new revival of Damn Yankees.

Dancing With the Stars co-host and Emmy Award winner 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.

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.

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Hough talked about the “friction” that the show is experiencing after season 35 kicked off earlier this month. “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.

Austin Scott, Julianne Hough, and Neil Patrick Harris will star in 'Damn Yankees' on Broadway (Emilio Madrid)

Julianne Hough is returning to Broadway in 2027 in one of the most iconic dance roles in Broadway history (Reuters)

“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” for a career that had 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 Burlesque (2010), Footloose (2011), and Rock of Ages (2012).

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”