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Social media phenom Charli D'Amelio is poised to make her Broadway debut this fall. The 20-year-old TikTok star, known for her viral dance videos, will join the cast of the hit musical "& Juliet" for a limited three-month engagement beginning October 29, 2024.
D'Amelio will take on the ensemble role of Charmian, described by producers as a "dance-heavy" part. This marks a return to her roots for the Connecticut native, who began as a competitive dancer before skyrocketing to fame on TikTok in 2019.
"To be able to make my Broadway debut – especially in the cast of '& Juliet' — is truly a dream come true," D'Amelio said in a statement. Her enthusiasm was echoed by the show's lead producer, Kevin McCollum, who praised her "incredible talent and infectious energy."
"& Juliet" reimagines Shakespeare's classic tale, exploring what might have happened if Juliet hadn't ended her life over Romeo. The jukebox musical features pop hits by Swedish mega-producer Max Martin, including songs made famous by Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and the Backstreet Boys.
Since opening in November 2022, "& Juliet" has enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success. The show garnered nine Tony Award nominations in 2023, including Best Musical. Theater critic Jesse Green of The New York Times called it "a fizzy, feminist ode to self-determination."
D'Amelio's casting comes at a time when Broadway is increasingly tapping into the power of social media influencers to attract younger audiences. In 2022, JoJo Siwa of "Dance Moms" fame made her Broadway debut in "Moulin Rouge! The Musical."
While some theater purists may raise eyebrows at the casting of a TikTok star, D'Amelio's dance background suggests she's more than just a stunt hire. She competed on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2022, ultimately winning the competition.
"Charli's roots as a dancer make her a natural fit for this role," said Jennifer Weber, the show's choreographer. "Her technique and stage presence are impressive."
D'Amelio's Broadway run is scheduled to conclude on January 19, 2025. It remains to be seen whether this foray into theater will be a one-off experiment or the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
As news of her casting spread, reactions on social media were mixed. Longtime Broadway fan @TheaterLover22 tweeted: "Excited to see what Charli brings to the stage! Broadway needs fresh talent." Meanwhile, user @ClassicalSnob complained: "Is nothing sacred? Broadway isn't TikTok."
Regardless of the debate, D'Amelio's star power is undeniable. With over 155 million TikTok followers, she brings a massive built-in audience to "& Juliet." Whether that translates to ticket sales remains to be seen, but it's clear that Broadway is betting on the power of social media to usher in a new generation of theatergoers.
