Olympic champion Laurie Hernandez is trading the balance beam for Broadway, debuting in the musical & Juliet this spring.
The two-time Olympic medalist will play the dance role of Charmion beginning March 17th. The limited Stephen Sondheim Theatre run marks a career milestone, after Hernandez conquered Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars.
"To make my Broadway debut in & Juliet is a dream come true," Hernandez said in a statement.
"The show is so much fun to watch as an audience member, and I can't wait to join this incredible cast and actually perform in the show each night."
Laurie Hernandez adds to her post-USA Gymnastics résumé
Laurie Hernandez first captured attention at the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the "Final Five" US Women's Gymnastics team. She won a team gold medal and individual silver on the balance beam in Brazil.
She went on to make headlines several years later, detailing years of emotional and verbal abuse suffered under Team USA coach Maggie Haney in a New York Times interview. USA Gymnastics subsequently suspended Haney for eight years.
After retiring, she became a two-time New York Times bestselling author, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, and UNICEF Ambassador. The 25-year-old went on to earn a degree from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in drama and creative writing.
Hernandez's role in & Juliet was previously performed by social media star Charli D'Amelio. The production — which earned nine Tony Award nods — runs through June 14th.
