Ariana Madix Details "Rollercoaster" Journey From Scandoval to Broadway Debut

It's time to raise a glass to Ariana Madix's Broadway debut.

The Vanderpump Rules star is just weeks away from fulfilling her lifelong dream of playing Roxy Hart in Chicago on New York City's Great White Way. The milestone comes nearly one year after Scandoval—a.k.a. the controversy surrounding her ex Tom Sandoval and his affair with their former costar Rachel "Raquel" Leviss.

"The rollercoaster!" the Bravo star exclusively told E! News while reflecting on her success since the cheating scandal. "There's no way to even succinctly put all of that together."

But her breakup wasn't the only low point she's since come back from. "Also, 2022, losing my grandma and losing my dog," the 38-year-old added. "From that rock bottom of losing them to now, it's just life is life."

Madix hopes her journey from betrayal to Broadway will encourage others facing obstacles in their personal lives.

"I'm not alone, I'm not special," she explained. "I just feel like there's this feeling sometime that it feels like we're all in this together. I hope that I'm able to inspire because people inspire me all the time. It's a back and forth."

Ironically, Madix's story mirrors that of Roxy, who murders her cheating husband only to go on to fame and fortune. (Well, kind of.)

"Roxy's story is one that I totally identify with," the reality star admitted, "and sometimes when we're working on the script or working on the lines with her, I'm like, 'That's like me.' I love that about her and she is cool. She's bada--."

Plus, Roxy turned tragedy into success.

"If you think about the emotional Olympics, she's gold in everything," Madix continued, "because she'll butter you up, but the second that you might not be giving her what she needs, she's coming for you."

And, yes, her VPR costars will be in the audience to see her debut.

"They are so excited and all of them have talked about how they are going to come," Madix revealed. "What's great is our show is gonna be airing while I'm performing, so they're all going to be coming out for Watch What Happens Live. It works out perfectly."

Watch the exclusive video above to hear how Madix's impressive season 32 stint on Dancing With the Stars helped prepare her for Chicago. See Madix on Broadway from Jan. 29 through March 24.

And keep reading to learn more about Vanderpump Rules season 11, which premieres Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. on Bravo.

As a mentor, ally and confidant to the group, Lisa Vanderpump is working to restore some peace between two feuding exes as she attempts to provide perspective. With the closing of West Hollywood mainstay PUMP, Lisa is refocusing her expertise on opening a new restaurant in Lake Tahoe and continuing her success with additional ventures in Las Vegas.  

Ariana Madix’s life was turned upside down after a devastating breakup, but she’s determined to make the best of a difficult situation. Although she still shares a home with her ex, Ariana is moving on and dating a new long-distance boyfriend. While working to open the doors to her and Katie’s sandwich shop, Something About Her, Ariana is embracing the countless opportunities that have come her way – from a stint on Dancing with the Stars to a new cocktail book.

Recently proclaimed #1 guy in the group, James Kennedy’s friendships within the circle are stronger than ever and his DJ career is booming. He bought a house in the Valley and is settling into suburban life with his girlfriend, Ally Lewber, along with their cat and a dog from James’ past.

With more distance from her divorce, Katie Maloney is exploring life as a single woman and dating, even if her pursuits strike too close to home for her ex-husband, Tom. A previous indiscretion comes to light and threatens to upend her and Scheana’s renewed friendship as well as her cordial post-divorce relationship with Tom. With permit hold-ups and ongoing issues, Something About Her is a work in progress, and opening a restaurant is proving to be more challenging than anticipated.

In the aftermath of a scandal that changed his romantic relationships, dynamics within the group and the success of his businesses, Tom Sandoval is working on bettering himself. In a fragile state, he focuses on repairing the foundations of his friendships. When he isn’t on the road touring with his band, Tom Sandoval and the Most Extras, he and Ariana live under the same roof...locked in a stalemate for the house.

Lala Kent is still in the midst of a challenging custody battle, but being the best mom to Ocean remains her priority. Wanting to give her daughter a sibling, Lala explores fertility treatments and looks for a sperm donor as a single mother. She finds an unlikely connection with Tom Schwartz, forming a friendship that neither saw coming, but creating tension between her and the rest of the girls as her forgiveness for the Toms grows.

Celebrating their one-year wedding anniversary, Scheana Shay and husband Brock Davies are struggling to connect as they leave the honeymoon stage and settle into their life with a toddler. Scheana works on new music as a way to express herself and cope with her postpartum OCD. She finds herself straddling the lines in the sand within the group as she navigates her relationships with her longtime friends, and feuding exes, Ariana and Tom.

Recently proclaimed No. 1 guy in the group, James Kennedy’s friendships within the circle are stronger than ever and his DJ career is booming. He bought a house in the Valley and is settling into suburban life with his girlfriend, Ally Lewber, along with their cat and a dog from James’ past.

Tom Schwartz is mending a challenged friendship after taking the heat for his part in his best friend’s shocking deception. Embracing a new identity, Tom bleaches his hair, evades exclusivity with a friend-potentially-turned-girlfriend, and winds up in a surprising love triangle with a new flame and his ex-wife.

Celebrating their one-year wedding anniversary, Scheana Shay and husband Brock Davies are struggling to connect as they leave the honeymoon stage and settle into their life with a toddler. Scheana works on new music as a way to express herself and cope with her postpartum OCD. She finds herself straddling the lines in the sand within the group as she navigates her relationships with her longtime friends, and feuding exes, Ariana and Tom.

(E! and Bravo are both part of the NBCUniversal family)