Angelica Ross to Be First Trans Lead in Broadway’s Chicago

Angelica Ross is making history in her Broadway debut as the first trans lead in the revival of the musical Chicago, which will premier September 12.

From September to November, Ross will star as Roxie Hart in an eight-week limited engagement. Her first show will take place at Ambassador Theater in New York City, according to Playbill.

Known for her breakthrough roles as Candy Ferocity in the groundbreaking, Emmy-nominated series Pose and as Nurse Rita in American Horror Story, Ross will take on Roxie after Pamela Anderson performed as the same character in her own limited run earlier this year.

Anthony Allen Ramos Vice President of Communications & Talent at GLAAD said in a statement, "Chicago's Roxie Hart is one of the most recognizable, iconic, and beloved characters in the history of Broadway, and a true talent like Angelica Ross will delight audiences with her impressive acting, singing and performance skills."

"Angelica is also a respected leader in the transgender community, and joins L Morgan Lee as trans women of color currently starring on Broadway," Ramos said.

L Morgan Lee was the first Black trans woman to earn a Tony nomination for her role in A Strange Loop.

Playbill notes that Ross will join a small group of out trans performers to play lead roles on Broadway -- those performers include Wicked's Alexandra Billings, Head Over Heels' Peppermint, and Straight White Men's Kate Bornstein.

In addition to her Broadway debut, she released her first music video and single "Only You" this past June. With all of these projects in arts and entertainment, she's also been an organizer and accomplished businesswoman, working as the president of Miss Ross, Inc. and founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, which works with LGBTQ+ talent.

"We have to focus on creating an environment where not only are institutions and workplaces safe for trans people, but there are safe people that trans folks can go to for support," Ross wrote in an essay for People last year. The 41-year-old continued, "The trans community has had so many setbacks, but it has been nice to see the wins that we do have, and oftentimes, those wins are in representation."