Angelica Ross debuts on Broadway in ‘Chicago’
Last night, Pose star Angelica Ross made Broadway history as she debuted on stage as the first openly transgender person to lead the production of Chicago ever. The show has been running for 25 years, so this milestone is a big one. Additionally, according to the producers, this is the first time an openly trans woman has ever led a show on Broadway in history.
Folks wanting to catch her taking on the iconic role of Roxie Hart can roll up to the Ambassador Theater in New York City on W. 49th street until November 6, 2022.
In the lead up to her debut, Angelica Ross spoke with Today about the fact that she is a black woman taking on this role.
“You can’t hide the fact that when you watch me as Roxie on stage that I am a dark-skinned Black woman,” she said. “No line needs to be changed, but a Black woman knows what it feels like to navigate a white environment. Whereas a lot of people might not really just even think about that … I really do.”
In an interview with Associated Press, Ross made it clear that she understands the importance of this assignment, and the weight it carries for the trans community.
“I think about the trans women who are looking at me right now and are now thinking that this is possible …I am really excited to embrace the audience as they embrace me,” she said.
Set in the 1920s, Chicago is the love story of Roxie Hart (Angelica Ross). Roxie is a housewife and nightclub dancer who just so happens to muder her side lover after he threatens to leave her. Whoops! She hires Chicago’s craftiest criminal lawyer to transform her story into one of sensational headlines, instead of the malicious crime that it actually is.
All eyes are on Angelica Ross right now as she fulfills this iconic role. History is in the making and we’re here for it.
