Angelica Ross.Photo: Jon Kopaloff/Getty
Angelica Rossis lighting upBroadway!
ThePoseandAmerican Horror Storyactress, 41, is set to make her debut on the Great White Way this September, as leading lady Roxie Hart inChicagofor an eight-week engagement, according to the show’sofficial social media.
Ross' casting makes her the latest openly transgender woman to star in a Broadway production, joining stars like Kate Bornstein (Straight White Men), L Morgan Lee (A Strange Loop),Alexandra Billings(Wicked) andPeppermint(Head Over Heels).
“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,“GLAADVice President of Communications & Talent Anthony Allen Ramos said in a statement provided to PEOPLE.
“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 added.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
Ross' casting comes afterPamela Andersonrecentlyplayed Roxie for her own eight-week stintin the Broadway revival, from April 12 through June 5.
Other big names who have stepped into Roxie’s dance shoes on stage over the years include Ann Reinking,Ashlee Simpson RossandMichelle Williams, as well asRenée Zellwegerin the2002Chicagofilm adaptationoppositeCatherine Zeta-Jonesas rival and fellow murderess Velma Kelly.
Chicago’s current Broadway cast includesBianca Marroquínas Roxie, Lana Gordon as Velma, Evan Harrington as Amos Hart,Erich Bergenas Billy Flynn, Charity Angel Dawson as Matron “Mama” Morton and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.
RELATED VIDEO: Pamela Anderson to Make Broadway Debut as Roxie Hart inChicago: “A Dream Fulfilled”
Ross made history as the first female transgender actress to secure two series regular roles after she was cast as Candy inRyan Murphy’sPoseand onAmerican Horror Story: 1984.
“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,” she wrote inan essay for PEOPLE last year. “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.
In June, Ross — an actress, singer, businesswoman and human-rights advocate — releasedher single “Only You,” along with a dreamy music videoset in the desert.
The TransTech founder and CEO executive produced the video, and funded the project herself. It follows the release of her song “Fierce,” which she put out last year with Ultra Naté and Mila Jam.
Ross will appear as Roxie inChicagobeginning Sept. 12 at the Ambassador Theatre, through Nov. 6. Tickets are available atchicagothemusical.com.
source: people.com
