Angelica Ross to star as Roxie in 'Chicago' on Broadway

She will become the first openly trans woman to play a leading role on Broadway.

Gillian Russo
Gillian Russo

The name on everybody's lips is gonna be... Angelica! Pose star Angelica Ross is set to make her Broadway debut in Chicago on Broadway. She steps into the show at the Ambassador Theatre for eight weeks, from September 12 to November 6.

Ross is best known for her role as Candy on the Netflix series Pose, which made history by featuring the largest transgender cast ever on a scripted TV show. Now, Ross herself makes history as the first openly transgender woman to play a leading role in a Broadway show.

Ross's other screen acting credits include American Horror Story, Transparent, and Doubt. The multi-hyphenate has also received two GLAAD Media Awards, one for her talk show segment with Trevor Noah and another for her web series Her Story.

In Chicago, she plays Roxie Hart, a wannabe performer who murders her lover. While in jail, she learns that she can still become a celebrity if her crime gets the right press attention, and she competes with vaudeville star and fellow murderess Velma Kelly to get it.

The musical has run on Broadway since 1996, making it the second-longest-running show and longest-running revival in Broadway history. Ross is the most recent of many celebrities to step into Chicago; earlier this year, Pamela Anderson took on the role of Roxie.

Get Chicago tickets now.

Photo credit: Steven Simione with MUZE Magazine

Frequently asked questions

What is Chicago about?

See why this second-longest-running Broadway show has razzle-dazzled so many audiences. A scorching satire of celebrity culture with classic Kander and Ebb tunes, Chicago shows how two ladies use showbiz pizzazz to get away with murder. Get tickets to witness the criminally fun revival that won six Tony Awards.

Where is Chicago playing?

Chicago is playing at Ambassador Theatre. The theatre is located at 219 West 49th Street, New York, 10019.

How long is Chicago?

The running time of Chicago is 2hr 30min. Incl. 15min intermission.

What's the age requirement for Chicago?

The recommended age for Chicago is Ages 13+. Children under 4 are not permitted..

How do you book tickets for Chicago?

Book tickets for Chicago on New York Theatre Guide.

Who wrote the Chicago musical?

The music for Chicago is written by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb. Ebb also co-wrote the show's script with Bob Fosse. They adapted the musical from a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, also titled Chicago.

What songs are in Chicago on Broadway?

The songs for Chicago, written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, include "Cell Block Tango," "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle," "Roxie," and "We Both Reached for the Gun." Learn about all the songs in Chicago on Broadway.

Is Chicago on Broadway appropriate for kids?

Chicago is not recommended for young children; the age recommendation is 13 and up due to its themes of murder, sex, crime, and adultery. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.

When did Chicago open on Broadway?

The current production of Chicago opened in 1996. It was the musical's first revival following its 1996 premiere. Chicago is now the second-longest-running show and longest-running revival in Broadway history.

Who directed Chicago on Broadway?

Walter Bobbie directs the current production of the Chicago musical. He has worked on Broadway as a writer, director, and performer since 1971, and he's also known for staging musicals like Sweet Charity, Footloose, and Bright Star.

Is Chicago on Broadway good?

New York Theatre Guide's 20th-anniversary review of Chicago calls the show "a living, breathing piece of musical theatre history, which rightfully remains at the Ambassador Theatre and reminds us that all you need is class and, of course, all that jazz," rating it five stars. Chicago is now more than 25 years old, proving the lasting appeal of its story, songs, and talent.

Originally published on

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