Broadway's Chicago Will Feature First Transgender Star this Fall with Angelica Ross

The "Pose" star will play Roxie Hart in the smash musical "Chicago," the show's producers confirmed Thursday. Her role will mark the show's first transgender lead. As of Sept. 12, Ross will begin performing in "American Horror Story.

The show is scheduled to run from Sept. 12 to Nov. 6. There was an enthusiastic response from fans and fellow celebrities to her casting. Angelica Ross will join the cast of "Chicago" for an eight-week run on Broadway this fall. In an email, GLAAD's vice president of communications and talent Anthony Allen Ramos also praised the news.

Roxie is "one of the most recognizable, iconic, and beloved characters ever to appear on Broadway," he said, adding, "A true talent like Angelica Ross will delight audiences."WNBA star Brittney Griner was convicted of drug possession in Russia, the news of which tempered Ross' excitement.

In 1975, Gwen Verdon played Roxie in the Broadway production of "Chicago". In 1996, Ann Reinking played the "merry murderess" turned aspiring showgirl in the current revival. The musical's 2002 film adaptation starred Renée Zellweger as Roxie.

Earlier this year, Pamela Anderson transitioned from "Baywatch" to Broadway and received rave reviews. Over the past few years, transgender representation in the theater industry in New York has steadily improved.

When Peppermint appeared in the jukebox musical "Head Over Heels" in 2018, she became the first trans performer to originate a principal role on Broadway. She received a Tony nomination for her performance in "A Strange Loop" earlier this year.