Broadway News: The actor, activist and founder/CEO of TransTech Social Enterprises is well-known for her two series regular roles: as Candy Ferocity on “Pose” and Donna Chambers on “American Horror Story.” Through these opportunities, Ross became the first openly transgender actor in history to secure two series regular roles.
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I am a big fan of Chicago, it is one of my favorite shows to see. I am so sad that I haven’t been able to see it on Broadway or anywhere else but this interview made me realize how much I love this show. This interview is inspiring and exciting to see that Broadway is just as inclusive as the theatre community is. I was unaware that Roxy was played by a transgender actor, but now I want to see the production of Chicago all the more. The fact that Angelica is able to grow in a positive environment as an artist and individual is inspiring and very moving. I wish this article was more broadcasted but, nevertheless it is very exciting to see the diversity that is present on Broadway.
Reading this article made me so, so happy. As a trans person in theatre, it really is exciting when we finally get the opportunities that we’ve always deserved and strived for. I 100% respect and agree with Angelica Ross on the notion that marginalized people shouldn’t be only celebrated and applauded for being the first of anything - if anything, that is more telling of the industry and how far behind it is. Yet, while acknowledging that, it is still exciting to see role models to look up to who share the same identities as you. Another reason I really appreciate Angelica Ross’ thoughts and commentary is the fact she, as well as Es Devlin that I commented on last week, works across many disciplines and areas. It truly inspires me to see more and more folks who are succeeding not only in the theatre industry, but in film, tv, entertainment, and arts.
“I really don’t care about being the first of anything” “I want to be the best”. This quote resonates with me. Everyone is different in how they want to be remembered. For Ross she wants her work and self to be remembered, not her timing. Anyone can be the first at something but not everyone can be the best. While my firsts are not at the same level as her, I still carry the same sentiments with me. I’m the first in my family to pursue a career in the arts (I’m also the first born kid and grandkid for my parents and grandparents), I want to be the best at what I do. Ross said “theater became the space where I could be someone else” whereas for me theatre was the space I could fully be my own person and self. I hope theater has become that to her now as well as a space of exploration of character and joy. It makes me happy to see the theatre become more and more accepting of people from different backgrounds, bodytypes, sexualities, and gender identities; however, it still has a long way to go.
I remember when I first heard the news of this actor coming into the role of Roxie in Chicago. When I first read the title of this article, I was worried that she was going to find that live theater wasn’t what she wanted to do anymore. However, it was heartening to read that it was something that she was excited about doing and she was growing more and more comfortable in the role as her time on Broadway progressed. I completely understand the fact that she doesn’t enjoy all the fame around being the first trans person to be in a leading role on Broadway. However, the fact that she is, is a huge step forward for the industry in my opinion and I hope that this becomes less news worthy and more of just a thing that happens in theater. I'm excited to see where she goes from here and if she stays with Chicago and for how long!
What she said about herself, and her experience truly resonates with me. In the beginning of my experience with theatre art, I have been learning and acting in roles that is hard for me to understand their perspective or resonates with as they are from a different background. During my freshmen year in high school, I had the chance to act as Waverly in the Joy Luck Club. This is the one production that I resonate the most. “Growing up, Ross says she used theater as a way to escape.” In my experience, it has also been a way that I would escape from what I was experiencing and sometimes what I escape from is an environment that I’m feeling odd or too comfortable that I need to leave that space for some time to it to rethink about what I have. This article definitely brings me back to a time where I still felt insecure about myself.
I clicked on this article without realizing who Angelica Ross is until I saw that she played Candy in Pose. I love pose, I love her work in pose. I nearly cried actual tears when her character (spoiler alert) was murdered because It was such a real thing so many queer and specifically black trans people during the AIDS epidemic. Seeing Angelica continue to be a black trans trailblazer makes me so happy. Trans representation on Broadway is severely lacking, so I hope this is the start of a pattern of more trans inclusion. Her saying she doesn’t care about being the first, she just wants to be the best is so badass and honestly inspiring, I’ve always loved that theatre is the place that so many queer people come to for refuge and end up really finding themselves anf what theyre talented at. I can speak from personal experience.
I loved this article and I would love to see this production with Ross in it. I really like her on Pose and I'm sure seeing her in Chicago would be just the coolest. I really resonated with some of her discussions about not wanting to make a big deal about being the first anything and just wanted to be able to be cast like any other actor would. I think this is a very important step for trans representation on Broadway. I think a lot of times it has been a performative act by the folks casting, but I'm excited to see the shift into trans folks just being considered like anyone else. Reading her interview, Ross got into theatre like most of the rest of us, because it empowered her and allowed her an escape. Art is an avenue everyone should have to express themselves. And I think she’ll absolutely kill this role.
I’m sure Angelica Ross is killing it in Chicago on Broadway. And this does not seem like a low key first role on Broadway whatsoever. At eight shows a week, it’s probably one of the most demanding. I like what Ross says about how a part of her has always seen this coming. As we’re going through school, it’s beneficial to remind ourselves that we have the ability to get to where we want to be. We’ll need the luck and the opportunity, but the rest is there. And the line about theatre being an escape growing up—very, very relatable. I was very much in a high school theatre friend group and it was all our passion and escape. That seems to be a common theme and connection for artists. Theatre takes us a bit away from reality. I like Ross’s ideas and I hope to see her in other productions in the future!
I love this article because it is celebrating Angelica Ross for not only being the first but being one of the general best! Angelica is paving the way for more trans actors to land lead roles. I love the show Chicago and to hear about her experience landing the roll of Roxy is inspiring. I think many of us relate to how she used theater as an escape for the brutal world around us. I know for certain this is something I have always done and seeing a celebrity admit to this as well is comforting. I can see why she would have been super nervous at first because she wants to be the best. The fact that she was able to return to theater and face all the challenges with finding confidence in her voice and really owning the stage which is especially necessary for the role of Roxy Hart.
This article taught me a lot about transgenderism in the entertainment industry. What stood out to me immediately is that Angelica Ross is the "first openly transgender actor in a leading role on Broadway". Granted, I don't know how many have come after her, but I guess I found it most surprising how recent it was that she became the first. It's a great thing, of course, but I would've thought it had already happened. I admire how she says she "really [doesn't] care about being the first of anything". I would imagine the bravery it must take to be in her position, and she still strives to be just the best she can be. Her stories about finding theater as a way to escape as a child is very meaningful. I have never heard of Chicago (because I live under a rock yes) but I would love to see it on Broadway.
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