America Ferrera to Join London's Chicago Followed by Broadway Bow in Miss Firecracker Contest

By Andrew Gans
and Mark Shenton
10 Oct 2011

America Ferrera
America Ferrera

America Ferrera, best known for her Emmy-winning work in the title role of TV's "Ugly Betty," will be seen on both sides of the Atlantic this season. The actress will join the London company of Chicago next month and will make her Broadway debut in Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Beth Henley's comedy The Miss Firecracker Contest in the spring, according to EW.com.

Ferrera will step into the role of merry murderess Roxie Hart for eight weeks when the production reopens at London's Garrick Theatre Nov. 7. Ferrara will be joined by Amra-Faye Wright, returning to the role of Velma Kelly that she has previously played both in the West End and on Broadway.
To book tickets, which are now on sale through Jan. 26, 2013, contact the box office at 0844 482 9673 or visit www.chicagothemusical.co.uk.

EW.com also reports that Ferrera will play the role created by Holly Hunter in the original Off-Broadway production of Miss Firecracker Contest. Judith Ivey will direct the production, which begins rehearsals in March 2012.

Miss Firecracker Contest, according to previous press notes, "is the story of Carnelle Scott, a young, rebellious, and slightly unruly woman living in the small town of Brookhaven, Mississippi. Carnelle desperately wants to win the local Miss Firecracker Contest, convinced that it will restore her reputation and allow her to leave Brookhaven in 'a crimson blaze of glory.' As she works her way towards the coveted title of Miss Firecracker, she is joined by an eccentric but loyal group of supporters."

The play was first presented to New York audiences in 1984 at the Manhattan Theater Club. It was later made into a 1989 feature film starring Holly Hunter and Tim Robbins.

No official announcement about Miss Firecracker Contest has been made.