there’s Gary Chryst. I just couldn’t believe it. Another day I came in to the theatre to learn the block-
ing. I come walking down stage right. I look in the audi- ence front row, empty theatre as it’s rehearsal time. There in the front row is the striking Ann Reinking. She’s looking up at the stage and let me tell you… my legs went weak. She quietly watched and I did the number “Nowadays” in to “Honey Rag.” She came over to me and she said, “I got choked up in ‘Nowadays’ and you made me laugh. You bring humor to the role. I just want you to remember, every time you walk out on that stage to ‘Have fun!’” That was the best advice. How would you describe the absolute longevity of the musi- calChicago? It’s the longest-running American revival on Broadway.
I think it’s due to Kander and Ebb, Bob Fosse and of course, the first two stars Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera—I think having those stellar performances with that amazing music, it’s a classic. Definitely. All the musical numbers are fabulous but do you have a favorite that you perform or get a kick out of the most? I think it would have to be “Nowadays”… but I love do-
ing “Me and My Baby” too. Now, I don’t actually sing “Both Reached for the Gun” but it’s my favorite thing to do on stage. I love doing that one, being the doll on his [John O’Hurley as “Billy Flynn”] lap and mouthing the words (Laughter), that always gets such a big hand. I just heard that Amber Faye Wright is playing opposite you
again as Velma Kelly. That’s fantastic. Yes! I’m so glad. I could not have conjured up a nicer,
CHRISTIE BRINKLEY C MORE ONAPTIVATING
Graduated “Class of 72” from Palisades High School in Pacific Palisades, CA.
Illustrated cover art for Billy Joel’s 1993 album, River of Dreams.
Voted one of the “100 Sexiest Women of the 20th Century” in 1998 by readers of Playboy.
A vegetarian since the age of 13. Winner of the 2001 Merit Award given
by the U.S.O. for her efforts to entertain American troops overseas.
32 RAGE monthly | MAY 2012
Please share your experience of working with the stunning and amazing Ann Reinking. [Choreographer of the Broadway and National Tour ofChicago] Oh yeah, she is amazing. She defined this role. She is the definitive “Roxie” of all time. When I got the CD, of course, it was the version with Ann. I was imitating her and trying to do my best Ann Reinking. The music supervisor said, “Now you’re going to have to stop imitating Ann and learn the actual melodies and then, make it your own.” That is what I’ve been striving to do. Now, I started out getting my dance lessons from Gary
Chryst and in an interesting sidebar… He choreographed the dance moves in “Uptown Girl.” That’s right! Years later, he also choreographed Brooke Shields, Cheryl Tiegs and me in a Kennedy Center produc- tion for a Bob Hope show. Oh my gosh. Yes. We were singing for Bob Hope and President Rea- gan at the time. So, I come in to do the job forChicago and
better, generous and giving, wonderful and talented per- son to be co-starring with. She really is absolutely brilliant and so giving. She took care of me from the beginning. She’s humorous and always laughing… she’s amazing. You’ve had such a successful career and are still having one. Your face alone has launched a million covers and that’s true, with distribution worldwide, I figure. Yeah, oh yeah.
Please tell me what matters most for you right now? For me, it’s always the same. It’s my family first. I think
the reason that I’ve been able to do so many great things is because I have wonderful parents. They have been great role models for parenting, so I think I’ve got great kids. (Laughter) Also, I think that the fact that I haven’t always been available, may have seemed like I was negotiating… I just really wanted to be with my family! I think the fact that I wasn’t always everywhere has given me longevity. So, it’s worked out for me. Well, I hope my questions were good and I wasn’t to “Little Mary Sunshine.” [The hard-hitting reporter looking for the dirt inChicago.] No! You were wonderful! Thank you.
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