Rita Wilson

Has Rita Wilson been keeping the secret that she's not that innocent? The actress, no stranger to screens big or small, is now razzle-dazzling audiences at the Ambassador Theatre, where she has strutted into the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago. No matter that this is the actress's Broadway debut; she's a seasoned pro in the world of show biz, having appeared in films from Now and Then to The Chumscrubber and in TV shows from Frasier to Teen Witch. She's also been married to a certain Hollywood favorite, Tom Hanks, since 1988. If your inquiring mind wants to know how Wilson feels about stretching her dancing legs in black fishnets or exercising her belting skills, all without the safety net of an extra take, read her answers to your questions below!

From Steve: Rita, you are such a talented actress. What made you want to come to Broadway?

Rita responds: Who doesn't dream of Broadway? It's the ultimate in stage.

From Zach Claudino: How did this role in Chicago come about for you? Was it something you've always wanted to do, or was it a right-thing-at-the-right-time situation?

Rita responds: It is a combination of both. I had been taking voice lessons on and off over the past few years, and performing in benefit performances where I sang. I told my agents that I would love to do a musical. They asked around and found that Chicago was looking for a Roxie for the summer and offered me the role. I was thrilled and said yes.

From Darcy: When did you know you wanted to be a performer?

Rita responds: I'm not sure. I remember singing at the drop of a hat when I was little. I would sing for anyone, anywhere. At 16, I got my SAG card and worked consistently from that time on. I don't think I made a conscious decision until I went to drama school in London when I was about 23. That's when I knew I was serious about it.

From Morgan: What are the major differences for you between working on Broadway and being in films and on TV shows? Which one do you find easier?

Rita responds: The theater allows the actor to go through the material from beginning to end without interruption. In film, your performance is edited since you shoot out of sequence.

From Logan Vaden: Hey Rita! How does it feel jumping into a classic show like Chicago? Were you nervous since audiences have such a big expectation of the show?

Rita responds: In many ways, the fact that the show is a hit takes a lot of the pressure off since we know that the show works. The roles, the songs, the score are so well written that all you have to do is get out of the way and allow the play to unfold.

From Bobby: What is your "take" on Roxie's character? How have you developed her character?

Rita responds: All clues to the characters are in the script, which is so well written. Roxie's downfall is due to three things: men, jazz and booze. In that way, she is not that different from some women today. She is a party girl.

Shannon Elise: What sort of ritual or pre-show exercises do you find helps you get into character? Is this different from what you do when preparing for a role on film?

Rita responds: Before every show I do a vocal warm-up about 20 minutes long. I stretch my muscles by doing floor work, as well as standing work to warm up my spine. In preparing for film, I don't do as much physical work before shooting aside from my regular routines of walking, hiking, tennis, snow and water skiing and anything else that isn't indoors. I love being outside.

From Katie Rose: Your acting skills are obviously top rate, but what kind of dancing and vocal training did you undergo to prepare for this role? Were you a triple threat when you were younger, or are you just becoming one?

Rita responds: I took voice lessons in L.A. before starting my rehearsals in New York. I also learned "Nowadays," "Hot Honey Rag" and the final dance in L.A. When I got to New York, I had three weeks of rehearsal with the dance captain and the musical director of Chicago. I also continued my voice classes two or three times a week.

From Jeffrey: What is your favorite song in the show?

Rita responds: The favorite one I sing is "Funny Honey." My favorite to listen to is Mama Morton's "When You're Good To Mama."

From Anne: Have you ever doubted your ability to do what you do? What did you do when you felt this way?

Rita responds: YES. When I saw the show before deciding I would do it, after I received the offer, I thought the dancing would be too challenging. I saw a very talented dancer in the role who was able to do things choreographically, that I could never do. That was intimidating. My family was supportive and told me I could do it, I had to do it, I must do it. I am thankful that I have such a supportive family.

From Julia A.: What is it like to balance family with a Broadway show?

Rita responds: My family is incredibly supportive. We are able to maintain a somewhat normal life.

From Josh: If you were to play any other character on Broadway, who would it be and why?

Rita responds: I am not well versed enough in all the many wonderful roles for women in musicals. Any suggestions?

From Samantha: Do you think Chicago is going to be your break into more Broadway productions?

Rita responds: I really hope so. I am loving it so much that I hope I will be able to come back again.

RITA WILSON IS NO LONGER TAKING QUESTIONS. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!