'Roxie' rocks

If there's a name that will create a stir when the Broadway hit musical Chicago starts its Abu Dhabi run tomorrow, it should be Michelle De Jean's.

Her performance as Roxie Hart has received raves in the US for being fresh, individual and memorable.

Beyond that, she's sure to generate just a bit more buzz, especially when people find out about her Dubai connection.

She lived in Dubai for two years, before tagging along with her family when they migrated to Texas, US.

The performance will therefore be a homecoming of sorts for the thespian, who will play Roxie when Chicago starts its limited engagement run at Emirates Palace.

Here's what she has to say about her life, her passion for art, and coming back.

What is Roxie's character like?

She's a complex character. Her love of life is what gets her into trouble. She will do whatever it takes to find her way to
the top and stay there. There is a naiveté to her that is both endearing and maddening to those around her. She is self involved and driven.

What makes this role different to the ones you have played before?

It's different from others I've played because of the complexity of the character. Roxie has so many levels that need to be
shown during the nearly 90 minute show.

So how long have you been playing Roxie Hart?

I understudied Roxie for approximately six years before I started to play her. I have been blessed with the role for around two years now.

How did you get into show business?

My mother said I could sing whole songs before I could speak whole sentences. I was destined to do this. I have always loved performing and could think of nothing else as a career.

I started ballet training as a young child and started to get serious about it by the age of nine. I joined the very
prestigious Houston Ballet Academy on a full scholarship and continued with my training. At the same time I was a dance major at The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston.

Halfway through high school, I decided to leave Houston Ballet and start classes at a musical theatre school called Theatre Under the Stars. I got my actors' union card when I was 17 and performed in over 15 productions there before I moved to New York.

What do you find challenging about your profession?

The challenges in this business are many. First and foremost you have to keep up with your craft and always be on top of your game. The competition is extreme, so every day is a fight to stay on top.

You have to be very secure in yourself as so many days are full of rejection and disappointments. The pay is never enough for the amount of time you put in and the sacrifices you have to make. It can be a lonely business, especially touring as we do.

We miss our friends and families and pets back home.

Describe a typical day in your life.

I don't know if we really have a typical day... I guess it depends on what day of the week you are talking about. A Saturday for me consists of waking up, getting breakfast, and heading to the theatre about noon to start prepping for the show.

I do the matinee, sleep between shows in my dressing room, get up and prepare for the second show. After the second show, I usually go back to my hotel, clean up, have a drink and read in bed until I fall asleep. Exciting, isn't it?

Which role has become your favourite so far? Which one would you still like to play?

My favourite roles so far are Roxie (of course) and Anita in West Side Story. Anita is another great role for a woman. I have always dreamed of playing Nancy in Oliver!

What is your favourite musical?

Probably West Side Story.

Dubai link

Michelle De Jean will play Roxie Hart in Chicago at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. She talks about her childhood in the region.

"I lived in Iran as a child for a short while and then moved to Dubai from 1977-79. I wish we had more time here.

Unfortunately we were here for such a short period that I'm not sure what to expect.

"But I am looking forward to exploring Abu Dhabi as I have heard fantastic things about it, especially how culture and arts are warmly received here. I am also looking forward to performing at Emirates Palace; I hear it has a great auditorium. Any performer will tell you that a beautiful stage, as well as a receptive audience, brings out the best in all of us."