As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, the cast of Chicago will perform at SummerStage, to mark the occasion we spoke to the company’s new Velma Kelly, Lana Gordon.

What makes you the most excited about performing in Central Park?

Central Park is such a wonderful and magical place that people visit from all over the world.  To perform there is such an honor.  I want to show the people of New York and the world what a special and magical show this is, and what better place to do it than in Central Park.

The show is celebrating its 20th anniversary, what has Chicago meant to you throughout your career?

To be a part of this show that is celebrating 20 years is truly something special.  Chicago is such a classical and magical show that I have always admired and felt drawn to throughout my career.  To play Velma during such a monumental time for Chicago is a dream come true.

From its start Chicago has featured a very multi-ethnic approach to casting (after Anita, this is the second Chita Rivera character you've played) what do you think the show's legacy is in this aspect?  

Chicago has always been such a great supporter of diversity and multi-ethnic casting.  As an African American woman I'm proud to be a part of such a great organization.  I believe that this show will continue to be a part of musical history and touch hearts around the world.

The show lends itself to revisits throughout the years, in the future what character in the show would you like to explore?  

At this point I'm really just enjoying the role of Velma, but if I had to choose one it would be Mama Morton.  Her character and personality are something I can relate to and see myself portraying.

Why do you think that the show remains so timely in its depiction of celebrity culture?  

I think it could be just because everyone wants their five minutes of fame.  To be a celebrity and be adored by people is something that people can relate to.  This show is just that...women trying to get the "celebrity" status.

How do you keep the performance fresh night after night?  

Each show is different and I treat it as if it was new every night.  The fans come to see a show and as a performer I accept nothing less from myself to give them the best show I can regardless if it's the first show or 100th. Yoga and meditation keep my heart and soul open.  This gives me the drive and ability to give 100% every time I'm on stage.

Do you think Velma is guilty of the crime she is accused of? Or what questions did you ask yourself to prepare for the part?

Well I think she definitely is guilty of some things...to prepare for this role I thought of the different scenarios and how it would be to go through what she has. She's an interesting character to play and it's very exciting to discover new things about her.

Pick your Sondheim dream roles and your favorite of his songs.  

When the opportunity come I would love to play the role of the Witch in, Into the Woods.  I would love to revisit the role of Anita in West Side Story.

For more information on this performance click here.