“Are we getting deep?” asks Brenda Braxton, a Tony nominee and former Velma Kelly.
“It’s the only way to be,” says Chita Rivera, Chicago’s original Velma Kelly, in that signature low rumble. “I don’t want to just skim the surface.”
Therein lies the ground rule for Braxton’s latest project Act 2…Now What?!, a video series highlighting fabulous women over 50 working in theatre and film. Having worked her way up from ensemblist to leading lady, Braxton never expected that at 58 she’d have to start over when it came to housing, dating, and her professional standing in an industry constantly “going younger.” In starting her own next chapter, Braxton thought about the plethora of fierce women over 50 still in the business and thriving.
“I don’t know what age is,” says Rivera in the interview below. “I think it’s a trick.”
To celebrate women’s history month, Playbill launches the series with this raw interview with two-time Tony Award winner and groundbreaker Chita Rivera. Check back on Playbill.com for more of these exclusive videos, featuring interviews with the likes of LaChanze (March 28), Bebe Neuwirth, and more!
Visit Braxton at BrendaBraxton.com for more women over 50 Act 2…Now What?! shenanigans.