I keep telling myself: Theres been so many others like you before you.
Its not the first time someone like me is coming in as Roxie Hart.
The 37-year-old barrier-breaking supermodel,business mogul, and mother-of-three has been careful to forge her own path.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
She started by keeping a journal as Roxie.
At first, I didnt like Roxie, she admits.
I thought, Oh, youre just out for all you’re able to get.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
A narcissist, who killed somebody because you didn’t get it your way.
Over time, I really felt endeared towards her.
As she continued her character study, Graham felt a kind of kinship with Roxie.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
Shes really taken a lot of her nos and turned them into yesesthats literally my whole career.
So, Ive really tried to find myself in hernot that I know how to do method acting.
I didnt go to school for this or have an acting coach.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
Journaling really took the evolution of Roxie for me from sour to sweet.
For up to eight hours a day: Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
On her days off, shes doing press, managing her businesses, and traveling for meetings.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
Often, she sings to her kids: Sometimes they enjoy it, other times its hands over ears.
Its wild, but I know the play inside out now.
It felt like a slow progression, but also super fast.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
No, youre ready, they said.
Some lifestyle changes come with this new role.
Dont go anywhere you have to strain your throat, she says.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
Ive been dealing with allergiesalways fun this time of yearbut I take good care of myself anyways.
One of the things new to me is singing while walking on a treadmill.
Its got my stamina up.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
As well, I sauna to keep everything warm.
My calves and feet have gonethroughit, so Im also doing a lot of acupuncture.
My acupuncturist told me I need to tap into my quietfind the prayer time, no phones.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
Thats easier said than done when married with three kids and some businesses.
Nerves, still, abound.
I wake up in the middle of the night with a sour stomach.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
Like, Im about to be live on Broadway!
Its not a movie!
she says, taking over her black-rimmed glasses to rub the bridge of her nose.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
Ive never even filmed a movie, never danced or acted…This is all brand new.
What will show day look like?
Shell head to the theater for the 2 p.m. run-through.
Photo: Lucy Helena Van Ellis
Glam, of course, is a major part of the aspiring vaudeville performer Roxie Harts image.
Costumes were, for the first time, custom made for Graham.
Theres also three different sets of shoes, including Roxies iconic silver buckled heels.
Graham had built-in bras added, and a new neckline.
The necklines were an important costume change.
Everyone wanted me to feel super comfortable, she says.
Prior, the necklines were mostly boatneck.
I feel that, for me, that looks matronly.
I need the girls contained too, theres a lot of bouncing around.
And Im 37yeah, Im not 20, but Im not 50!
Rather than the usual, heavy-set stage makeup, Grahams complexion is kept sheer and light.
Thats a swipe of fire engine red lipstick, huge lashes, and sweeping black liner.
Her own mole is made darker.
She shares the floor with Velma, as well as her dressing room.
Ive got everything except a shower.
Ill have to knock on Velmas door to use hers.
Its bigger than I expectedits definitely not like Jake Gyllenhaals (I saw those photos!
)but mine looks like it has seen some things.
Its got a lot of stories.
Its inspiration, being in there, she says.
I think of all the women who were here before me.
