Bebe Neuwirth will perform on her birthday

NEW YORK, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Bebe Neuwirth said she has been performing on her birthday since she was little, so this Dec. 31 won't be any different.

"I love performing on my birthday," said Neuwirth. "I have ever since I was a little kid."

Just like she wants she will be performing in the Broadway revival of "Chicago" as Roxie Hart on the day she turns 48, The New York Daily News reported Friday.

Neuwirth, who won a Tony Award in 1997 for playing Velma Kelly in the show, which revolves around killer chorus girls who turn into media celebrities, said it was her idea to give Roxie a shot.

"I didn't have Roxie envy," she said. "I was so in love with Velma, it never occurred to me to stray. And now I'm starting to fall in love with Roxie."

The actress also underwent surgery in May to get her new "all titanium" left hip after living with chronic arthritis pain for years.