Best known by just her first name, Mya Harrison plays the role of Mona, a murderess who insists that her lover “had it coming,” in the film version of the musical “Chicago.”

“I guess you could say we broke up because of artistic differences. He saw himself as alive. And I saw him dead!” Mona cries triumphantly from her prison cell.

Along with several other college students from around the country, I interviewed the “Chicago” star in a conference call sponsored by Miramax.

With the Oscars coming up soon, the hot topic of conversation was Mya’s role in “Chicago.”

The film is up for 13 Academy Awards on March 23, including Best Picture.

Due to the addition of “Lipshitz” to the cellblock tango scene, Mya worked with director and choreographer Rob Marshall for two months of rehearsal.

When asked about her interactions with “the big stars,” Mya said she mostly worked with Best Supporting Actress nominee Catherine Zeta-Jones (“Traffic”) because they were in the cellblock scene together.

“I spoke to Renée about her dogs,” she said of Best Leading Actress nominee Renée Zellweger.

Mya said that she hadn’t seen the stage version of “Chicago” before she auditioned for the part.

“I was totally into the character and I got the part. I felt ready. It felt right.”

She said that she wonders if seeing the play would have affected her interpretation of the scene.

She auditioned with no script or tape, devising it from the description given about the character and then improvised the rest.

Perhaps that is why Mya has made her career first as a singer. She insisted that the reason she likes performing on stage so much is because she is able to improvise in a way that she cannot when she is on film.

According to the singer and actress, a live stage is spiritual. She says that she loves the interaction with the crowd.

“You turn to the fans, because that’s where you find ‘love,'” Mya says.

Growing up, Mya’s first and foremost talent was tap. She calls it an “aggressive form of dance,” but said that it has shaped her. Her tap hero was Savian Glover.

“He brought tap around to a new style; he inspired kids.”

Mya told us that she had quit tap at age nine for two years, then saw Savian Glover (do what? Perform?) and decided to “do that.” Inspired, she practiced everyday and night.

Mya describes her skills as a tap dancer as having helped with her ability to come up with melodies and work music equipment.

She says she also looked up to Sammy Davis Jr. “He loved to do what I love to do,” she said.

Her own personal crusade is to use her success to inspire young girls. In 1993 Mya began participating in “The Secret to Self Esteem” at Columbia University. She also spoke to girls in middle school. She uses her career and success by being a living example of successful woman.

“I just tell them…they will survive [high school]…I did.”

She said that while the media use sex appeal to catch the eye, the youth turn to the media to feel qualified as human beings. Together she sees that as very unhealthy. According to Mya, people create their own individuality.

She said that stressing female empowerment as an artist is very important.

“Females make the world go round in this man’s world.”

She said that all women should aim to be a model of inspiration for future women.

Myasaid that students interested in music and drama should attend or search for performing arts schools with good programs, such as Julliard. They should surround themselves with options by going to New York or Los Angeles.

“It takes determination and practice. Make sure you love it –it is a hard business and limited.”

Mya, who is a native of Maryland, said that she sees herself as “just a regular girl.” She likes to draw and sing, and loves dogs, especially her two, Rambo and Rex. As for dating, which was a popular line of questioning during the interview, she feels that a serious relationship is difficult when you are trying to get your life together. Her long-term goal is for personal happiness and success, which she deems as time to sit on the beach, the ability to do things for her family and the financial freedom to relax.

“Chicago” incorporated all three aspects of Mya’s talents: singing, dancing and acting.

As for now, Mya says she wants to focus on her album, which is due out in early summer, with a single out in April or May.

It’s been three years since her last album. She’s 23 years old now and said she feels that she has grown since then.

Mya said that she has done a lot of writing on this new album and feels that it is her best work so far. Collaborators include Jean Paul and Missy (Elliot?) on a song titled, “Whatever Bitch,” and Pink on, “Take a Picture.”

“It’s just been a playground for me,” she gushed. She said that music is first for her, but she is also reading scripts. Perhaps Mya will be on the big screen again soon after all.