Rak recently made a five-hour plane trip to Los Angeles, followed by a 10-hour plane ride to Japan, where she promoted her upcoming '60s musical revue "Trip of Love," which will take place in Japan during March, April and May of 2008.

The revue will feature Rak performing songs like "White Rabbit," "I'm Your Venus" and "You Don't Own Me."

Rehearsals will take place in New York for five weeks before the cast and crew leave for the land of the rising sun.

The musical marks Rak's 20th year singing and dancing in Broadway productions.

Rak broke into Broadway at the age of 17 performing in the mega-hit "Cats." Since then, she's appeared in some of Broadway's most recognized musicals such as "The Look of Love," "Oklahoma" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." She's also shared the stage with stars like Patti Lupone, Bill Murray and John Lithgow.

But Rak is quick to point out that the highlight of her 20-year career is performing with Ben Vereen in 1997's "Fosse."

"I was at the bare bottom of the ensemble," she says. "But I kept working and learning every chance I could. When they gave me the shot at singing with Ben Vereen, I was so proud."

Rak is also fond of her newest creation, her dance group Va Voom, which she started last summer. The group features choreography by Rak and includes the Rosalene Kenneth Dancers Gina Casilli, Wendy Routh, Brendan Glover, Angelina Kelly and Kim Tasota.

"Choreography is about using another talent and going deeper than what you think you can do," Rak says. "It's never about money. It's about you heart and coming up with something new."

Even with her success in New York, it's no coincidence Rak returns to the South Hills to teach and perform with her mother's dance studio.

"There's something forgotten about how teachers effect your life," she said. "My mom knew how hard it was going to be for me. She told me when I was good and she told me when I was off. I can turn to her for anything."

Va Voom will perform at 8 p.m., Jan. 9 at Olive or Twist and at 8 p.m., Jan. 16 and 23 at The Improv. For information, call 412-221-3718.