When did you first become aware of Chita Rivera? For me, it was “West Side Story” with Chita as Maria’s brothers girlfriend. A sort of saucy smart clear eyed counterpoint to both Maria’s wide eyed recent transferred Juliet and Maria’s brother Bernardo Tybalt rule the street PR gang leader. Pulling up her skirt and dancing a storm through “America”, she was a sexy substitute, the hear of PR, and also the smarts, personified, changing Broadways perception of Latin Americans and especially Puerto Ricans. That was 1957.
From such stuff are legends made and Chita is a true living legend: she portrayed Velma in the before its time by 20 years 1975 “Chicago” production, she was Aurora in another underestimated Kander and Ebb musical, “Kiss Of The Spiderwoman” . Ny god, she followed “West Side Story” with “Bye Bye Birdie” and a little later on followed “Sweet Charity” with “Irma La Douce”. She has won the Tony 9 times.
On October 7th, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS charity will be presenting “Chita: A Legendary Celebration” in celebration of her 80th Birthday. With Elaine Stritch retired, Chita is the first lady of Broadway and this is the show of the season. One night only, October 6th at the August Wilson. A must see. Get tickets here. -remember it’s for sweet charity!