Living legend and Broadway royalty Chita Rivera was born on the 23rd of January 1933. I’ve already paid homage to this firecracker in my Kiss Of The Spiderwoman and The Rink posts, but feel she deserves individual attention. I was lucky enough to meet Ms Rivera backstage when she was appearing in London. Happy to meet her fans, she was more than willing to talk to me and patiently pose for photos. Such a gracious, warm, stylish, classy lady.
Chita’s career follows that of a gypsy made good, working her way up through the ranks. Yet she’s remained grounded, and to this day has one of the best reputations in the industry. Leading to various awards along the way and many events being held in her honour. Accomplishments include receiving the Kennedy Center Honors and Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Rivera’s ancestry is part Puerto Rican and she grew up in Washington. At age 15 she auditioned for and won a ballet scholarship from George Balanchine. Training that required relocating to New York. Chita’s early work was in tours and on Broadway. Dancing in the choruses of Call Me Madam, Can Can, and Mr Wonderful with Sammy Davis Jnr amongst others. Rivera’s big break came in 1957 when she originated the role of Anita in West Side Story. This musical was ground breaking on the New York stage. The London opening was postponed until after she’d had her daughter so she could reprise the role, cementing her place in musical theatre history.
Chita portrayed Rose in 1960’s Bye Bye Birdie alongside Dick Van Dyke. Probably the first rock and roll musical, it was an ideal part for her dazzling stage presence. Rivera’s personality shines through in numbers like What Did I Ever See In Him and Spanish Rose. The Shriner ballet is a spot on marriage of character and dance. With her facial expressions, comedic ability, and high kicking athleticism, nobody could’ve done it better.
The role of murderess Velma Kelly in Kander and Ebb’s 1975 Chicago was another high point in Rivera’s career. I was in an amateur production so am especially fond of this show. Set in the roaring twenties, it’s about society’s pre-occupation with fame, and celebrities literally getting away with murder. Totally relevant in today’s culture. From the sizzling All That Jazz to the marvellous Cell Block Tango to the animated I Can’t Do It Alone, you can’t deny this woman was born to perform. She also had a cameo in the 2002 film; nice touch.
Chita played Nickie in 1969’s Sweet Charity, although people often get confused and think it’s Rita Moreno. It’s wonderful to see her explosive dancing captured in Bob Fosse’s film. His stylised choreography was absolutely made for her. Chita’s also toured North America with her successful nightclub act. I’m in awe of the fact that she appeared on Broadway in Nine in 2003 and The Visit in 2015. Continuing to wow the crowds and prove exactly why she remains a top performer. Chita Rivera radiates that innate extra special star quality, making her unforgettable.