Chita Rivera: A Broadway Legend Remembered
Chita Rivera, the iconic Broadway performer who graced the stage for over six decades, has passed away at the age of 91, according to her daughter, Lisa Mordente. Rivera, a three-time Tony Award winner, is best known for her unforgettable roles in musicals such as West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, and Kiss of the Spiderwoman.
A Broadway Baby is Born
Contrary to popular belief, Rivera did not start her journey as a Broadway baby. Born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero in Washington, D.C., she was initially a tomboy. However, her mother enrolled her in ballet classes to channel her energy. Rivera’s passion for ballet led her to receive a full scholarship at the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York.
The Broadway Breakthrough
In 1957, Rivera landed her breakthrough role as Anita in West Side Story. The musical, with its captivating score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, allowed Rivera to showcase her exceptional dancing, acting, and singing abilities. Despite initial doubts about hitting the high notes, Rivera proved herself to be a triple threat.
A Broadway Legend
From 1960 to 2013, Rivera headlined numerous successful Broadway productions, solidifying her status as a Broadway legend. Directors like Jerome Robbins and Bob Fosse recognized her rare talent for seamlessly combining singing, acting, and dancing. Rivera’s career faced a major setback in 1986 when she was involved in a serious taxi accident that left her with a shattered leg. Despite doctors’ predictions that she would never dance again, Rivera defied the odds and continued to perform, albeit in a different capacity.
A Life Devoted to the Stage
Rivera’s unwavering dedication to the stage earned her numerous accolades, including several Tony Awards, a Kennedy Center honor, and the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. While she didn’t venture into television or film, Rivera’s impact on Broadway remains unparalleled.
“Broadway legends” like Rivera are best experienced live, as their talent cannot be replicated in any other form, says Laurence Maslon, co-producer of the PBS series Broadway: The American Musical.
Chita Rivera may have left this world, but her legacy as a Broadway icon will continue to inspire future generations of performers.