ReportWire

Tag: Chita Rivera

  • Joe Biden On Chita Rivera: “Her Dazzling Charm Will Live On In The Soul Of Our Nation”

    Joe Biden On Chita Rivera: “Her Dazzling Charm Will Live On In The Soul Of Our Nation”

    [ad_1]

    President Joe Biden praised Chita Rivera as a performer who “brought joy to millions and captured the grit and grace of America.”

    “A mesmerizing dancer, singer, and actor, Chita’s work was more than entertainment – it reflects part of who we are as Americans and as human beings, and it has helped shape how we see each other and our world,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House today. “Chita knew what great Americans know – it’s not how hard you get knocked down, it’s how quickly you get back up. Her dazzling charm will live on in the soul of our nation.”

    Rivera died on Tuesday after a brief illness. She was 91.

    In the statement, Biden recognized Rivera’s work, including “originating the roles of iconic strong women in classics from West Side Story, to Bye Bye, Birdie, to Chicago, to Kiss of the Spider Woman, while blazing a trail for generations of Latina performers.”

    The complete statement from the White House is below:

    Chita Rivera was an all-time-great of American musical theater, a pioneer and perfectionist whose magnetic performances in scores of Broadway productions brought joy to millions and captured the grit and grace of America.
     
    The irrepressible third child of public servants – her mother was a Pentagon clerk and her father a clarinetist in the U.S. Navy Band– she moved to New York to dance at age 15. Over the next seven decades, she built a dazzling career, originating the roles of iconic strong women in classics from West Side Story, to Bye Bye, Birdie, to Chicago, to Kiss of the Spider Woman, while blazing a trail for generations of Latina performers.
     
    Chita won three Tony Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but she never quit putting the work first. She rode highs and lows with fierce resilience, including a devastating car crash that shattered her leg and left her with metal pins in her bones, only to see her climb back to the top and turn in Tony-nominated performances well into her 70s and 80s.
     
    A mesmerizing dancer, singer, and actor, Chita’s work was more than entertainment – it reflects part of who we are as Americans and as human beings, and it has helped shape how we see each other and our world. Chita knew what great Americans know – it’s not how hard you get knocked down, it’s how quickly you get back up. Her dazzling charm will live on in the soul of our nation.
     
    Our love goes out to Chita’s daughter, Lisa; to Chita’s siblings, Julio, Armando, and Lola del Rivero; and to her generations of fans.

    [ad_2]

    tedstew1

    Source link

  • A look back at Chita Rivera’s illustrious career

    A look back at Chita Rivera’s illustrious career

    [ad_1]

    A look back at Chita Rivera’s illustrious career – CBS News


    Watch CBS News



    Tributes are continuing to pour in for Broadway legend Chita Rivera, known for bringing to life some of theater’s most classic roles like Anita in “West Side Story” and Velma Kelly in “Chicago.” Rivera died Tuesday at age 91. CBS News’ Vlad Duthiers reflects on her decades-long career.

    Be the first to know

    Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.


    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Tributes pour in for beloved Broadway legend Chita Rivera

    Tributes pour in for beloved Broadway legend Chita Rivera

    [ad_1]

    NEW YORK (WABC) — From Broadway and Hollywood stars to local politicians, tributes are pouring in following the death of revered and pioneering Tony-winning dancer and singer, Chita Rivera.

    Rivera’s death was announced by her daughter, Lisa Mordente, who said she died Tuesday in New York after a brief illness.

    The dynamic dancer, singer and actor who garnered 10 Tony nominations, winning twice, during a long Broadway career that forged a path for Latina artists, died at the age of 91.

    Unsurprisingly, her legacy left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, leading to an outpouring of tributes from stars like ‘Hamilton’s’ Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ariana DeBose.

    RELATED | Chita Rivera talks about Broadway, West Side Story, and the Winter Garden

    Broadway legend, Chita Rivera, recently sat down with WABC-TV for an exclusive interview inside the historic Winter Garden Theatre, where she played Anita in the original Broadway production of West Side Story.

    “The trailerblazer for P.R., on Broadway. Originated Anita AND Rosie AND Velma Kelly AND The Spider Woman AND so many more iconic Broadway roles because she was an absolute original,” Miranda said in an Instagram post. “My heart is with everyone in Chita’s galaxy of family and friends. We’ll be blasting WSS and Bye Bye Birdie and Chicago and SO MUCH MUSIC, because she left us so much. Gracias, Chita. Alabanza.”

    “She was a force. In truth she made me nervous. To be in her presence was to behold greatness. I always got the sense that she had great expectations, but none greater than the ones she held herself to…I am heartbroken and yet ever inspired as she showed so many of us what was possible. Rest well Queen,” DeBose said in an Instagram post.

    Actress Rita Moreno, who followed Rivera in playing Anita in ‘West Side Story,’ posted her own touching tribute on Instagram.

    “Chita Rivera is eternal. I remember seeing her for the first time in Mr. Wonderful and exclaiming, “Oh my god, who IS that”? When I found out that this astonishing creature was one of my people, I crowed with pride. Over the years, we were sometimes mistaken for each other which I always viewed as a badge of honor. She was the essence of Broadway. As I write this, I am raising a glass to this remarkable woman and friend. Chita, amiga, Salud!”

    ‘Chicago The Musical’ also posted a tribute on X honoring Rivera, who played the original Velma Kelly, and also played Roxie at a number of locations.

    Joe Torres has more on the reaction to Chita Rivera’s death.

    “We are heartbroken to learn Chita Rivera has passed away at 91. She was the original Velma Kelly and also played Roxie in Toronto, Las Vegas & London. Chita’s influence, warmth, and other-worldly talent will inspire us always. Tonight’s show is for her.”

    The current cast of the musical also paid tribute at the Ambassador Theatre Tuesday night:

    “She lives on in our hearts, on this stage, in every performance. We love you Chita. Thank you.”

    Here are some other tributes posted in honor of Rivera:

    ‘Seinfeld’ actor Jason Alexander

    “This extraordinary woman, the incomparable. Chita Rivera was one of the greatest spirits and colleagues I’ve ever known. She set the bar in every way. I will cherish her always. Dance in heaven, my friend.”

    Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth

    “Chita, There was only you. Then everyone else. I looked up to you and always will admire you as a talent and mostly as a person! A kick butt woman you were. All the rest of us just wanna be you. RIP CHITA.”

    New York Gov. Kathy Hochul

    “From the Bronx to Broadway, the legendary Chita Rivera lit up every room she was in. She shattered countless glass ceilings, brought joy to theaters across America, and paved a path for the next generation of performers. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family.”

    New York Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez

    “Chita Rivera was a trailblazer and Broadway legend who took pride in her Puerto Rican heritage and helped pave the way for other Latina artists. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May she rest in peace.”

    Co-author of ‘Chita, A Memoir’ – Patrick Pacheco

    Patrick Pacheco, who helped write Rivera’s memoir, ‘Chita, A Memoir,’ says she was grateful for everything she got.

    “She wanted more of it because she lived for the stage,” Pacheco said.

    CEO Ballet Hispanic – Eduardo Vilar

    “We need to continuously sing her praises and make sure she is part of the canon of musical theatre,” said Eduardo Vilar, CEO of Ballet Hispanico. “Put up on that throne she deserves. She’s a queen”

    ———-

    * Get Eyewitness News Delivered

    * Follow us on YouTube

    * More local news

    * Send us a news tip

    * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

    Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

    Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

    Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.



    [ad_2]

    WABC

    Source link

  • Chita Rivera,

    Chita Rivera,

    [ad_1]

    Broadway icon Chita Rivera, best known for her role as Anita in the original 1957 Broadway cast of “West Side Story,” has died at age 91. Rivera died Tuesday in New York after a brief illness, her daughter said in a statement provided to CBS News.

    Rivera, a trailblazer for other Latinas aspiring to the Broadway stage, was honored with 10 Tony nominations and won twice. In 2018, she received a special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre. 

    Chita Rivera
    Chita Rivera arrives at the 72nd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 10, 2018, in New York. 

    Evan Agostini/Invision/AP


    Born in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23, 1933, Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Montestuco Florentina Carnemacaral del Fuente was one of five siblings. Her father died when she was 7 years old and her mother was left to raise the children on her own. 

    Rivera trained as a dancer from a young age and won a scholarship to the prestigious School of American Ballet at 16. She also began dancing at Manhattan’s Palladium nightclub, where she later told CBS “Sunday Morning,” “I discovered the rhythm. I discovered the beat. I discovered my heartbeat. I was becoming attuned to my sex appeal. And the rhythm was hot.”

    In her 2023 book, “Chita: A Memoir,” Rivera described herself as two people: Chita and Dolores. She said Dolores has a darker side, but “I believe that Dolores is responsible for me having a career. She’s the guts. She’s the courage.”

    Rivera harnessed that drive to catapult herself onto the Broadway stage at her time when few Latinas won roles, rising to stardom with her performance in “West Side Story” and going on to star in other hit shows including “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Chicago” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” 

    Chita Rivera, an original cast member in the Broadway musical production of “West Side Story,” in November 1957.

    AP Photo


    Rivera was the first Latina to be awarded Kennedy Center Honors in 2002, which is given to artists for their lifetime contributions in the field of the performing arts. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009 by then-President Barack Obama for her work as an “agent of change.” 


    Broadway legend Chita Rivera

    07:23

    On the set of “West Side Story,” she met fellow dancer fellow dancer Tony Mordente; they married and had one daughter, Lisa. Rivera is survived by her daughter Lisa Mordente and three of her siblings Julio, Armando and Lola del Rivero, the statement said.

    As news broke of Rivera’s death, condolences and tributes to the Broadway legend poured in on social media. 

    Rita Moreno, who played Anita in the 1961 film version of “West Side Story,” said she was taken by Rivera the first time she met her and considered it was an honor to be mistaken for being her. 

    “Chita Rivera is eternal,” Moreno wrote on Instagram. “I remember seeing her for the first time in Mr. Wonderful and exclaiming, ‘Oh my god, who IS that’? When I found out that this astonishing creature was one of my people, I crowed with pride.”

    “Over the years, we were sometimes mistaken for each other which I always viewed as a badge of honor,” she continued. “She was the essence of Broadway. As I write this, I am raising a glass to this remarkable woman and friend. Chita, amiga, Salud!”

    Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth said she’d always looked up to Rivera. “There was only you,” she tweeted. “Then everyone else. I looked up to you and always will admire you as a talent and mostly as a person! A kick butt woman you were. All the rest of us just wanna be you. RIP CHITA”

    Joel Grey's 72nd Birthday Party at Michael's
    Kristin Chenoweth, Liz Smith, Kitty Carlisle Hart, Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey, Chita Rivera and Bebe Neuwirth at Grey’s birthday party in 2004.

    Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic


    New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised Rivera’s trailblazing career. 

    “From the Bronx to Broadway, the legendary Chita Rivera lit up every room she was in,” Hochul wrote. “She shattered countless glass ceilings, brought joy to theaters across America, and paved a path for the next generation of performers. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family.” 

    Actor Jason Alexander, who starred opposite Rivera in the 1984 musical “The Rink,” said she was one of the best colleagues he’d ever worked alongside. 

    “This extraordinary woman, the incomparable,” he tweeted. “Chita Rivera was one of the greatest spirits and colleagues I’ve ever known. She set the bar in every way. I will cherish her always. Dance in heaven, my friend. #ripChitaRivera.”

    Actress Mia Farrow also eulogized Rivera on social media, calling her “authentic” and “magnificent.”

    “Chita Rivera was an authentic Broadway icon – a dazzling actress, singer and dancer,” she tweeted. “No one who was fortunate enough to have seen any of her performances, will ever forget the experience. She gave us so much. Thank you to the magnificent, irreplaceable Chita Rivera.”


    A Look Back: Chita Rivera with Dana Tyler

    04:44

    Cara Tabachnick

    Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at cara.tabachnick@cbsinteractive.com



    [ad_2]

    Source link