Chita Rivera Memory Room (Wednesday Noon ET)
We'll watch clips, share memories, and join together in mourning and celebration
Join The Broadway Maven in mourning yesterday’s passing of Chita Rivera in a (free) online Memory Room to mark her passing that meets on Wednesday, January 31 at Noon ET.
The 91-year-old ten-time Tony nominee was not just a performer; she was a trailblazer who broke barriers and set new standards for excellence in the performing arts. Rivera’s career spanned over six decades, featuring iconic roles in productions such as West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, and Chicago. Her dedication, passion, and groundbreaking achievements opened doors for countless artists of many backgrounds and left a legacy that will forever influence the Broadway community.
And she’s been a model of nonstop devotion; in her 80s she told BroadwayDirect that “life is fabulous and I’m lucky enough to have lived a long time while surrounded by the greatest creative people. I have too much to dance and sing about yet, and too many people to entertain.” Would she consider retiring? “Gosh no,” she said. “That’s up to God.”
Gathering in this Memory Room, we not only pay homage to her talent and contributions but also remind ourselves of the power of performing arts to unite and inspire. We’ll watch clips of her dancing, singing, and acting; and participants will be invited to share (brief) memories in moments of communal healing and celebration. It’s something the Web is very good at.
Dancers and people of Hispanic heritage are especially encouraged to share how this extraordinary performer touched them.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or someone who's been moved by her performances in any capacity, this event will offer a sense of community and solace. We'll celebrate Chita Rivera's life, her contributions to the arts, and the joy she brought to the hearts of the Broadway community and beyond.
Memories are also welcome in the comments section below.
I’m so saddened by Chita’s passing. I loved her. She is a true Broadway icon and legend who will be dearly missed. Thank you for scheduling this event to honor her and show clips from her extraordinary career. My memory of Chita goes back to the early 1960s when my mother would play her Bye Bye Birdie Broadway cast album on our hi-fi stereo. I was just a child, but I remember that I loved listening to Chita’s songs on that album, and so I continued to play that record many times for years afterward. She had such pizazz in her voice, and what a fantastic dancer! Such a huge loss.
I wish I could join you, but have a conflict. I'll certainly be with you in spirit, and haven't stopped thinking about Chita since the news came across my screen.
I'm a lifelong fan who finally got to meet Chita in 2016. "I have loved you ever since West Side Story. I was 3." She gave me a wink and a hug, and said: "I was 9." Hers is a life to be celebrated, not mourned, although the world will be poorer place without her. Heaven will be a little bit brighter, sound a little lovelier, and have the most incredible dancing ever. While I'm in no rush to get there, with the likes of Chita there, it sounds like a lovely place to spend eternity.