Chita Rivera attends the Nederlander Organization’s unveiling of Broadway’s new Lena Horne Theatre on November 01, 2022 in New York City.Photo:Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Chita Rivera’s panel discussion forher memoirat the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts has been canceled.
Rivera was originally set to appear at the library on Monday to discussChita: A Memoir, however; the Broadway star, 90, tested positive forCOVID-19, causing the event to be postponed until further notice.
“We will follow up to all who have signed up for the event if we have any updates in the future. We hope to schedule a new date for this event,” the librarysaid in a statementon their website.
Chita Rivera during “Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life” Broadway Opening Night - Curtain Call at Schoenfield Theatre in New York City, New York, United States.Jemal Countess/WireImage
Jemal Countess/WireImage
“In the meantime, please keep Chita Rivera in your thoughts. We hope to see you soon at the Library for the Performing Arts,” their update added.
The Pippin: His Life and Timestalent was scheduled to speak withher co-author, arts journalist Patrick Pacheco for the event.
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The book delves into her life and how she came to be a three-time Tony Award–winner, Kennedy Centers honoree, and recipient of thePresidential Medal of Freedom.
Chita Rivera attends the Chita Rivera Awards 2023 at NYU Skirball Center on May 22, 2023 in New York City.Jason Mendez/Getty
Jason Mendez/Getty
According toPlaybill, Rivera’s Broadway credits date back to 1950 and include 30 roles for shows such asGuys and Dolls,Can-Can,Merlin, and more.
One of her most notable roles came with her performance inChicago.
Rivera starred as the original Velma Kelly in the 1975 production ofChicagoon Broadway. And 25 years later, she returned for the production, but not as Kelly.
For the 25-year anniversary, she played the leading lady, Roxie Hart in Toronto, Las Vegas, and London.
Last week, a show paying tribute to Rivera was canceled in New York due to inclement weather. According to Playbill, that didn’t stop some of the production’s dancers from still showing up forAnd All That Jazz — A Celebration of Chita Rivera.
Earlier this year,CBS Newsspoke with the entertainer as she reflected on her career after she’d recently celebrated her 90th birthday.
“I always used to think that we should have two lifetimes: one to try it out, and the second one to know what’s coming,” she told the outlet during the April interview.
Chita Rivera during Chicago the Musical Celebrates its 10th Anniversary on Broadway - Dress Rehearsal at Ambassador Theater in New York City, New York, United States.James Devaney/WireImage
James Devaney/WireImage
“Chita is, ‘Hello, how are you? It’s so nice to be here.’ Dolores is, ‘What is it you want?’ It’s a darker side. I believe that Dolores is responsible for me having a career. She’s the guts. She’s the courage,” Rivera said while describing her alter-ego.
The Broadway star then shed light on how she became a performer after proving to be an energetic child, often jumping on top of the furniture in her family’s home.
“I missed one time, and I went through the coffee table,” Rivera recalled. “And my mother said, ‘That’s it, you’re out of here. You’re going to aballet school.’ "
Although she attended New York’s elite School of American Ballet, she eventually dropped out to follow her heart to Broadway.
Rivera went on to star alongside other successful talents such asSammy Davis, Jr. inMr. WonderfulandThe RinkwithLiza Minnelli.
source: people.com
