Lucy Komisar
Chita Rivera gets New York City Arts Award
By Lucy Komisar
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| Chita Rivera at Gracie Mansion |
It’s the theatrical award season, and even political figures get in on the act. Actress Chita Rivera was honored on Monday, May 9th, by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who, with his Cultural Affairs director Kate Levin, presented her with one of the Mayor’s Awards for Arts & Culture. The outdoor ceremony was held under a tent on the lawn of Gracie Mansion.
For Chita Rivera, it appeared to be a prize that counted. Radiating delight as she stood on the steps of the Mayor’s official residence (he doesn’t actually live there), she told New York Theatre Wire, “I’m thrilled to have been chosen. New York is my home. I love New York.” She said that her two brothers, a sister and her niece had come to witness the presentation.
The citation read, “To Chita Rivera: For your iconic performances on New York City’s stages and your dedication to adventuresome work, which has inspired generations of both emerging and seasoned artists. You have helped introduce audiences to some of the theater’s most innovative actors, directors and designers, so that not only your presence on stage, but also your role behind the scenes will nourish the art form for years to come.”
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| Bandleader Peter Duchin |
The event also paid homage to jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, poet Billy Collins and individuals and institutions that have contributed to the cultural vitality of New York. Band leader Peter Duchin was there to watch the tribute.
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| The crowd at Gracie Mansion |
Chita Rivera won Tony and Drama Desk awards for “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (1993) and “The Rink” (1984) and has received nominations for other performances. She hosted the 2003 Drama Desk awards and received the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, DC in December 2002. She recently starred on Broadway in the revival of the musical “Nine” with Antonio Banderas.
The young Chita Rivera trained as a ballerina before receiving a scholarship to the American School of Ballet from the legendary George Balanchine. Her first appearance was in the chorus of “Call Me Madam.” Her electric performance as Anita in the Broadway premiere of “West Side Story” (1957), which she repeated in London, brought her to stardom. Her Career is highlighted by starring roles in “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Chicago” (she created the role of Velma Kelly), “Jerry’s Girls” and (original Broadway casts) “Guys and Dolls,” “Can-Can,” “Seventh Heaven” and “Mr. Wonderful.”
Chita also toured with her show, “Chita & All That
Jazz,” a musical celebration of her spectacular life in the theatre.
[Komisar]
