The legendary Chita Rivera performed two sold-out shows Monday, January 14 at the legendary Birdland to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The show, entitled "Chita Loves Broadway Cares played" to star-studded audiences and received numerous standing ovations.
Chita performed songs from some of her most celebrated Broadway performances, including West Side Story, Sweet Charity and Chicago – and was inspired to stage these exclusive performances by her "Broadway family," the family and community of performers, creators and theatergoers from her multi-decade-long theater career. For both performances, Chita was joined by Music Director Carmel Dean on piano, Michael Croiter on drums and Jim Donica on bass.
For more information on Birdland (315 West 44th Street, between 8th & 9th Aves), call 212-581-3080 or visit www.BirdlandJazz.com
Photos by Mark Rupp
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera and Jim Caruso
Chita Rivera and Jim Caruso
Chita Rivera taking her final bow
Chita Rivera taking final bows
Chita Rivera and one of several standing ovations throughout the evening
Broadway Care's Tom Viola, Chita Rivera and Tony Stevens
Chita Rivera and John McDaniel
Phyllis Newman, Chita Rivera and Joel Grey
Carol Hall, Chita Rivera and Julie Gold
Jerry Mitchell, Chita Rivera and Max von Essen
Harvey Evans and Chita Rivera
Jack O'Brien and Chita Rivera
Mary Testa, Celeste Holm and Chita Rivera
Celeste Holm and Chita Rivera
Barbara Cook and Chita Rivera
Birdland owner Gianni Valente and Victoria Shaw
Jennifer Smith and Kevin Ligon
Barbara Cook and Harvey Evans
Carol Hall and husband Leonard Majzlin
Darren Holden and Chita Rivera
Mary Testa and Nat Chandler
Mary Testa, Jim Caruso and Nat Chandler
Michael John LaChiusa and guest
Tommy Tune and Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera and Raul Esparza
Hunter Bell, Chita Rivera and Barrett Foa
Chita Rivera and Billy Stritch
Steve Sorokoff and Chita Rivera
Marilyn Maye and Chita Rivera
Gianni Valente and Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera and Hilary Kole
Producer Jim Caruso and Chita Rivera (photo by Steve Sorokoff)
Photos by Jim Caruso
Lisa Lambert and Patrick Wetzel
l-r: Larry Grossman, Austin Miller, Angie Schworer, Troy Britton Johnson and Jerry Mitchell
Lisa Mordente, Cortes Alexander and Casey Paul
Jenna Russell, Producer David Babani and Daniel Evans
Michael James Scott and Jesse Nager
A backstage visit with Chita Rivera and a bevy of Broadway Dancers
