Chita Rivera: The Memoir

What a total thrill Chita Rivera's memoir is. Ms. Rivera has a spotlight right now because she is the most nominated performer in Tony history; as of yesterday, she shares the distinction with Audra McDonald (as well as Julie Harris). Here are the Chita stories that leap out at me:

*Before "Spider-Woman," Chita wanted to deny herself. She thought the lead role should go to Donna Murphy. Fortunately, Murphy couldn't dance--and someone (actually a NYTimes critic) understood that the role really belonged to Chita Rivera.

*Chita developed her "physical vocabulary" for Aurora by studying Brent Carver. Carver would practice certain gestures when he day-dreamed about Aurora. These gestures also became *Chita's* gestures.

*In the wardrobe department, Chita told a colleague that Anita, in "West Side Story," should wear just one earring. Why? "Because she's a pirate, don't you think?"

*Chita especially admired Bea Arthur, who understood that the key to comedy was to be deadly serious. Chita called her friend "Beady."

*Chita partly attributes her success to Gwen Verdon. Having (initially) lost a role in "Can-Can," Chita was moping--and Gwen summoned her. "You're better than this," Gwen said. "Don't overlook how ambitious you are."

Best thirty-dollar investment in my recent history....

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