Concert Review: Chita Rivera Gives Goosebumps at Cafe Carlyle

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Chita Rivera is a living legend. There is no argument. The original Broadway Anita from West Side Story has had a lush career, and she has left her staple on the Great White Way in such a way that many wish they could – but this is difficult to attain. Yet, Rivera is 100% original as an artist and person, which makes you understand how she has become a cultural icon.

When Rivera enters the stage, it feels like you are witnessing happiness stride past you to perform. Café Carlyle is an intimate setting where artists enter from the back and go through the audience to enter the stage. Seeing this legend hug and high-five everybody was so beautifully human. Most people have seen Rivera in posters or have written about her like some distant, celestial being. Yet, when she performs, she is generous and open to connect with the audience. You almost feel like she is your friend, and immediately see why so many have clamored to work with her: she is a funny, sweetheart.

Rivera is in her 80s and looks and dances better than all of us. She elaborates that she runs on the rhythm of life, to which each life has its own specific rhythm. Follow it, and you will be surprised by how well you can dance. Her wisdom is so clear it enters you without precaution or pretense. You are in awe that such virtue can be casually dropped after a West Side Story medley. One minute you are overjoyed and clapping, while in the next moment you are absorbing life lessons from someone who has lived it all, as she continues to tie wise tidbits in between her riveting repertoire of Broadway classics.

America and All That Jazz

It is kind of shocking to both Rivera and the audience how many legendary productions in which she was an original cast member: Chicago, Bye Bye Birdie, The Rink, etc. – the list goes on and on. Because of this, it feels more impactful when she sings original songs and quips about the processes of making them. She knows the love that was put into these shows that are now loved around the world. When she sings “All That Jazz” or “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer,” you feel so much respect for the lyrics and music. You now understand all the work it takes to reach an audience, but Rivera reaches everyone through a relaxed grace.

There are so many sentimental moments throughout her show. Her presence is a lesson to enjoy life to the fullest. I found myself teary-eyed, but not from sadness. I was humbled to see someone so happy. She sings with such heart, you can see the music as it leaves her chest. Her voice hugs every note with a kind warmth. My favorite songs from her act were “Carousel” and “Not Exactly Paris.” She sings them for their beauty, and adds subtle annotations to make sure you receive the story beneath the lyrics. I loved witnessing the personal layers she adds to a song’s general message. Although these quieter songs are amazing, I am sure everyone who goes to see her will be thrilled by her more upbeat songs, like “Nowadays” or the West Side Story medley.

I cannot find a better word for her show than love. It is an artist’s love letter to an astounding career and life. It is a viewer’s hope that, like Rivera, when they look back on their life they also have such love, joy, and respect for what they have accomplished.

Running Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Chita Rivera will be performing at the Café Carlyle until May 21, 2016. For more information, click here.

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