I saw Verdon and Rivera in the original Broadway production, fantastic. Chita's dancing was unbelievable. I wish we had tapes of their performance. I loved it then and never could figure out why it didn't do better as a musical until the revival. That original show was one of the best Broadway shows ever.
I was lucky to have been able to see that show when they came to preview in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson. Saw it last night again with the 2023 touring company. They were good and delivered a solid performance but some of the grit has been lost over the years.
There are some clips of the 1975 production. Not the best quality but it's the original cast. I think there's a few more clips if you search but here's one for starters.
I agree; a fabulous show. But I suspect the original 'Chicago' was thought too cynical at the time. It opened just a month or so before 'A Chorus Line', which capitalised on the background stories and inner traumas of its cast of 'gypsies'. Meanwhile in 'Chicago' Roxy Hart tells the audience (I'm paraphrasing) "Oooh,I'm a star, and the audience loves me... and I love them. And they love me for loving them and I love them for loving me.... And that's because none of us got enough love in our childhood. And that's showbiz, kid." In other words, who cares? Perhaps a sentiment audiences were uncomfortable with.
So cool to see her Velma inserted into the revival staging. I'm not sure if that's the exact costume too, but it looks very much like the style used in the original. I know I've read that the costume designer for the revival does it custom for each performer in a role so they are all a little different -- it's so cool that Chita's is still the same one or very similar.
Love you, Love you, Chita! ❤️You are the one and only to play Velma. And Nita, and Sweet Charity. Thank you, Chita for you and along with Rita Moreno of breaking that glass ceiling. The world will never looked she is a Latina woman dancer. But a Great Dancer and Performer, which Bob Fosse wanted work and perfect his choreography with her on Broadway. RIP, To an Icon, legend and a great. Chita 🌹 Thank you ❤️
I love Chita's interpretation. Even as the originator you can see why people fell in love with her magic. And she honestly does her performance like what I imagine to be one of those prohibition-era speakeasies. Although I love the current re-telling of the Velmas, everybody seems to have to follow Bebe Neuwirth. This performance seems a little more "loosened-up."
I have the CD with her, and seeing this Video, performing with such a strong amazing breathtaking attitude at this age.... I´m on my knees! Hail Chita! And thank you!
Hot spit, how does a reigning gala talent produce a smoldering spicey, slinky number beyond perfection 30 !! Y E A R S !! LATER ?!?! The "Kate" impression within the slay-level apex performance is a riot! Jaw scarpes the floor? That delight on her face at the applause (and all those ricocheting endorphines) seals the joy! Peace be with you...Lukerdog
That raspy voice is almost like Tina Tuner as Velma Kelly. And given what she lived Through she could have definitely been in the cell block tango if Ike pushed her far enough.
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RIP Chita Rivera.
January 23, 1933 - January 30, 2024
So, this was 2006, which would have made her 73 at the time she did this. WOW! She passed away today. RIP, to a true legend, a queen of the stage.
Love this show. I Dance and exercise to it Every Day
God bless her; she lived to see her 91st birthday!! Great Aquarian Broadway Queen!!❤❤RIP Chita!!!
... God, she just makes you smile
RIP Chita Rivera (January 23, 1933 - January 30, 2024), aged 91
You will be remembered as a legend.
100% agree!
I saw Verdon and Rivera in the original Broadway production, fantastic. Chita's dancing was unbelievable. I wish we had tapes of their performance. I loved it then and never could figure out why it didn't do better as a musical until the revival. That original show was one of the best Broadway shows ever.
I was lucky to have been able to see that show when they came to preview in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson. Saw it last night again with the 2023 touring company. They were good and delivered a solid performance but some of the grit has been lost over the years.
There are some clips of the 1975 production. Not the best quality but it's the original cast. I think there's a few more clips if you search but here's one for starters.
I agree; a fabulous show. But I suspect the original 'Chicago' was thought too cynical at the time. It opened just a month or so before 'A Chorus Line', which capitalised on the background stories and inner traumas of its cast of 'gypsies'. Meanwhile in 'Chicago' Roxy Hart tells the audience (I'm paraphrasing) "Oooh,I'm a star, and the audience loves me... and I love them. And they love me for loving them and I love them for loving me.... And that's because none of us got enough love in our childhood. And that's showbiz, kid." In other words, who cares? Perhaps a sentiment audiences were uncomfortable with.
@@miamiracer Yes, it's a bit too 'polished' (and not in a good way) now.
R.I.P. Chita, yet another star in Heaven.
The original and the greatest Velma of all time. The legendary Chita Rivera.
I love how at 2:50 she does Gwen Verdon voice
She did it perfectly hahaha the vocal damage vibratto, the husky sound ahhaha all on point!
So cool to see her Velma inserted into the revival staging. I'm not sure if that's the exact costume too, but it looks very much like the style used in the original. I know I've read that the costume designer for the revival does it custom for each performer in a role so they are all a little different -- it's so cool that Chita's is still the same one or very similar.
Love you, Love you, Chita! ❤️You are the one and only to play Velma. And Nita, and Sweet Charity. Thank you, Chita for you and along with Rita Moreno of breaking that glass ceiling. The world will never looked she is a Latina woman dancer. But a Great Dancer and Performer, which Bob Fosse wanted work and perfect his choreography with her on Broadway. RIP, To an Icon, legend and a great. Chita 🌹 Thank you ❤️
I love Chita's interpretation. Even as the originator you can see why people fell in love with her magic. And she honestly does her performance like what I imagine to be one of those prohibition-era speakeasies. Although I love the current re-telling of the Velmas, everybody seems to have to follow Bebe Neuwirth. This performance seems a little more "loosened-up."
Imagine having a body like that at 73
I was thinking the same thing.
Dancer’s body for sure
Rest in Peace Chita! You were the greatest!
This talented latino woman back in the role she originally performed.
Chita is everything!!!
I cannot believe she’s 73 here! Incredible!
I have the CD with her, and seeing this Video, performing with such a strong amazing breathtaking attitude at this age.... I´m on my knees! Hail Chita! And thank you!
Just saw a Chicago broadway show tonight and my godhow the wualityhad fallen so much.
Icon. R.I.P.
NOBODY does it BETTER
RIP - LEGEND!!!!
RIP 🙏
Hot spit, how does a reigning gala talent produce a smoldering spicey, slinky number beyond perfection 30 !! Y E A R S !! LATER ?!?! The "Kate" impression within the slay-level apex performance is a riot! Jaw scarpes the floor? That delight on her face at the applause (and all those ricocheting endorphines) seals the joy!
Peace be with you...Lukerdog
WOW! - I Love U Chita Rivera.
I mean come on! Priceless! (Gwen Verdon Tribute). ❤
RIP
Legend!
RIHP Chita!! Original Anita!!❤❤
ICON
Yes fierce!!!
I absolutely love Chita's dance improvisations in this performance. And she looks absolutely stunning in that outfit! ❤️❤️❤️
A wonder!
🙌🙌 ⭐️ GODDESS ⭐️🙌🙌
LONG LIVE BOB FOSSE
That raspy voice is almost like Tina Tuner as Velma Kelly. And given what she lived Through she could have definitely been in the cell block tango if Ike pushed her far enough.
Wait a minute : when was it please?
Even some Ben vereen