Happy Birthday Chita Rivera

The great Chita Rivera is 89 today! A true legend. :)

I had the pleasure of meeting Chita way back when I was directing high school musicals. My choreographer was Chita's (ex) sister-in-law they remained fairly close.

When we did BYE BYE BIRDIE, Chita's niece was cast as Rosie and Chita came out (with a small entourage) to see the show and was very gracious afterwards.

Just a few months ago, Chita's (ex) brother-in-law passed away and Chita came out for the funeral mass. She came up to me in the back of the church and asked if I was still directing shows and we had a nice conversation before the casket was brought in.