The Ultimate Chita Rivera Role?

In celebration of Chita's new show coming to Broadway. I thought it would be fun to discuss what we thought is the ultimate role this Broadway legend has played.. We did this a while ago for Gwen, and it was fun.

Anita - West Side Story 1957
Rose Grant - Bye Bye Birdie 1961 Tony Nom. Best Featured Actress
Anyanka - Bajour 1964
Velma Kelly - Chicago 1976 Tony Nom. Best Actress
The Queen - Merlin 1983 Tony Nom. Best Actress
Anna - The Rink 1984 Tony WIN Best Actress
Spider Woman / Aurora - Kiss Of The Spider Woman 1993 Tony WIN Best Actress
*Other

I didn't list all her roles, but feel free to choose "other" for a role that wasn't listed.

For me it's between - Anita, Rosie, and Velma. I can't choose. This was a lot easier to choose for Gwen.

If I really had to choose I would have to say Velma Kelly, because Chicago is obviously my favorite Musical.

So what do you think is the ultimate Chita role?

Updated On: 9/24/05 at 01:06 PM

I have to say The Rink. It was her show. Well.... K&E wrote it for her and then came LIZA! I know Liza kept it running longer than it might have without her but originally it was Ms. Rivera's show and she did a wonderful job.

Updated On: 9/24/05 at 01:35 PM

I know Chita has more fans than this!

I would really have to Anita
Anita made Chita a star

I have to say that I loved Chita in Pippin as Fastrada, I thought she was briliant. I'd say it's a tie between Velma and Anita though.

Well she was Tony Nominated for BRING BACK BIRDIE.

But it's basically the same role as BYE BYE, so I didn't list that. Plus it was a huge flop.

We know you're flop addict, bso.

But Marquise put it best, it was a big embarrasment for everyone involved.

Now back to, the queen aka Chita.

Hello, we have to give her credit for Kiss of the Spider Woman! Maybe nobody has mentioned it because she didn't carry the whole show because Brent Carver and Anthony Crivello were awesome too. But when I listen to the recording and Chita sings the title song, wow, when she belts the last note is just mesmerizing!
Also, since Chicago is my favorite show, I'll have to say Velma Kelly is Chita's greatest role. Don't forget she did Roxie in the revival, was she good?

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Spider Woman/Aurora

Brilliant!

i would have to say Velma Kelly or Anita..i would of loved to have seen her in both..i wish she would reprise the role of velma in the revival of chicago.

I'm torn between The Rink and Chicago. The Rink is very flawed, but Chita is fierce in it. And she will always be the ultimate Velma, and the ultimate Anita.

I also enjoy her need to play characters with names ending in A.

Chita was incredible in Bring Back Birdie and Merlin. I love this woman and I wish The Dancer's Life was a better show to highlight this talented woman.

Anyanka the gypsy in Bajour is one

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