Ariana DeBose, remembering the late West Facet Story star, introduced a Chita Rivera tribute on the Tony Awards. On the finish of the homage, the awards present host would take the stage and recreate the enduring “America” musical quantity.
“In January, we misplaced one in every of theaters’ brightest lights, the irreplaceable Chita Rivera,” DeBose stated as she took the stage along with her voice cracking.
Rivera was remembered by Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald, and Bebe Neuwirth.
“Anybody who knew Chita had an excellent pal and a fair higher function mannequin,” Mitchell stated. “The whole lot I find out about being a Broadway lead, I realized from [Chita]. The long-lasting characters that she created are unforgettable.”
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Mitchell then took everybody down reminiscence lane, remembering Rivera’s roles like Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma Kelly in Chicago, and Anita in West Facet Story.
“Chita redefined what it meant to be a Latina in showbusiness,” Mitchell added. “She impressed generations of ladies. If she may do it, they might do it.”
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DeBose returned to the stage within the iconic lilac gown and stated, “I actually wouldn’t be right here with out Chita blazing the path for all who observe. Due to her, I’m. Chita from all of us, we’ll all the time love you.”
DeBose performed Anita within the 2021 West Facet Story remake directed by Steven Spielberg.
Rivera died on January 30 of this yr on the age of 91 following a short sickness.
Watch DeBose’s tribute within the video beneath.