TV Exclusive: Chita Rivera Uncut Part 1- Talks DROOD, WEST SIDE STORY, SWEET CHARITY, and More!

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Welcome to BWW's exclusive talk show, BACKSTAGE WITH Richard Ridge. Follow Richard as he visits the theater's best and brightest in their dressing rooms, on their stages and favorite hang outs to talk about their lives, careers and all of the things you don't know, but want to know.

Broadway legend Chita Rivera is currently starring alongside Stephanie J. Block, Will Chase, Jim Norton, and more in the Roundabout Theatre Company's Broadway production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which opened, November 13 at Studio 54. In this first part of a two part interview, Richard chats with Chita about playing 'Princess Puffer', how she won her role in WEST SIDE STORY, her friendship with Gwen Verdon and so much more. Click below to watch PART 1 and check back later for PART 2!

Rivera has won two Tony® Awards (Kiss of the Spider Woman; The Rink) and received seven additional Tony nominations including one for her performance as "Liliane La Fleur" in Roundabout's Tony Award–winning musical Nine. Chita created the role of "Velma Kelly" in the original Broadway production of Chicago opposite Gwen Verdon (1975) and appears in the film version. Career highlights on Broadway include starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven, Mr. Wonderful and the film version of Sweet Charity.Chita has recorded and released a new CD entitled And Now I Swing and is on a nationwide concert tour of Chita Rivera: My Broadway.