Show Notes
In this episode we hear from Debbie Allen on her relationship with Chita Rivera. Chita originated the role of 'Anita' in West Side Story on Broadway in 1957. In 1980, when West Side Story was revived, Debbie Allen was cast as 'Anita' and she was coached by Chita in the role. The two maintained a close relationship over the ensuing decades as their careers continued to evolve on Broadway, in film, and television. One thing they have in common: blazing a trail for those who come after them!
Additional Resources: Footage Chita: A Memoir
More from Immortal Icons of Dance
Chicago is celebrating 30 years on Broadway! To celebrate, I’m releasing a special series of 6 episodes featuring artists who have been part of the Chicago family for decades. Donna Marie Asbury performed in the ensemble of Chicago for 20 years! She also understudied Roxie and Velma and performed with dozens of celebrities over the years. She has many fond memories of the cast of Chicago.
Chicago is celebrating 30 years on Broadway! To celebrate, I’m releasing a special series of 6 episodes featuring artists who have been part of the Chicago family for decades. First up is Jim Borstelmann, who was part of the original 1996 Broadway cast. Jim worked closely with Ann Reinking, who choreographed the revival, and he shares wonderful memories of working with her and being part of the production that would go on to become the longest-running revival in Broadway history.
In this episode I speak with Erzsébet (Liz) who was a ballet student at the School of American Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine when she auditioned to play Michelle Gideon in Bob Fosse's semi-autobiographical film All That Jazz (1979). While filming, she met Ann Reinking with whom she shared many scenes and dance sequences. From there they developed a special mentor-mentee-friendship that lasted until Reinking's passing in 2020. www.immortalciconsofdance.com/book-launch
In this episode I’m speaking with Suzanne Charny who is known as "The Ponytail Girl" in Fosse's "Rich Man's Frug" in the 1969 film Sweet Charity. Suzanne began her professional stage career at 15, when she auditioned for Jerome Robbins inWest Side Story and was cast as a Shark girl in a production that toured Australia. Earlier in her career she was also a featured dancer on NBC’s Hullabaloo. After appearing on Broadway in Do Re Mi and the original Sweet Charity, Suzanne transitioned her career to Hollywood.
In this episode I interview Virginia Johnson, one of the original members of Dance Theatre of Harlem. where she became a principal dancer and performed around the world for nearly three decades. After her performing career she was the founding editor of POINTE Magazine. She later returned to the company as its Artistic Director, helping lead DTH into a new era. www.immortaliconsofdance.com