Remembering Chita Rivera: The Iconic Anita Who Revolutionized Broadway
The world of musical theatre is in mourning for Chita Rivera, the Broadway legend who passed away at the age of 91. While Rivera had a remarkable career spanning seven decades, she will always be remembered for her groundbreaking portrayal of Anita in the original production of West Side Story. This electrifying Broadway hit debuted in 1957 and showcased Rivera’s talent and charisma.
Rivera’s portrayal of Anita, a sparky, sarky, independent-minded Latinx woman, was revolutionary for its time. Latinx representation in mainstream shows was scarce, but here was a Puerto Rican woman playing a Puerto Rican character in a role that captivated audiences. With music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, West Side Story is a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Anita is the most significant female character after Maria, the heroine and Juliet figure. She is the girlfriend of Maria’s older brother, Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks, a Puerto Rican street gang at war with the Jets, a white gang co-founded by Tony, Maria’s love interest and the Romeo figure. Anita serves as Maria’s friend and confidante, acting as an older sister figure.
Dr. Elizabeth Wells, an expert on musical theatre and author of the book West Side Story: Cultural Perspectives on an American Musical, explains the importance of Anita’s character in the show. “The creators were trying to reproduce the Nurse from Romeo and Juliet and decided to make her an equal to Maria,” she says. Anita plays a pivotal role in the plot by informing the Jets that Maria is dead, which ultimately leads to tragedy.
Anita’s character faces significant challenges throughout the story. She is attacked and nearly gang-raped by the Jets while trying to deliver a message from Maria to Tony. In her fury, she falsely tells the Jets, and therefore Tony, that Maria has been shot. Wells highlights that this false information was intentionally a result of racism, showcasing the character’s strength as a Latinx woman unafraid to speak her mind and embrace her sexuality.
Rivera’s portrayal of Anita resonated with audiences, and critics praised her performance. Morton Shulman of the Evening Standard described her as “a throbbing bundle of vivacious Latin femininity,” while The Stage compared her to a “firecracker.” Anita’s character is also elevated by one of the musical’s standout songs, “America.” In this exuberant production number, Anita praises aspects of American life while other singers respond with criticisms, highlighting America’s racism and hypocrisy.
Anita’s character development is evident in the lyrics of “America.” In both the films and the stage show, she dismisses Puerto Rico as an “island of tropical diseases” but proudly declares her love for Manhattan. However, Anita has the last word in the song, asserting that everyone in Puerto Rico will eventually move to America.
Anita’s strength and agency make her a beacon of self-respect. She refuses to be anyone’s obedient little woman, a characteristic often associated with “difficult women.” Ariana DeBose, who played Anita in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of West Side Story, describes her as a tragic figure. Anita experiences the loss of her boyfriend, nearly falls victim to violence, and indirectly causes Tony’s death.
Rivera’s legacy extends beyond her portrayal of Anita. She was a two-time Tony Award winner and received America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom. Fellow performers, including Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose, paid tribute to Rivera, acknowledging her greatness and eternal impact on the world of musicals.
Chita Rivera’s unforgettable portrayal of Anita in West Side Story will forever be remembered as a trailblazing moment in Broadway history. Her talent, charisma, and the groundbreaking representation she brought to the stage will continue to inspire generations of performers and audiences alike.