Theater Pizzazz’ Cynthia Reitman was on the Red Carpet at the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards
by Cynthia Reitman . . . .
The 2024 Chita Rivera Awards, held at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, was an unforgettable evening filled with heartfelt tributes and stellar performances. Hosted for the second consecutive year by the dynamic Jared Grimes, this year’s ceremony was especially poignant as it marked the first Chita Rivera Awards without its legendary namesake. Broadway luminary Chita Rivera passed away earlier this year, leaving an indelible legacy on the world of theater. The night was rich with stories and remembrances, celebrating her life and immeasurable contributions to the arts.
It was an evening of moving tributes and stellar performances by some of Broadway’s finest. Wayne Brady had the audience on their feet with his rendition of “So You Wanted To Meet The Wizard” from the musical “The Wiz,” and Stephanie Pope brought the house down with her performance from “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” a tribute to Chita Rivera. Joe Lanteri announced a national search to find the first recipient(s) of the Chita Rivera Training Scholarship Program to be presented on stage next year. Lanteri emphasized, “Not to look at this as just dance, but gifting humans with big dreams.”
Brooke Shields presented the Douglas and Ethel Watt Critic’s Choice Award to Mayte Natalio. Phil LaDuca was this year’s recipient of the Vanguard Award for his contribution to the dance community.
Other presenters included Huey Lewis, Joe Morton, Anthony Sirvillo, Corbin Bleu, and Debbie Allen, who shared a humorous story about how she received Chita Rivera’s “slap” of approval during her run as Anita in “West Side Story” in 1979.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the incomparable Bernadette Peters. The award was presented by her longtime friend and fellow actor, David Hyde Pierce, who reverently referred to her as a “quintuple threat.” Pierce highlighted Peters’ remarkable career in theater, television, and film, beginning at age three. He recounted how her mother encouraged her to
take piano lessons, saying, “she could always fall back as a cocktail pianist if the work dried up.” Lea Salonga performed a beautiful rendition of “Not While I’m Around,” and Kristin Chenoweth delivered a showstopping performance of “I Could Have Danced All Night!” Chenoweth recounted an encounter with Chita Rivera in 1997 when she asked Chita if she had any advice for her, to which Chita replied, “Don’t shrink!”
Other performances included the cast from “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” “The Who’s Tommy,” The Rockettes, and more. The 2024 Chita Rivera Awards was a night to remember, celebrating not only the year’s best in dance and choreography but also the lasting legacy of Chita Rivera herself. The ceremony encapsulated the essence of Broadway’s past, present, and future, ensuring that the spirit of Chita Rivera will continue to inspire generations to come.
The tributes continued with Ben Vereen honoring three-time Tony winner Hinton Battle. Vereen shared that Battle once told him his Tony for “Miss Saigon” was the one he was most proud of.
Norm Lewis brought the house down with a powerful performance of “Bui Doi” from “Miss Saigon,” in tribute to Battle’s outstanding career. These moments underscored the evening’s theme of legacy and the enduring impact of these artists on Broadway.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the incomparable Bernadette Peters.
The Chita Rivera Award is a testament to the exceptional talent present on and off the Broadway stage. This year’s winners – – –
Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show:
Camille A. Brown for “Hell’s Kitchen”
Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll for “Water for Elephants” (tie)
Outstanding Dancer in a Broadway Show:
Antoine Boissereau for “Water for Elephants”
Tilly Evans-Krueger for “The Outsiders”
Outstanding Ensemble in a Broadway Show:
“Illinois”
Outstanding Choreography in a Theatrical Release:
Jennifer White for “Barbie”
Outstanding Direction of a Dance Documentary:
David Petersen for “Lift”
Featured Image: Bebe Neuwirth, Bernadette Peters, Joe Lanteri
