The Legendary Chita Rivera Performing at 54 Below Shows No Sigh of Slowing She's a Singular Sensation

The 5 time Tony winner for her numerous musicals on Broadway, Ms. Chita Rivera performed for an adoring audience who appreciate the lifetime achievements of this legendary star at Below 54.  Ms. Rivera turned 85 this year and took great delight in playing to her fans and deriding herself with deprecating humor for aging.  Needless, Ms. Rivera is the epitome of life getting better with getting older.  Her vivacious energy (which needed some well cued respites) was infectious.  Ms. Rivera literally dazzled & lit up the room in her red sequined outfit with matching red heels.  Rivera's famous roles include "West Side Story," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Chicago" "Bye, Bye Birdie" and "Nine" to name a few of the numerous iconic movies and Broadway shows Ms. Rivera played a major role.  Her illustrious career crossed paths with so many remarkable creative geniuses.  She has moved amongst a circle of the elite echelons of composers, actors and entertainers.  Rivera's name dropping was delightfully delicious.  Ms. Rivera is an entertainment legend.  Her talent & tenacity entitle her every right to flaunt her intimate first name basis with the likes of Lennie Bernstein, Jerry Robbins,  Bob Fossie & Gwen Vernon, Terrence McNally, Rob Marshall and Antonio Banderas "whose every bit as wonderful as you think he is."  She talked about how fortunate she  feels to have such a rich life, a wonderful daughter, wonderful friends "some are talented and many are not so talented." Ms. Rivera has been nominated for the Tony ten times.  She received the Kennedy Center Honor ('02) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Pres. Obama ('09). This is a woman going strong with a vivacious energy that is charismatic and awe inspiring.  From the numerous shows she starred Ms. Rivera did several numbers including songs from "Chicago," "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and of course, "West Side Story."  Her talented musical trio on piano/vocals, bass and drums/guitar backed her up beautifully.  If someone living under a rock stumbled into Below 54 to hear Ms. Rivera sing and do some snappy but limited hoofing they might think this dazzling dame didn't have a winning game; a less than spectacular singing voice and flimsy footwork.  But you'd have to have been under a rock decades not to revel in her royal reign of musical theater.  Furthermore, this singular sensation shows no signs of stopping.  Ms. Rivera I would love to be among one of your fortunate friends; albeit amongst the not too talented set.