She was born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Riverountil the entertainment world renamed her. But Dolores-the irreverent side of the sensual, dark and ferocious Chitawas always present center stage, and was influential in creating some of Broadway most iconic and acclaimed roles, including Anita in West Side Story, Rosie in Bye Bye, Birdie, Velma in Chicago, and Aurora in Kiss of the Spider Woman. Written in gratitude to her longstanding fans and with the hope that new generations may learn from her extraordinary experience, Chita takes us behind the curtain to reveal the highs and lows of one extraordinary showbusiness career-the creative fermentation, the ego clashes, the miraculous discoveries, the exhilaration when it all went right, and the disappointment when it all went wrong.
Content Note
Anita's gonna have her day: West Side Story -- The skirt remembers -- Tony Mordente: a not-so-quiet thing -- Dolores finds her bliss -- Blood in the toe shoes -- Make 'em laugh: on the road with Call Me Madam -- A momentous encounter: Gwen Verndon and Can-Can -- A Roman candle -- From inchworm to Marilyn Monroe: Shoestring Revue -- Chita-Rita and other revues -- Seventh Heaven -- The year of Sammy: Mr. Wonderful -- "Hello, Gower! Hello, Dick!": Bye Bye Birdie -- London, Judy, the Beatles, and the lessons of fame -- Bajour and other tricks up my sleeve -- A heart on my shoulder: Sweet Charity -- California, here I come -- A crazy carousel: Chita Plus Two -- A walk on the wild side: Chicago -- The years of magical thinking -- Scrambled eggs with Joe Allen -- Around The Rink with Liza and the boys -- Lisa Mordente: the world's only living shark-jet -- Seeing God in the beat of Latin Rhythms -- Have you cried yet? A Jerry girl hits a snag -- Taking chances, facing fears: Kiss of the Spider Woman -- A gorgeous bird called Antonio: The rival of Nine -- Please don't pick me! Adventures with Edwin Drood -- Robert Fehribach: love and betrayal -- The unkillable Claire Zachanassian: The Visit.