Exclusive! A Dreamy Moment with…Chita Rivera at Saks Fifth Avenue

by Eddie Roche November 20, 2018

written by Eddie Roche November 20, 2018

Chita Rivera (Courtesy)

Saks Fifth Avenue put New Yorkers in the holiday spirit last night when they unveiled their windows at their iconic flagship store. This year the retailer partnered with BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS and closed down Fifth Avenue for a few minutes to bring out 124 Broadway dancers who performed a one-of-a-kind number in the middle of the street. It was an epic New York City moment if there ever was one. On hand to watch the reveal of “Theatre of Dreams” were Michelle Williams, Rachel Brosnahan, Peppermint, Antoni Porowski, Nico Tortorella, Fern Mallis, as well as Saks president Marc Metrick, fashion director Roopal Patel, and chief merchant Tracy Margolies. But the star of the night was Broadway living legend Chita Rivera who we grabbed before the unveiling for the conversation of MY dreams.

I have the Chita Rivera Christmas tree ornament!
That ugly thing! They made me look like a witch. I’m thrilled, but I look like a freakin’ witch. [Laughs]

Do you put it on your tree?
Of course I do.

The Chita Rivera Christmas Tree Ornament

Why did you want to be here tonight?
First of all, I owe New York so much. I was fourteen when I first came here and then Saks! Saks! And then Broadway Cares. I try not to miss anything they do if I can. [Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS executive director] Tom Viola is a saint. He’s an angel. He’s done so much. Whenever I talk about him I get all teary eyed. He’s an angel in this horrible world. I was there for the first thing he did many, many years ago.

We saw they donated money to the California wildfires relief last week.
I just got goose bumps again! They are great people, people we need in this world. They keep spreading out and helping.

Let’s talk about the holidays! What do you wear on Christmas morning?
Our family has Christmas pajamas and they’re red. It’s time to change them.

Do you have a favorite Christmas song?
No. I’m actually going to Disney World tomorrow to read the Christmas story with a choir of 200 and orchestra of 100. It’s the most beautiful thing. I cry through the whole damn thing!

Thanks for talking!
Happy holidays. I’ll think of you when I wear my rotten pajamas!