Readers here will, no doubt, not require a last name.
Last week, we blogged about Barry and Fran Weissler. Last Month it was Baz Luhrmann. Great talents, great (we think) awards, but reserved individuals.
When The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) commissioned us to create an award for The Weisslers, they also requested a Lifetime Achievement award for Chita Rivera. How does one sum up a triple threat (actress, singer and dancer) and an icon of the theatre of our time? We looked at a number of ideas and settled on shoes.
Shoes, certainly inspired by Miss Rivera, certainly theatrical (what’s more theatrical than a sequined red and black zebra stripe) and Christian Louboutin. Of course, the NYMF New York City Skyline Graphic had to be included. And, of course, red mirror was the only proper material choice.
On receiving her award, Miss Rivera exclaimed from the stage of Broadway’s Hudson Theatre “Look at the shoes!” When she finished her acceptance speech, she refused to give up her award to the PA standing by, it went straight to her table. We knew we had done good.
And then a musical tribute– “All That Jazz” — performed by Bebe Neuwirth. A great Gala, a great evening.
—Kevin Lee Allen
