Chita Rivera on working on West Side Story with Leonard Bernstein

Actress, singer, and dancer Chita Rivera, who originated the role of Anita in West Side Story in 1957, reminisces about meeting and working with Leonard Bernstein.
Part of the Leonard Bernstein at 100 Memory Project
Interviewers: Jamie Bernstein, Alexander Bernstein, and Nina Bernstein Simmons
Producers: Jacob Slattery and Hannah Webster
© 2023 The Leonard Bernstein Office Inc.
Photo Credits:
Carol Lawrence, Chita Rivera, Goddard Lieberson, and Stephen Sondheim Recording the Original Broadway Cast Recording of West Side Story, 1957. Courtesy of Sony Masterworks.
Chita Rivera as Anita and Shark Girls Perform "America" in the 1957 Stage Production of West Side Story. Photo by Fred Fehl, courtesy of the New York Public Library Billy Rose Theatre Division.
Chita Rivera in a Recording Session for the Original Broadway Cast Recording of West Side Story, 1957. Courtesy of Sony Masterworks.
ANTA Students Under Marquee During the Stage Production of West Side Story at the Broadway Theatre, 1959. Photo by Avery Willard, courtesy of the New York Public Library Billy Rose Theatre Division.
Chita Rivera as Anita, Dancing with Female Chorus Members in West Side Story, 1957. Photo by Marth Swope, courtesy of the New York Public Library Billy Rose Theatre Division.
Leonard Bernstein, Carol Lawrence and Other Cast Members During Rehearsal for the 1957 Production of West Side Story. Photo by Friedman-Abeles, courtesy of the New York Public Library Billy Rose Theatre Division.
Chita Rivera in a Recording Session for the Original Broadway Cast Recording of West Side Story, 1957. Courtesy of Sony Masterworks.
Chita Rivera, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Carol Lawrence, and Other Cast Members Around Piano During Rehearsal for the 1957 Production of West Side Story. Photo by Friedman-Abeles, courtesy of the New York Public Library Billy Rose Theatre Division.
Leonard Bernstein Conducting the Orchestra During the Opening Night for the Broadway Return of West Side Story on April 27, 1960. The Associated Press File Photo.
Chita Rivera in Rehearsal for the 1957 Stage Production of West Side Story. Photo by Friedman-Abeles, courtesy of the New York Public Library Billy Rose Theatre Division.
Chita Rivera, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Carol Lawrence, and Other Cast Members Around Piano During Rehearsal for the 1957 Stage Production of West Side Story. Photo by Friedman-Abeles, courtesy of the New York Public Library Billy Rose Theatre Division.
Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, and Leonard Bernstein (Larry Kert and Carol Lawrence in Background) During Rehearsal for the 1957 Stage Production of West Side Story. Photo by Friedman-Abeles, courtesy of the New York Public Library Billy Rose Theatre Division.
Chita Rivera and Liane Plane Dancing in a Scene from the 1957 Broadway production of West Side Story. Photo by Hank Walker/LIFE Photo Collection. ©Time Inc.
Chita Rivera in the 1957 Broadway musical production of West Side Story. The Associated Press File Photo.
Chita Rivera, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Carol Lawrence, and Other Cast Members Around Piano During Rehearsal for the 1957 Stage Production of West Side Story. Photo by Friedman-Abeles, courtesy of the New York Public Library Billy Rose Theatre Division.

[@Chishannicon]

She's such a legend. Loved the part about everything being alive, even clothes, and how her skirt helped her remember the choreography.

[@2034916]

I feel so lucky I saw Chita in concert, her one woman show. RIP, Chita.

[@kittykate314]

What a wonderful interview. I enjoyed that. 🥰

[@frogmouth]

Very appreciative

[@-luzplaz-9656]

I love this movie

[@treesny]

Great. But you do know that Chita Rivera played Anita in the original Broadway production, not in the first (Robert Wise) film, where the part was taken by Rita Moreno?

[@shayna110]

RIP my Chita!!!