Played hooky this afternoon. My sister and I were extended invitations to the gypsy run-through of Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life, at the Schoenfeld Theater on Broadway. I can’t even remember the last time I saw a Broadway show - actually on Broadway, that is. I’m so glad I got to see this one.

What an experience it was. The gypsy run-through is a pre-preview, where the audience is made up largely of Broadway people. There are plenty of luminaries. Rosie O’Donnell, Liza Minelli and Hughie Lewis were there and those are just the ones I noticed. But a lot of the audience is made up of young Broadway dancers - the gypsies. This particular show is for them, about them and their lives and stars a woman who is a legend to them all. The outpouring of love, to and from the stage made it an extra emotional event, but I can’t imagine that it won’t touch all its audiences. Chita Rivera was touching, funny and still dancing in her early 70’s - and with 63 screws in her ankle as a result of being hit by a cab, no less. She carries the whole show on her shoulders, looks great, and doesn’t give out any diva vibes whatever. The friend who took us says that everyone who’s worked with her says she’s wonderful. Not everyone in that business gets those kinds of reviews from their peers. By a longshot.

The show is not just entertaining. It’s informative, too. Chita talks - and sings and dances - about her co-stars, the various choreographers she’s worked with, as well as giving very personal glimpses into her own life.

In the show, she maintains that “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” That formula has certainly agreed with her. See the show if you can. Besides being fun, it’s just a really nice experience. It would be unthinkable if this show wasn’t a hit. A full description of the show can be found at Chita Rivera’s website. The show officially opens on December 11th.