Chita Rivera to Serve as Grand Marshal for National Puerto Rican Day Parade in NYC

Two-time Tony winner Chita Rivera will serve as the Grand Marshal at the 18th Annual National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City on June 9.

“I have many great memories of attending the Puerto Rican Day Parade with my heart swelling with pride and joy, just at being a member of its community,” Rivera said in a press release. “Two things that distinguish the Parade from all the others are great music and the attempt to keep your body still, while you are surrounded by those pulsating rhythms. Not possible! I am so grateful for the honor of being The Grand Marshal. It makes me appreciative of my heritage and to be a part of this exciting day.”

Rivera is, of course, a bona fide Broadway legend whose most recent stage appearance was in this season’s runaway hit revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Theater fans have a slew of Rivera’s credits in mind when they think of the longtime performer’s iconic roles, including Anita in West Side Story, Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma in Chicago, Anna in The Rink, Aurora in Kiss of the Spider-Woman and—you guessed it—Chita Rivera in Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life.