New Haven Register (Sunday) (New Haven, CT)
Norm Lewis replaces Chita Rivera for Shubert gala
After a positive COVID-19 test sidelined actress Chita Rivera, Broadway’s Norm Lewis has come to the rescue of the Shubert Theatre in New Haven — performing at its annual gala on June 8.
Rivera, known for originating the roles of Anita in West Side Story and Velma Kelly in Chicago, was originally slated to perform her show, “Chita: The Rhythm of Life,” at the venue’s gala.
Lewis, a Tony Award-nominated actor, has recently made a resurgence on the small screen with appearances in the Spike Lee-Netflix feature “Da 5 Bloods,” and FX’s “Pose.” He can also be seen in “Law & Order,” “Riverdale,” “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Scandal.”
Last year, Lewis returned to the Broadway stage in “Chicken and Biscuits,” which ran only for two months before closing due to the “significant financial impact of the show cancellations.” Douglas Lyons, the playwright of “Chicken and Biscuits,” is a New Haven native and centered the play around the fictional location of St. Luke’s Church in New Haven.
Other acting credits to Lewis’ name include “The Little Mermaid,” “Les Misérables,” “Chicago” and “Miss Saigon.”
Off the stage, Lewis is a founding member of Black Theatre United, an organization that protects Black talent, people and lives “of all shapes and orientations in theatre and communities across the country.”
For his performance, Lewis will be performing a number of selections from musicals such as “Les Misérables,” “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Company.”
All patrons attending the Shubert’s gala will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
Additionally, masks must be worn at all times inside the venue except will actively eating or drinking. Tickets are on sale for the gala.