Right up against the 24th anniversary of Doug’s passing this week, I wanted to acknowledge the recent death of theater titan, Chita Rivera.

While, “Merlin” may have been a footnote in Rivera’s illustrious career. It is a production she still spoke about fondly, and, of course, her time with Doug.  

As the evil Queen, Rivera schemed against a young Merlin, played by Doug, and her performance is still memorable and appropriately over the top (at least in what is available to be seen in these clips.)

From the original production of”West Side Story,” “Chicago,” and beyond. Rivera certainly did it all and more.  For that we should all be thankful.