New Musical RITA: MORE THAN A MEMORY About Rita Hayworth's Alzheimer's Battle in Development

​A new musical about iconic film star Rita Hayworth, as seen through the lens of her relentless battle with progressive Alzheimer's disease, is in development with New York Theatre Barn. 

Written by Bettina Covo and Jonathan Larson Award-winner Cheryl Stern (A Letter to Harvey Milk, Shoes and Baggage), RITA: More Than A Memory authentically explores the toll this misunderstood and progressive disease took on Hayworth's life, while exposing how the film industry systematically erased her vibrant Spanish heritage and identity. Born Margarita Cansino, Hayworth became an iconic star created and ultimately destroyed by Hollywood.

Co-directed and choreographed by Joe Barros and Héctor Flores Jr., with music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Emmy Award-winner Tom Kochan, the original musical was featured in New York Theatre Barn's Choreography Lab, as well as a week-long residency hosted by the company. The residency was produced in association with Michael Slater, Shannon Polly, and William Fernandez, and included music direction by Bruce De La Cruz. 

The residency featured an entirely Latiné ensemble, including Karmine Alers (On Your Feet!, Rent) in the title role, Claudia Mulet (Real Women Have Curves), Luis Villabon (Papermill's On Your Feet!), Sandra Marante (Radio City's Christmas Spectacular), Bryan Ernesto Menjivar, José Ozuna, Stephanie “Bibi” Perez, Liah Severino, and Gabriella Boera as Young Rita.