Behind the glamour was pain and tragedy,
including 30 years suffering from Alzheimer’s before her death.
- PAULA THOMPSON
rehearsal images by Corey Hayes Sep '23 Gibney Studios NYC
Playwright by
Onyx Hartwell
Directed by
Lil Malinich
Starring
Nelia McNicol
Choreographed by
Aydan Cohen
A play that explores the private truths and exuberant triumphs of the 1940's love goddess: Rita Hayworth
Rita Hayworth: Hollywood Icon. Underneath her glittering performances and explosive charisma, Rita is like any one of us: shy, lonely, desperate, pretending, hiding, hoping…
This one woman play explores Rita’s quest for freedom and love through her rise to stardom to her tragic decline in suffering with Alzheimer’s disease for nearly 30 years.
They Called Me Rita celebrates the successes and struggles of Rita Hayworth, shedding light on the 1940s Love Goddess. The audience experiences her turbulent, determined and emotional quest to reclaim her life from the men who shaped her, from early adulthood to her last transcendent moments.
Onyx Hartwell’s original play captures the dynamic and raw essence of Rita Hayworth. Nelia McNicol brings the icon to life. Lil Malinich directs and Aydan Cohen choreographs, fusing artistic elements of acting and dance. This one-woman show explores themes of love, resilience, strength and grace, unfolding profound truths
Arts on Site, March '24
WORLD PREMIERE OFF-BROADWAY AT THEATRE ROW:
UNITED SOLO FESTIVAL
“Far from the traditional linear biography, the fluid blending of fact, impression and emotion was a remarkable way to experience the mind of the icon.”
- Tony Castrigno, MTTM Theatrics
“McNicol gives a stunning, convincing portrayal of these stages and transitions, embodying the truth of Rita Hayworth's life.”
- Paula Thomson, NY published author & graphic artist
“Nelia McNicol skillfully embodies Rita’s joys and awful betrayals from her family and her very famous husband, Orson Welles.”
- Paula Thomson, NY published author & graphic artist
“McNicol’s on-stage costume changes, which mark the different scenes, are the most interesting parts of the show."
- Stephanie Eagan, All About Solo Oct 2023
“Nelia McNicol gave a brave performance as she explored the many sides of Ms. Hayworth, blending dance and spoken word to give us a very nearly (at times) naked view into her life. Brava!”
- Tony Castrigno, MTTM Theatrics
"McNicol skillfully embodies Rita’s joys and awful betrayals from her family and her very famous husband, Orson Welles. In the darkest moments of the play, McNicol brings us with her into the pain: her emotion, whether loud or quiet, always feels real."
- Paula Thomson, NY published author & graphic artist
rehearsal images by Corey Hayes Sep '23 Gibney Studios NYC
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