This episode features a conversation with Cheryl Stern and Bettina Covo about their new musical, Rita: More Than a Memory.

Told through the lens of Rita’s struggle with advancing Alzheimer’s disease, Rita: More Than A Memory explores the fragile intersection between memory, identity, fame, love, and loss. Conceived and written by Bettina Covo (music/lyrics/book) with Cheryl Stern (book/additional lyrics) this show authentically explores the toll this misunderstood disease took on Hayworth’s life and career, while exposing how the film industry systematically erased her vibrant Spanish heritage. Co-directed/choreographed by Joe Barros and Hector Flores Jr., with music supervision/arrangements/orchestrations by Tom Kochan, the original musical was showcased through New York Theater Barn in a week-long residency featuring an entirely Latiné ensemble.

This episode features demo recordings of the songs “Dance with My Father” performed by Karmine Alers, Gabby Boera, and Louis Villabon, as well as “Colors of Me” performed by Trisha Jeffrey, Sandra Marante, and Bettina Covo.

To donate to the further development of Rita: More Than a Memory, please contact Kate Trammell at kate@nytheatrebarn.org.

Connect with Cheryl Stern:

Website: https://www.cherylstern.com/

Instagram: @cherylsternlive

Connect with Bettina Covo:

Website: https://www.headystuffproductions.com

Instagram: @bettinacovo

Connect with New York Theatre Barn:

• Twitter: @nytheatrebarn

• Instagram: @newyorktheatrebarn

• Facebook.com/nytheatrebarn

• nytheatrebarn.org

• Pauls’s personal instagram: @paulsmacs

• Teresa’s personal instagram: @terijoyeaux