It’s the Tonys! Backstage with Rivka Katvan

Natasha Richardson, Cabaret, 1998. The Tonys are on Sunday, and while I’m not much of a theater buff, I’m psyched. Because I can finally post R...

Natasha Richardson, Cabaret, 1998.

The Tonys are on Sunday, and while I’m not much of a theater buff, I’m psyched. Because I can finally post Rivka Katvan‘s Broadway imagery; these pictures are in the PhotoShelter collection, and I love them– there’s something about seeing an actor in preparation that fascinates me. And these feel especially stolen and special– there’s no sign that the actors even recognize Katvan’s presence. She’s clearly a pro, and has been making this imagery for decades; check out her book Backstage: Broadway Behind the Curtain.

Here’s what Carol Burnett says about Rivka (and you know Carol is a straight-shooter):

“One of my least favorite things in the world is to pose for pictures.
I have never been that comfortable in front of a still camera . . .
until Rivka. But then, you don’t ‘pose’ for Rivka . . . you simply
‘are,’ and she’s right there to catch the moment.”

PS photo editor extraordinaire Amber Sexton loves these too, and we spent all morning clucking happily as we made an edit. So here’s a super-sized sample. Have a great weekend!