Chita Rivera Leads THE DISTANT BELLS Reading for Roundabout; Gasteyer, Sieber et al. Co-Star

BroadwayWorld has confirmed that Chita Rivera will lead a 29 Hour reading of THE DISTANT BELLS for Roundabout Theatre Company. Rivera will play Margaret Bell, the plays heroin.  The story centers on her relations with her deceased husband and daughters. The reading is by invitation only and will take place on March 29.

Stafford Arima (Olivier nominated for London's Ragtime, Altar Boyz and the upcoming Carrie) directs and Lynne Shankel (Cry-Baby, Vanities, Summer of '42) musical directs. Additional participants include Christopher Sieber, Ana Gasteyer, Andy Mientus and Jason Tam.

Chita Rivera has originated the iconic roles of Anita in West Side Story, Rose Grant in Bye Bye Birdie, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Spider Woman in Kiss of the Spider Woman and more.  In November 2009, Rivera released a new album titled, "And Now I Swing" to rave reviews.

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos