Chita Rivera Set to Return to Birdland for Seven Shows This Fall!

The incomparable CHITA RIVERA returns to Birdland (315 West 44 Street) for seven shows only, Tuesday, October 7 through Saturday, October 11. Tickets are on sale now.

In the intimate setting of Birdland, CHITA'S BACK will feature Ms. Rivera performing some of her favorite songs, a special tribute to her dear friends John Kander and Fred Ebb, as well as recreating signature moments from her legendary career. She will be accompanied by her long-time music director Michael Croiter, associate music director/pianist Michael Patrick Walker and Jim Donica on bass.

A theatrical icon and one of Broadway's greatest triple-threat talents, Ms. Rivera is the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom as well as the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor (the first Hispanic woman ever chosen to receive this award), She has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received seven additional Tony nominations. It was her electric performance as Anita in the Broadway premiere of West Side Story which brought her stardom. She is well known for her starring roles in the original Broadway productions of Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, The Rink, Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Dancer's Life, and the revivals of Nine and The Mystery of Edwin Drood among many others.

She is presently recreating her starring role in The Visit, the Kander/Ebb/McNally musical, directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele which runs from July 31 through August 17 at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. She initially created the role of Claire Zachanassian in productions at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago, and the Signature Theatre, Arlington, VA. She continues to tour the world with her concert Chita: A Legendary Celebration. Her current solo studio album is entitled "And Now I Swing."

CHITA'S BACK will have the following performance schedule at Birdland: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October, 7, 8, 9 at 8:30 PM; Friday and Saturday, October 10 and 11 at 8:30 PM and 11:00 PM. Tickets are $50 (General Admission) and $40 (bar seating) and may be obtained by calling 212-581-3080 or online at www.birdlandjazz.com. There is a $10 food/drink minimum per person.

Photo Credit: Laura Marie Duncan