Chita Rivera

Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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Chita Rivera BIO

A theatrical icon and one of Broadway's greatest triple-threat talents, Chita Rivera is one of the most nominated performers in Tony Award history having earned 10 nominations, won twice and received the 2018 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre. A versatile actress/singer/dancer, her most recent starring roles include The Visit, the final John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele on Broadway; the Broadway revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood; the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer’s Life, a dazzling musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terrence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele and the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. She trained as a ballerina (from age nine) before receiving a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from the legendary choreographer George Balanchine. Chita’s first appearance (age 17) was as a principal dancer in Call Me Madam. Her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story brought her stardom, which she repeated in London. Her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, The Rink (Tony Award), Chicago, Jerry’s Girls, Kiss of the Spider Woman (Tony Award), and the original Broadway casts of Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven and Mr. Wonderful. On tour: Born Yesterday, The Rose Tattoo, Call Me Madam, Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate, Zorba, Can-Can with The Rockettes. Chita was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2009 and received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in 2002. In 2019, Chita performed her solo concert at London’s Cadogan Hall; in 2018 she was honored as a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy; in 2016 she headlined at Carnegie Hall and in 2015, Great Performances aired their special Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin’ To Do, a retrospective of her extraordinary life and career nationally on PBS. Her current solo CD is entitled And Now I Swing.

Chita Rivera Photos

Chita Rivera STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Claire Zachanassian

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theatre Festival Production, 2014
Claire

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Production, 2012
Princess Puffer

[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Kander & Ebb Celebration Production, 2008
Claire Zachanassian

[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Signature Theatre Production, 2007
Claire Zachanassian

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Chita Rivera

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production [Cancelled], 2004
Claire Zachanassian

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Liliane La Fleur

[Chicago (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2001
Claire Zachanassian

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2000
Reno Sweeney

Reno Sweeney

[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Countess Aurelia

[US Tour]
2nd National Tour, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]

[West End]
London Revival, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1993
Spider Woman/Aurora

Spider Woman / Aurora

[West End]
London Production, 1992
Spider Woman/Aurora

[Toronto]
Toronto Production, 1992
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Anna

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
The Queen

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Rose

[Broadway]
1979
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Velma Kelly

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1969
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Anyanka

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1963
Athena Constantine

[West End]
London Production, 1961
Rose Grant

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1960
Rose Grant

Rose Alvarez

[West End]
London Production, 1958
Anita

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Anita

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
mehitabel (Standby)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1956
Rita Romano

Rita Romano

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Fifi

Fifi

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1953
Dancer [Replacement]


Chita Rivera Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Chita Rivera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Chita Rivera Videos

Chita Rivera News


Video: The Best of Donna McKechnie

Tony Award-winner Donna McKechnie is back on Broadway this spring! As BroadwayWorld previously reported, she just assumed the role of Madame Morrible in Wicked. To celebrate Donna's triumphant return to the Broadway stage, we've rounded up just a few videos of our favorite performances from Broadway past.

A Complete 2024 Broadway Awards Season Calendar

The 2024 theatre awards season is quickly approaching, and keeping track of all of the important dates for the many ceremonies and their corresponding nomination announcements is no easy feat. BroadwayWorld has all of the details!

Naples' TheatreZone Reveals 20th Season Lineup

TheatreZone, Naples' premier professional theatre company, has announced its 2024-2025 musical productions.

Photos: Inside the Oscars With Emma Stone, Michelle Yeoh & More

See new photos of Emma Stone, Cynthia Erivo, Jessica Lange, Ryan Gosling, Ariana Grande, Cillian Murphy, Jennifer Lawrence, Zendaya, Melissa McCarthy, Regina King, Michelle Yeoh, and more behind-the-scenes of the Oscars. Check out photos from inside the theater, backstage, and the press room now!

Photos: Danielle Brooks, Vanessa Hudgens & More Hit the Oscars Red Carpet

Check out photos of Danielle Brooks, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Florence Pugh, Lupita Nyong'o, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, America Ferrera, Colman Domingo, Vanessa Hudgens, Emma Stone, Laverne Cox, and more on the red carpet at the Oscars.

Photo: Rita Moreno Honors Chita Rivera on The Oscars Red Carpet

Rita Moreno is paying tribute to the late Chita Rivera on the Oscars red carpet. The Oscar winner honored her West Side Story counterpoint on the Academy Awards red carpet with black hair. Rivera originated the role of Anita in West Side Story on Broadway in 1957. Moreno later took on the role for a film adaptation of the musical. See photos!

Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Emma Stone & More Win Oscars - Full List of Winners!

The 96th Oscars are currently underway at the Dolby Theatre. Notable nominees include Danielle Brooks, Bradley Cooper, Maestro, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Colman Domingo, Carey Mulligan, Emily Blunt, Emma Stone, and more. Find out who won as we share LIVE updates below and check back later for the full list of winners.

John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Jared Grimes & More Join The Muny's 106th Season

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!

Robyn Hurder to Return to CHICAGO as Velma This Month

Tony Award nominee Robyn Hurder will return to Chicago on Broadway in the role of “Velma Kelly” beginning Tuesday, March 26 through Sunday, June 16.

Review Roundup: Justin Peck Brings Sufjan Stevens' ILLINOISE to Life at Park Avenue Armory

The New York City premiere of Illinoise, the theatrical adaption of Grammy and Oscar nominated Sufjan Stevens’ concept album Illinois, has officially opened at Park Avenue Armory. Read the reviews!

Photos: See highlights of Hugh Panaro's MAN WITHOUT A MASK at 54 Below

Hugh Panaro brought MAN WITHOUT A MASK to 54 Below. Check out photos from the evening!

Work by Rachel Bloom, Sara Porkalob & More Set for 2024 Williamstown Theatre Festival Summer Season

The 2024 Williamstown Theatre Festival summer season has revealed its lineup. See the shows being presented and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: CHICAGO at The McCallum Theatre

What did our critic think of CHICAGO at The McCallum Theatre? There’s never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, thousands of standing ovations, and now the #1 longest-running American Musical in Broadway history.

Interview: Michael Orland Enjoys/Loves Being Continuously Booked & Always Giving Back

The consistently busy musical director Michael Orland books gigs on both coasts juggling the multitude of vocalists all vying to have his piano expertise to accompany them. One of his next shows in Los Angeles will be his Open Mic Event at the Write-Off Room March 22, 2024. Michael managed to answer a few of my queries during his drive to Palm Springs.  

Len Cariou & Peter Filichia To Be Honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards

The Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has announced two of the individuals to be honored at 78th Annual Theatre World Awards to be held on Monday evening, June 10, 2024 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Review: Stephanie J Block Shows her Softer Side In THE MOTHER at 92nd Street Y

Unlike the characters she often plays on stage, this view of Stephanie J Block was sentimental, vulnerable, cozy, and very very warm. It was an evening filled with gratitude for the blessings of life that was brimming over with humor, mostly self-deprecating. The amazing thing is the picture of the artist is just as badass as any of her onstage alter egos.

Ballet Tech to Present 30th Anniversary Kids Dance at the Joyce

Ballet Tech will return to The Joyce Theater for the 30th anniversary of its Kids Dance student performance troupe, May 30–June 2. Learn how to purchase tickets!

LISTEN: Hear a Recording of Bob Fosse Directing Liza Minnelli in the Original Broadway Production of CHICAGO

Liza Minnelli took over for an ill Gwen Verdon in the original production of Chicago on Broadway, from August 8th through September 13, 1975. Now, an audio recording has been discovered of Fosse directing the stage and screen legend in the role of Roxie Hart. Listen here!

GRAND HOTEL 35TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION, Alysha Umphress, and More to Play 54 Below Next Week

Next week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club and 2022 Tony Awards Honoree for Excellence in the Theatre, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work. Learn more about the performances here!

Vivian Reed, Lee Roy Reams, and Jean-Pierre Perreaux Will Receive MAC Lifetime Achievement Awards

The Manhattan Association of Cabarets (MAC) has made initial announcement of the upcoming 38th Annual MAC Awards. The awards presentation and show will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 7:00 pm.

Chita Rivera FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Chita Rivera has appeared on Broadway in 22 shows.

Chita Rivera has appeared on London's West End in 4 shows.

Chita Rivera's first West End show was West Side Story which opened in 1958

Chita Rivera has been nominated for numerous prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards. She has also received nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit," as well as the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for the same production. Other notable nominations include Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Visit" and "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life." Additionally, she received nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for "The Visit" and Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Nine." Chita Rivera's impressive list of nominations also includes recognition at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Theatre World Awards, and more for her outstanding contributions to Broadway.

Chita Rivera has won several prestigious awards for her outstanding performances in Broadway shows. Some of her notable awards include the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for "The Visit," the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Theatre World Awards, the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical from the Helen Hayes Awards for "The Visit," and the Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "Nine." She also received the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, the Best Actress - Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," the Outstanding Actress - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," and the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. Additionally, she won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and the Outstanding Actress in a Musical Drama Desk Award for "The Rink." Chita Rivera also received the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for "The Rink."

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