Chita Rivera News

Concert for America is a humanitarian effort by the Broadway community that woke up in early November, as we all did, to the realities of President Trump. The initiative seeks to raise money for organizations that have always been important for social justice, but will prove ever more vital in the current administration. These include such causes as the Southern Poverty Law Center, NAACP, Sierra Club, NCADV, and National Immigration Law Center.

Producer Mark Cortale and creative partner Seth Rudetsky have quickly - and not so quietly - made their Broadway @ series the most sought-after ticket to see Broadway's musical mega-stars in concert.

Cafe Carlyle will welcome back Broadway legend Chita Rivera, May 9-20. Last year's sold out Cafe Carlyle debut received raves reviews. An accomplished and versatile actress/singer/dancer, Chita Rivera has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and has received eight additional Tony nominations for an exceptional 10 Tony nominations. At the Carlyle, Chita will be accompanied by her music director Michael Croiter and trio.

Walnut Street Theatre's 2016-2017 Independence Studio on 3 season concludes with an electrifying tribute to an all-American master of song, Jerry Herman, in JERRY'S GIRLS. Directed and choreographed by Ellie Mooney, the production begins with previews on April 4th, opens on April 6th and continues through July 2nd in the Walnut's Independence Studio on 3.  

The Tucson Desert Song Festival (TDSF) will celebrate the life and music of Leonard Bernstein, the iconic conductor, composer, pianist and educator, from January 16 through February 4th, 2018, in Tucson, Arizona. Over a period of eighteen days, TDSF, in partnership with Tucson's leading arts organizations, will present 30 events honoring Bernstein at 100. The festival will provide a rich and unusual context in which to experience Bernstein's work. 

At a press event held this week, Jennifer Lopez shared her excitement over starring in NBC's next live musical broadcast BYE BYE BIRDIE.

On Friday, March 31, 2017, The League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW), a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting visibility and increasing opportunities for women in the professional theatre, is pleased to recognize the talents of six outstanding women: Carol Hall, Linda Cho, Lilieana Blain-Cruz, Liesl Tommy, Jess Chayes and Emily Simoness.

Legendary performer Carol Channing has been named the honoree for the Professional Dancers Society's (PDS) annual Gypsy Awards Luncheon, it was announced by PDS President, Mitzi Gaynor and PDS Board Chairman, Joni Berry.

Put on your Sunday clothes! The Drama League will honor Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning, icon Bette Midler with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theater Award at this year's 83rd Annual Drama League Awards, set for Friday afternoon, May 19, 2017 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square (1535 Broadway).

Highland Park Players is holding a workshop series on THE GLORIOUS BROADWAY MUSICAL featuring professor and professional director, Dominic Missimi Founder of Northwestern Music Theatre Program, Marriott Theatre Director of 35 productions, Founder of Northwestern's American Music Theatre Project and 17 year director of Northwestern's famed Waa-Mu Show.

Greg Louganis - the diving legend who first swept the Olympics in 1984 and 1988 - will serve as celebrity host when Maestro LUKE FRAZIER and THE AMERICAN POPS ORCHESTRA - Washington, DC's innovative hometown orchestra - will conclude their all-star 2016-2017 season with You Spin Me 'Round: An 80's Dance Party.

Happy Friday, BWW Dance! Here are the top dance stories from around the BroadwayWorld you might have missed this week! Top Stories You Might Have Missed 3/31 - ETERNAL SPRING Review and More!

American Dance Machine for the 21st Century (ADM21) announced that it has established the The Chita Rivera Awards for Dance and Choreography (formerly The Fred & Adele Astaire Awards) to honor the best of theatrical dance and choreography, both on Broadway and off, as well as film and television.

Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer and Managing Director Maggie Boland announce the full lineup for Signature Theatre's 2017/18 season.

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Harvey Fierstein explains that NBC's upcoming BYE BYE BIRDIE LIVE, starring Jennifer Lopez, will get a fine tuning prior to its December broadcast.

Today's subject has been living her theatre life onstage and on screen for 40 years now. You might know Roz Ryan from the hit television show Amen, but for the past eighteen years she has been playing the keeper of the keys Matron “Mama” Morton in the hit musical Chicago either on Broadway or on tour. She is the longest running actress ever to play the role since joining the show in 1999. You can see Roz in action here in DC when Chicago heats up the Kennedy Center from April 4th to the 16th.

WP Theater (formerly Women's Project Theater), under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Lisa McNulty and Managing Director Michael Sag, just presented their 32nd Annual Gala, honoring game-changing women with the Women of Achievement Awards. The gala honored Emmy Award-winning actress and activist Debra Messing ('Will & Grace,' Outside Mullingar) and trailblazing media executive, President of BBC Worldwide North America, Ann M. Sarnoff.

Maestro LUKE FRAZIER and THE AMERICAN POPS ORCHESTRA - Washington, DC's innovative hometown orchestra - will conclude their all-star 2016-2017 season with You Spin Me 'Round: An 80's Dance Party on Friday, April 7 at 8:00 PM atThe George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium (730 21st Street NW, Washington, DC). Put on your dancing shoes and travel back in time to the era of neon, teased hair, and shoulder pads as the American Pops interpret the popular music of the 1980's. This "rad" original program combines DJ mixing, live orchestra, dancers, and hot vocalists to bring back favorite music of the 1980's in a whole new way. 80's inspired attire is encouraged. Our talented performers lead the party and will get you into the groove like it's 1989. Tickets to the show are on sale now at www.TheAmericanPops.org.

Producers Ken Davenport and Hunter Arnold have announced that Once On This Island, the Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated Best Musical, is returning to Broadway this fall.

In this episode: School of Rock's Jay Gill and Wagner Professor Alan Smith share their insights of being on the fronts lines with a Broadway ensemble member. Being a dresser is so much more than the wardrobe. Its about personality navigation, people-skills, knowing that connections go a long way, and that life and ensembles are best when they are a mix of people. Whether dealing with giraffe heads or ball gowns, cowboy boots or spike heels, at the end of the day, a simple thank you can be priceless.