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Chita Rivera

Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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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.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

The Visit The Visit
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Claire Zachanassian
The Visit The Visit
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theatre Festival Production, 2014
Claire
The Mystery of Edwin Drood The Mystery of Edwin Drood
[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Production, 2012
Princess Puffer
The Visit
[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Kander & Ebb Celebration Production, 2008
Claire Zachanassian
The Visit
[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Signature Theatre Production, 2007
Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Chita Rivera
The Visit
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production [Cancelled], 2004
Claire Zachanassian
Nine Nine
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Liliane La Fleur
The Visit
[Chicago (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2001
Claire Zachanassian
Anything Goes
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2000
Reno Sweeney
Dear World
[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Countess Aurelia
Chicago
[US Tour]
2nd National Tour, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Chicago Chicago
[West End]
London Revival, 1997
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
Angela Lansbury - A Celebration
[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer
Kiss of the Spider Woman
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1993
Spider Woman / Aurora
Spider Woman/Aurora
Spider Woman / Aurora
Spider Woman/Aurora
Kiss of the Spider Woman
[West End]
London Production, 1992
Kiss of the Spider Woman
[Toronto]
Toronto Production, 1992
Performer
Jerry's Girls
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
The Rink
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Anna
Merlin
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
The Queen
Bring Back Birdie
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Rose
V.I.P. Night on Broadway
[Broadway]
1979
Performer
Chicago
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Velma Kelly
Sondheim: A Musical Tribute
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer
Meredith Willson's 1491
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1969
Bajour
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Anyanka
Zenda
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1963
Athena Constantine
Bye Bye Birdie
[West End]
London Production, 1961
Rose Grant
Bye Bye Birdie
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1960
Rose Alvarez
Rose Grant
Rose Alvarez
West Side Story
[West End]
London Production, 1958
Anita
West Side Story
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Shinbone Alley
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
mehitabel (Saint Tome (Sao Tome) and Principe)
(St. Louis, MO (Regional))
(Standby)
Mr. Wonderful
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1956
Rita Romano
Seventh Heaven
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Fifi
Can-Can
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1953
Dancer [Replacement]
[Replacement]

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2018 - Lifetime Achievement Award

Chita Rivera

Drama Desk Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit


winner
Drama League Awards - 2015 - Distinguished Performance Award

Chita Rivera, The Visit

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit


winner
Theatre World Awards - 2015 - John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement

Chita Rivera

Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Visit

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Chita Rivera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical

Chita RiveraThe Visit

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Nine

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera , Nine

Tony Awards - 2003 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Nine

Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production

Chita RiveraKiss of the Spider Woman, The Musical


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - The American Express Tribute

Chita Rivera


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman


winner
Drama League Awards - 1993 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Chita Rivera


winner
Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Kiss of the Spider Woman

Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Jerry's Girls


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Rink


winner
Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, The Rink

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Merlin

Drama Desk Awards - 1981 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie

Tony Awards - 1981 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Bring Back Birdie

Tony Awards - 1976 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera, Chicago

Tony Awards - 1961 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Chita Rivera , Bye Bye Birdie

Videos

More Videos

News


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Ryan Graham Hinds to Make UK Debut In LANDING IN LONDON At The Crazy Coqs
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Canadian theatre and cabaret star Ryan Graham Hinds is landing at The Crazy Coqs for a fabulous UK debut! Ryan shares what prompted a move to a new country and a new life in London.
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Review: The Special Chemistry of Broadway at The Dutch Treat Club
by Stephen Sorokoff - Nov 19, 2025

Andrew Gerle, Joseph Zelnick and Kirsti Carnahan were the special treat for the Dutch Treat Club's lunch/learn/entertain afternoon on November 18. See photos from the event centered around the PERIODIC TABLE OF BROADWAY MUSICALS.
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WATER FOR ELEPHANTS National Tour To Play The Bushnell In June 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 19, 2025

The North American tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS will play The Bushnell in Hartford from June 2–7, 2026. The production, based on Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel, features a book by Rick Elice and music and lyrics by PigPen Theatre Co.
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BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB on Broadway Releases New Block of Tickets
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 18, 2025

A new block of tickets for Buena Vista Social Club is now on sale for performances at Broadway’s Schoenfeld Theatre. Buena Vista Social Club won 5 Tony Awards.
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WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Comes To Columbus June, 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 11, 2025

The North American tour of the critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, hailed as a Critic's Pick by The New York Times, is coming to the Ohio Theatre June 9-14, 2025.
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KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Sets November Digital Release
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 10, 2025

Kiss of the Spider Woman, the 2025 adaptation of the Broadway musical, will arrive on digital platforms on November 11, 2025. The digital release will retail for $14.99 in standard definition and $19.99 in high definition. 
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Kristin Chenoweth’s Glinda from WICKED Joins Broadway Legends Ornament Collection
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 7, 2025

Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda from Wicked has joined Broadway Cares' Broadway Legends ornament series. The 6” glass Glinda ornament features her iconic blue gown, complete with sparkling crown and wand.
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Photos: The Dutch Treat Club Celebrates Chita Rivera and Kander & Ebb
by Stephen Sorokoff - Nov 6, 2025

Actress/singer Dawn Derow and journalist Patrick Pacheco are the featured entertainers for the Dutch Club dinner on Tuesday November 4. See photos from the night.
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by Jonas Schwartz-Owen - Nov 4, 2025

When Gregory Butler walked into 8th Avenue Studios on February 10, 1997 for rehearsal, he had no idea that the next three decades of his life would be defined by the sharp jazz lines and sly sensuality of the long running revival of Chicago the Musical.
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Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 4, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
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Video: DICK VAN DYKE: 100TH CELEBRATION Documentary Debuts Trailer
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Fathom Entertainment has released the first trailer for Dick Van Dyke: 100th Celebration, the new documentary film highlighting the centennial birthday of the Tony winner, featuring interviews with Chita Rivera, Mary Tyler Moore, Derek Hough, and more. Check it out now.
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As the fight for women to have equal rights and opportunities has evolved, so has the presence of plays telling these stories. When I wrote my book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers, I researched many musicals that are in this genre as well.
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by Stephi Wild - Oct 15, 2025

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Review: KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN Confidently Harnesses the Language of Film
by Oliver Oliveros - Oct 14, 2025

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Tickets to WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 14, 2025

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Tickets to WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Now on Sale at Proctors Photo
Tickets to WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Now on Sale at Proctors
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 10, 2025

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More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Chita Rivera been in?

Chita Rivera has appeared on Broadway in 22 shows.

How many West End shows has Chita Rivera been in?

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

What was Chita Rivera's first West End show?

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

What awards has Chita Rivera been nominated for?

Lifetime Achievement Award (Tony Awards), Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Visit, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Visit, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Visit, John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement (Theatre World Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Visit, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Visit , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nine, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Nine , Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Nine, Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Musical , The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) for , Best Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Jerry's Girls, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Rink, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Rink, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Merlin, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Bring Back Birdie, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bring Back Birdie, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Chicago and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Bye Bye Birdie.

What awards has Chita Rivera won?

Chita Rivera has received numerous awards throughout her career. She won the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for The Visit, as well as the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Theatre World Awards. She earned the Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical award at the Helen Hayes Awards for The Visit. For her role in Nine, she received the Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards. She was honored with The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards. Chita Rivera also won Best Actress - Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman, along with Outstanding Actress - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. The Drama League Awards recognized her with a Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre award. She took home the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman. Additionally, she received Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for The Rink, as well as another Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for The Rink.

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