Chita Rivera
Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Latest News on Chita Rivera:
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Adds Eight Industry Voices to its Board of Trustees (Oct 11, 2024)
Kate Baldwin, Heidi Blickenstaff & More to Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB at Birdland (Oct 9, 2024)
Video: Ariana DeBose Reveals the Best Lesson She Learned From Rita Moreno (Oct 8, 2024)
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Adds Eight Industry Voices to its Board of Trustees (Oct 11, 2024)
Kate Baldwin, Heidi Blickenstaff & More to Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB at Birdland (Oct 9, 2024)
Video: Ariana DeBose Reveals the Best Lesson She Learned From Rita Moreno (Oct 8, 2024)
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
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Host Chita Rivera, Host Richard Ridge, BroadwayWorld's Founder and CEO Robert Diamond and Theatre Director of Strategic Partnerships Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting Carla Hoke-Miller
Date:
05/22/2023
From: Photos: Go Inside BroadwayWorld's Star-Studded 20th Anniversary Celebration
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1993
Spider Woman/Aurora
Spider Woman / Aurora
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
Video: Watch a Preview of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
by Michael Major - Oct 3, 2024
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT
by Stephi Wild - Aug 16, 2024
Video: Celebrating 25 Years of LaDuca Shoes with the Man Himself, Phil LaDuca
by Joey Mervis - Jun 13, 2024
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - May 29, 2024
Video: The Broadway Dance Community Hits the Red Carpet at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Joey Mervis - May 28, 2024
Video: THE WHO'S TOMMY Performs at the Chita Rivera Awards and MTC Gala in One Night
by Stephi Wild - May 28, 2024
Video: Phil LaDuca Shares Advice for Young Dancers of Today at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Nicole Rosky - May 21, 2024
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - May 13, 2024
Video: Watch Lorin Latarro's Sensational Choreography in THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 22, 2024
Video: Ariana DeBose Remembers Chita Rivera: 'Because She Was, I Am'
by Michael Major - Jan 31, 2024
Video: Watch CHICAGO Pay Tribute to Chita Rivera: 'A Broadway Giant Now Dancing With the Angels'
by Michael Major - Jan 31, 2024
Video: First Look at Sufjan Stevens, Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury's ILLINOISE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2024
VIDEO: Watch Stephen Cole, Ward Roberts, and Peter Filichia Discuss 'Cole Porter as a Gay Icon'
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 13, 2024
VIDEO: Gloria Onitiri Performs 'Our Lady Of The Underground' From HADESTOWN in the West End
by Stephi Wild - Jan 12, 2024
VIDEO: Anaïs Mitchell Sings 'Flowers' at the HADESTOWN West End Launch Event
by Stephi Wild - Jan 12, 2024
VIDEO: The Company of THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE Reveals Their Favorite Lines In the Show
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 26, 2023
News
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Adds Eight Industry Voices to its Board of Trustees
The Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Board of Trustees voted unanimously on October 10, 2024, to add eight renowned industry leaders, all with a shared commitment to the lifesaving impact of Broadway Cares.
The Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Board of Trustees voted unanimously on October 10, 2024, to add eight renowned industry leaders, all with a shared commitment to the lifesaving impact of Broadway Cares.
Kate Baldwin, Heidi Blickenstaff & More to Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB at Birdland
The Fred Ebb Foundation will present SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB, a special event celebrating the work of the renowned lyricist. Performers include Kate Baldwin, Heidi Blickenstaff, Telly Leung and more.
The Fred Ebb Foundation will present SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB, a special event celebrating the work of the renowned lyricist. Performers include Kate Baldwin, Heidi Blickenstaff, Telly Leung and more.
Video: Ariana DeBose Reveals the Best Lesson She Learned From Rita Moreno
Ariana DeBose is sharing the best lesson she received from Broadway icon Rita Moreno, who she worked with on West Side Story. Both performers won Academy Awards for their performances as Anita in the West Side Story films.
Ariana DeBose is sharing the best lesson she received from Broadway icon Rita Moreno, who she worked with on West Side Story. Both performers won Academy Awards for their performances as Anita in the West Side Story films.
Gabe Ebert, Bianca Leigh, and Amy Spanger Join Tonight's West Bank Cafe Gala
Three new cast members have joined tonight's special gala to celebrate and raise funds to save a beloved Theatre District institution, The West Bank Cafe. On Tuesday, October 8th, the iconic restaurant and its famed downstairs venue, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, will host a gala packed with Broadway stars.
Three new cast members have joined tonight's special gala to celebrate and raise funds to save a beloved Theatre District institution, The West Bank Cafe. On Tuesday, October 8th, the iconic restaurant and its famed downstairs venue, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, will host a gala packed with Broadway stars.
Videos You Missed This Week: TEETH, SPELLING BEE, YELLOW FACE, and More
Catch up on all the latest from the week ending October 4, 2024 with videos from Sunset Boulevard, Teeth, Yellow Face, and more!
Catch up on all the latest from the week ending October 4, 2024 with videos from Sunset Boulevard, Teeth, Yellow Face, and more!
Video: Watch a Preview of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
Watch a first look at Little Shop of Horrors at South Coast Repertory! The new video montage features a look at various scenes and musical numbers from the production, set to the title song and 'Suddenly Seymour' sung by the cast. Watch the video of the new production now!
Watch a first look at Little Shop of Horrors at South Coast Repertory! The new video montage features a look at various scenes and musical numbers from the production, set to the title song and 'Suddenly Seymour' sung by the cast. Watch the video of the new production now!
Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand to Bring Harold Clurman In LET IT BE ART! To Athens
Ronald Rand will perform his acclaimed solo play LET IT BE ART! as Harold Clurman in Athens during the Global Arts Education Summit, marking nearly 25 years of world tours. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Ronald Rand will perform his acclaimed solo play LET IT BE ART! as Harold Clurman in Athens during the Global Arts Education Summit, marking nearly 25 years of world tours. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Kelli O'Hara Joins The Seth Rudetsky Concert Series at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Producer Mark Cortale’s Broadway concert series hosted by Sirius XM radio star Seth Rudetsky returns to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts this month. The internationally acclaimed series will present Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara performing on Saturday, October 19th at 8:00 PM.
Producer Mark Cortale’s Broadway concert series hosted by Sirius XM radio star Seth Rudetsky returns to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts this month. The internationally acclaimed series will present Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara performing on Saturday, October 19th at 8:00 PM.
Sarah Boone Brings MOM BEFORE DAD: A Young Woman Of The Greatest Generation to the Triad Theater
Cabaret artist Sarah Boone will return to the Triad Theater with an encore performance of Mom Before Dad: A Young Woman of the Greatest Generation following celebrated performances in Florida, Los Angeles and Colorado.
Cabaret artist Sarah Boone will return to the Triad Theater with an encore performance of Mom Before Dad: A Young Woman of the Greatest Generation following celebrated performances in Florida, Los Angeles and Colorado.
Trevor Dion Nicholas and Rachel Tucker to Join HADESTOWN in London
New cast members will be joining Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre, London. Trevor Dion Nicholas will play Hades and Rachel Tucker will play Persephone. Learn more about the cast and production and see how to purchase tickets.
New cast members will be joining Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre, London. Trevor Dion Nicholas will play Hades and Rachel Tucker will play Persephone. Learn more about the cast and production and see how to purchase tickets.
Cultural Council For Palm Beach County Announces 20th Season Of CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben
The Cultural Council will present three CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations in early 2025 featuring some exciting personalities from the worlds of entertainment—all at our beautiful venue,
The Cultural Council will present three CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations in early 2025 featuring some exciting personalities from the worlds of entertainment—all at our beautiful venue,
Video: Chita Rivera Remembers Iconic Disco in STUDIO ONE FOREVER Clip
BroadwayWorld is excited to share an exclusive clip from Studio One Forever, Marc Saltarelli’s award-winning documentary about the iconic gay disco in West Hollywood. Watch the clip now!
BroadwayWorld is excited to share an exclusive clip from Studio One Forever, Marc Saltarelli’s award-winning documentary about the iconic gay disco in West Hollywood. Watch the clip now!
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Announces Broadway Closing Date
BroadwayWorld has just learned that Water for Elephants will play its final performance at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre on Sunday, December 8th, 2024.
BroadwayWorld has just learned that Water for Elephants will play its final performance at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre on Sunday, December 8th, 2024.
Review: CHICAGO THE MUSICAL at Broadway Palm
What did our critic think of CHICAGO THE MUSICAL at Broadway Palm?
What did our critic think of CHICAGO THE MUSICAL at Broadway Palm?
Photos: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
South Coast Repertory opens its 2024-25 season with the musical creature feature Little Shop of Horrors, Directed by Jenn Thompson, the cult classic runs through Oct. 20 on the Segerstrom Stage. Check out photos here!
South Coast Repertory opens its 2024-25 season with the musical creature feature Little Shop of Horrors, Directed by Jenn Thompson, the cult classic runs through Oct. 20 on the Segerstrom Stage. Check out photos here!
Adrienne Warren to Make Cafe Carlyle Debut in December
Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren, known for her performances in Tina - The Tina Turner Musical and much more, is set to make her debut at Cafe Carlyle in December. Learn more about what to expect from the performances and see how to purchase tickets.
Tony Award winner Adrienne Warren, known for her performances in Tina - The Tina Turner Musical and much more, is set to make her debut at Cafe Carlyle in December. Learn more about what to expect from the performances and see how to purchase tickets.
Astrology-Inspired Musical SIGNS OF LIFE to Have Developmental Reading
Astro Lab Productions will present a new musical, SIGNS OF LIFE, with book, music, and lyrics by Christopher DeLair, directed by James A. Rocco. Signs Of Life explores a young man's magical return to his chaotic childhood on Long Island. Learn more about the new musical.
Astro Lab Productions will present a new musical, SIGNS OF LIFE, with book, music, and lyrics by Christopher DeLair, directed by James A. Rocco. Signs Of Life explores a young man's magical return to his chaotic childhood on Long Island. Learn more about the new musical.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 27, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 27, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 27, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Chita Rivera's Final Screen Appearance to Stream in October
“Studio One Forever,” Marc Saltarelli’s award-winning documentary about the iconic gay disco in West Hollywood, including the Backlot cabaret room, will start streaming on all platforms beginning Tuesday, Oct. 8, same day as the Blu-ray release.
“Studio One Forever,” Marc Saltarelli’s award-winning documentary about the iconic gay disco in West Hollywood, including the Backlot cabaret room, will start streaming on all platforms beginning Tuesday, Oct. 8, same day as the Blu-ray release.
Tom Kitt, Liz Callaway, Orfeh Join West Bank Cafe Benefit Concert
Broadway stars will take the stage for a gala aimed at revitalizing the historic West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre.
Broadway stars will take the stage for a gala aimed at revitalizing the historic West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre.
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?
Chita Rivera has received numerous nominations and awards throughout her career, including: - 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) - 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 - 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 prestigious awards throughout her career. These 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, and the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical at the Helen Hayes Awards for The Visit. She also won the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Nine, and the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards. Rivera was awarded Best Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman, as well as Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. Additionally, she received the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, and the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for Kiss of the Spider Woman. She also won Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Rink, and the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for The Rink.
Videos