Chita Rivera
Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Latest News on Chita Rivera:
BOOP! THE MUSICAL, GYPSY and More to Perform at The 2025 Chita Rivera Awards (May 8, 2025)
Tania León And Kelli O'Hara To Be Honored At Boston Conservatory At Berklee's Commencement Ceremony (May 6, 2025)
RAGTIME Will Return to Broadway This Fall (May 6, 2025)
BOOP! THE MUSICAL, GYPSY and More to Perform at The 2025 Chita Rivera Awards (May 8, 2025)
Tania León And Kelli O'Hara To Be Honored At Boston Conservatory At Berklee's Commencement Ceremony (May 6, 2025)
RAGTIME Will Return to Broadway This Fall (May 6, 2025)
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 Eva Noblezada as 'Sally Bowles' in New CABARET Footage
by Michael Major - 2025-04-17 10:36:23
Video: Adam Lambert Performs 'I Don't Care Much' From CABARET on THE VIEW
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-02-17 14:38:55
Video: Adam Lambert Performs 'I Don't Care Much' From CABARET on THE TONIGHT SHOW
by Stephi Wild - 2025-02-11 09:06:18
Video: Adam Lambert Celebrates His Birthday at CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Stephi Wild - 2025-01-30 09:41:26
Video: Liza Minnelli Talks About Father Vincente in LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY Clip
by Josh Sharpe - 2025-01-29 12:22:47
Video: John Kander Joins CABARET Cast to Celebrate 58th Anniversary of Original Broadway Production
by Stephi Wild - 2024-11-21 05:47:39
Exclusive Video: Alysha Umphress in Rehearsal for SEASON OF THE WITCH at Joe's Pub
by Blair Ingenthron - 2024-10-26 15:54:58
Video: Watch a Preview of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
by Michael Major - 2024-10-03 21:42:01
Video: Chita Rivera Remembers Iconic Disco in STUDIO ONE FOREVER Clip
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-10-01 10:07:35
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT
by Stephi Wild - 2024-08-16 06:18:26
Video: Celebrating 25 Years of LaDuca Shoes with the Man Himself, Phil LaDuca
by Joey Mervis - 2024-06-13 12:01:44
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-05-29 15:30:20
Video: The Broadway Dance Community Hits the Red Carpet at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Joey Mervis - 2024-05-28 15:06:33
Video: THE WHO'S TOMMY Performs at the Chita Rivera Awards and MTC Gala in One Night
by Stephi Wild - 2024-05-28 05:55:31
Video: Phil LaDuca Shares Advice for Young Dancers of Today at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-05-21 13:20:22
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 2024-05-13 12:03:14
News
BOOP! THE MUSICAL, GYPSY and More to Perform at The 2025 Chita Rivera Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2025
The presenters and performers have been revealed for the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards. Performances by Boop! The Musical and more will be featured. Learn more about the awards here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2025
The presenters and performers have been revealed for the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards. Performances by Boop! The Musical and more will be featured. Learn more about the awards here!
Tania León And Kelli O'Hara To Be Honored At Boston Conservatory At Berklee's Commencement Ceremony
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 6, 2025
Boston Conservatory at Berklee Executive Director Michael Shinn will present honorary doctorates to Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tania León and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kelli O'Hara. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 6, 2025
Boston Conservatory at Berklee Executive Director Michael Shinn will present honorary doctorates to Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Tania León and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kelli O'Hara. Learn more!
RAGTIME Will Return to Broadway This Fall
by Nicole Rosky - May 6, 2025
A strange, insistent music is coming back to Broadway. BroadwayWorld has just learned that Lincoln Center Theater will soon present Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. Performances begin September 26. Member onsale May 13. Public onsale May 28.
by Nicole Rosky - May 6, 2025
A strange, insistent music is coming back to Broadway. BroadwayWorld has just learned that Lincoln Center Theater will soon present Ragtime at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre. Performances begin September 26. Member onsale May 13. Public onsale May 28.
Nick Jonas, Micaela Diamond, Whitney White, and More Join WP Theater Gala
by Stephi Wild - May 6, 2025
WP Theater has announced the presenters and performers for its 2025 Annual Gala, celebrating extraordinary achievement by Women+ artists and industry leaders. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - May 6, 2025
WP Theater has announced the presenters and performers for its 2025 Annual Gala, celebrating extraordinary achievement by Women+ artists and industry leaders. Learn more here!
Photos: Meet the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards Nominees
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 6, 2025
Jonathan Groff (Just In Time), Robyn Hurder (Smash), Josh Bergasse (Smash), Warren Carlyle (Pirates! The Penzance Musical), Jasmine Amy Rogers (Boop! The Musical), Shannon Lewis (Just In Time), and more are nominees at this year's Chita Rivera Awards! Check out photos of this year's honorees at The 2025 Chita Rivera Awards Nominees Reception.
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 6, 2025
Jonathan Groff (Just In Time), Robyn Hurder (Smash), Josh Bergasse (Smash), Warren Carlyle (Pirates! The Penzance Musical), Jasmine Amy Rogers (Boop! The Musical), Shannon Lewis (Just In Time), and more are nominees at this year's Chita Rivera Awards! Check out photos of this year's honorees at The 2025 Chita Rivera Awards Nominees Reception.
2025 Theatre World Awards Winners Announced
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2025
Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has just announced the Honorees for Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. We have the full list of honorees!
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2025
Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has just announced the Honorees for Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. We have the full list of honorees!
David Neumann Will Receive Douglas and Ethel Watt Critics Choice Award at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2025
David Neumann will receive the Douglas and Ethel Watt Critics Choice Award at the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards. Learn more about Neumann and the award here!
by Stephi Wild - May 5, 2025
David Neumann will receive the Douglas and Ethel Watt Critics Choice Award at the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards. Learn more about Neumann and the award here!
Breaking Down the 2025 Tony Awards Nominations
by Nicole Rosky - May 4, 2025
Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from Tuesday's big announcement and recap the full list and the nominees' reactions!
by Nicole Rosky - May 4, 2025
Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from Tuesday's big announcement and recap the full list and the nominees' reactions!
Videos: Watch the Cast of DEATH BECOMES HER Perform on The TODAY Show
by Josh Sharpe - May 2, 2025
As The TODAY Show's Broadway Week comes to a close, the cast of the Tony-nominated musical Death Becomes Her visited the morning show plaza to perform a selection of musical numbers from the hit show. Watch them now!
by Josh Sharpe - May 2, 2025
As The TODAY Show's Broadway Week comes to a close, the cast of the Tony-nominated musical Death Becomes Her visited the morning show plaza to perform a selection of musical numbers from the hit show. Watch them now!
DEATH BECOMES HER Releases New Block of Tickets
by Stephi Wild - May 2, 2025
A new block of tickets is now on sale for DEATH BECOMES HER, with performances now on sale through Sunday, April 5, 2026. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
by Stephi Wild - May 2, 2025
A new block of tickets is now on sale for DEATH BECOMES HER, with performances now on sale through Sunday, April 5, 2026. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
Audra McDonald Becomes Most Tony-Nominated Performer in History with GYPSY
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025
Audra McDonald has broken a new Tony record, becoming the most-nominated performer in Broadway history. Her nomination as the iconic Mama Rose in the latest production of Gypsy marks the 11th for the performer, following her 2023 nomination for Ohio State Murders.
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025
Audra McDonald has broken a new Tony record, becoming the most-nominated performer in Broadway history. Her nomination as the iconic Mama Rose in the latest production of Gypsy marks the 11th for the performer, following her 2023 nomination for Ohio State Murders.
2025 Tony Awards Nominations- A Complete Guide
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2025
The 78th Annual Tony Awards nominations will be announced soon and we are catching you up on the full season of shows, who is eligible for what, and so much more!
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2025
The 78th Annual Tony Awards nominations will be announced soon and we are catching you up on the full season of shows, who is eligible for what, and so much more!
Randi Rahm Will Host 'Couture For A Cause' Fashion Talks Event
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025
Hot on the heels of yesterday's Chita Rivera Awards nominations announcement, acclaimed designer Randi Rahm will host Couture for a Cause, a special edition of her signature Fashion Talks series.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025
Hot on the heels of yesterday's Chita Rivera Awards nominations announcement, acclaimed designer Randi Rahm will host Couture for a Cause, a special edition of her signature Fashion Talks series.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 30, 2025
by - Apr 30, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 30, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Apr 30, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 30, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
BUBBLES FOR BROADWAY! West Bank Cafe To Host Tony Nomination Celebration
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2025
In honor of the conclusion of the 2024–25 Broadway season and with Tony Award nominations being announced Thursday morning, West Bank Cafe has announced a special informal Tony Nomination Celebration taking place Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2025
In honor of the conclusion of the 2024–25 Broadway season and with Tony Award nominations being announced Thursday morning, West Bank Cafe has announced a special informal Tony Nomination Celebration taking place Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
2025 Chita Rivera Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025
Nominations have been announced for the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards. Among the nominees are Buena Vista Social Club, Smash, Just In Time, Boop!, Gypsy and more! Check out the full list here.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025
Nominations have been announced for the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards. Among the nominees are Buena Vista Social Club, Smash, Just In Time, Boop!, Gypsy and more! Check out the full list here.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 29, 2025
by - Apr 29, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 29, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Apr 29, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 29, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 28, 2025
by - Apr 28, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 28, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
by - Apr 28, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 28, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Harvey Fierstein Will Receive a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2025
The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that legendary actor and writer, and four-time Tony Award winner, Harvey Fierstein will receive the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2025
The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that legendary actor and writer, and four-time Tony Award winner, Harvey Fierstein will receive the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau, and More Will Lead FROZEN at The Muny
by Stephi Wild - Apr 24, 2025
Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau, Jelani Remy, Bobby Conte, Kennedy Kanagawa, Andrew A. Cano, Jared Gertner, Maliah Strawbridge and Isla Turner will star in the Muny premiere of Disney’s Frozen.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 24, 2025
Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau, Jelani Remy, Bobby Conte, Kennedy Kanagawa, Andrew A. Cano, Jared Gertner, Maliah Strawbridge and Isla Turner will star in the Muny premiere of Disney’s Frozen.
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 prestigious awards throughout her career, including: - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Visit - John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement (Theatre World Awards) - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Visit - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nine - 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 - 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
Videos