Chita Rivera Headshot

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

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

Chita Rivera Videos

Chita Rivera News


Varla Jean Merman To Play Catalina Jazz Club This Month


Drag icon and award-winning singer and comedienne Varla Jean Merman is set to bring her new show Stand By Your Drag to Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood for one show only on Tuesday, April 23, at 8:30pm, it was announced by Catalina and Chris Isaacson Presents.

THE WINEHOUSE EXPERIENCE to Play Oscar's Palm Springs & Catalina Jazz Club This Month


The Winehouse Experience, starring acclaimed singer Mia Karter, paying musical tribute to Grammy Award-winning singer Amy Winehouse, has been set for Oscar's Palm Springs on Wednesday, April 17, at 7pm, and Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on Sunday, April 21, at 7:30pm, it was announced by Chris Isaacson Presents, Oscar's, and Catalina.

John Riddle Will Bring Solo Show BLUE LADY to the Sultan Room


Brooklyn’s The Sultan Room will soon feature John Riddle in his newest solo show “Blue Lady' on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Betty Buckley, Darren Criss, and More To Headline BROADWAY SERIES In Provincetown


Tony Award-winning Broadway, film and TV legend Betty Buckley, and Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor and singer Darren Criss will headline Town Hall performances as part of a revived and expanded Broadway music series produced by the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist John McDaniel and presented by Post Office Cafe & Cabaret and Tin Pan Alley.

LaChanze And Lar Lubovitch To Be Honored At Boston Conservatory Commencement


Join the Boston Conservatory at Berklee as they honor three-time Tony Award-winning actor and producer LaChanze and internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Lar Lubovitch at their commencement ceremony on May 11.

Heidi Blickenstaff, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY And More Honored At 41st Annual Elliot Norton Awards


Discover the winners of the 41st Annual Elliot Norton Awards, celebrating excellence in the Boston theater scene. Stay updated with BroadwayWorld's latest news.

Audra McDonald to Return To Provincetown With Seth Rudetsky in May


Six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald will return to Provincetown with SiriusXM Radio star Seth Rudetsky as music director and host, this Memorial Day Weekend. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup �" April 8 to April 14, 2024


Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for cabaret, comedy, drag shows and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week including Patti LuPone, tributes to Chita Rivera and more.

Irish Repertory Theatre Takes Over Our Instagram Today


Follow along on our Instagram story as Irish Repertory Theatre actors AJ Shively and David McElwee take you behind the scenes of Philadelphia, Here I Come!

Brenda Braxton, Amanda Green & More to Join BACKSTAGE BABBLE CELEBRATES JOE ALLEN RESTAURANT


54 BELOW will present a special edition of Backstage Babble Live celebrating the iconic wall of Broadway flop posters at Joe Allen Restaurant. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Richard Kind, Jennifer Laura Thompson & More Join Kennedy Center's BYE BYE BIRDIE


The full cast has been announced for the Broadway Center Stage production of Bye Bye Birdie at the Kennedy Center. Find out who is joining the cast of the musical here!

Photos: Hugh Panaro Headlines The Wick Theatre Gala


 In addition to cocktails in a glamorous setting, another beautiful gourmet dinner, live music, an auction, a raffle and other moments of merriment, there was heart, 'Miles And Miles and Miles of Heart.'

Review: Nic and Desi Tap the Night Away in BUBBLES AND TAPS at Green Room 42


Nicholas Dromard and Desiree Davar, or Nic and Desi as they’re more familiarly known, were utterly charming at their March 23rd show, Bubbles and Taps, at Green Room 42. The married couple are true triple threats. In addition to their singing and acting chops, they’re both trained dancers. Their adorable daughter even made a special appearnace!

Marilyn Maye, Abby Mueller And More Take the Stage Next Month At 54 Below


Next month, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 29, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 29, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Petition Launched to Rename Broadway Theatre for Chita Rivera


A petition has been launched to rename a Broadway theatre for the late stage icon Chita Rivera. Learn more bout the petition!

Bianca Marroquin and Natasha Yvette Williams Will Return to CHICAGO on Broadway


Chicago on Broadway will welcome back Bianca Marroquín in the role of “Roxie Hart” and Tony nominee Natasha Yvette Williams in the role of “Matron Mama Morton.' Both will return beginning Monday, April 8 at the Ambassador Theatre.

Krysta Rodriguez & More to Perform at Signature Theatre Gala Honoring Nathan Lane


On April 29, 2024, Signature Theatre will honor icon of stage and screen Nathan Lane with the company’s thirteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. Learn more!

Meet the Cast of CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


The Kit Kat Club is now open! Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, starring Academy Award and Tony Award winner Eddie Redmayne and introducing Gayle Rankin, begins previews tonight, April 1, at the August Wilson Theatre. Meet the cast of Cabaret here!

Meet the Cast of THE HEART OF ROCK AND ROLL, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway


The Heart of Rock and Roll, the new musical inspired by the iconic songs written and performed by Huey Lewis and The News, officially begins previews tonight, March 29. The musical  will open at The James Earl Jones Theatre on Monday, April 22. Meet the cast of The Heart of Rock and Roll here!

Chita Rivera 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 been nominated for several 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 her role in "The Visit," as well as the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for the same production. Rivera has garnered nominations for various other accolades, such as the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Helen Hayes Awards, and Theatre World Awards, for her outstanding performances in productions like "Nine," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Chicago," and many more.

What awards has Chita Rivera won?

Chita Rivera has won several prestigious awards throughout her career, including 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 has 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, Chita Rivera has won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," the Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "The Rink," and another Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for "The Rink."

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