CHITA LOVES BROADWAY CARES Sells Out; 2nd Show Added

Following an almost-rabid rush for tickets to acclaimed superstar Chita Rivera's January 14 Birdland benefit concert "CHITA LOVES BROADWAY CARES," a second, later show has just been added, at 10:00pm. Both can't-miss shows, part of the long-running, critically-heralded concert series Broadway at Birdland, will donate 100% of proceeds to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the nation's leading industry-based, not-for-profit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization.

Says Jim Caruso, creator of the Broadway at Birdland series, "I can't express how thrilled we are by the response! The Birdland phones rang off the hook, and "CHITA LOVES BROADWAY CARES" sold out practically immediately. I called Chita to tell her the good news, and her response was, 'Swell…let's add a late show!' It's that generosity of spirit that has helped make her a beloved and shining leader in the community."

RIVERA – who will sing songs from some of her most celebrated Broadway performances, including West Side Story, Sweet Charity and Chicago – was inspired to stage these exclusive performances by her "Broadway family," the family and community of performers, creators and theatergoers from her multi-decade-long theater career. For both performances, RIVERA will be joined by Music Director Carmel Dean on piano, Michael Croiter on drums and Jim Donica on bass.

Chita Rivera is an accomplished and versatile actress, singer and dancer who has won two Tony Awards, both as Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Rink) and received seven additional Tony nominations. In December 2002, she received a Kennedy Center Honor in Washington, D.C, the first Hispanic woman to be awarded this prestigious prize. She recently starred in the Broadway and touring productions of Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, a new musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele, as well as the acclaimed 2003 revival of Nine with Antonio Banderas. And coming in 2008: performances in February at London's Shaw Theater, followed by the May opening of the new John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical The Visit, at Arlington VA's Signature Theatre.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS WHEN: Monday, January 14, 2008, at 7:00pm and now 10:00pm

WHERE: Birdland, 315 West 44th Street (between 8th & 9th Aves), New York City

TICKET INFO Tickets: $40.00 + $10.00 Food/Drink Minimum (Per Person) VIP tickets are available for $100.00 + $10.00 Food/Drink Minimum (Per Person) Tickets can be purchased Online: www.BIRDLANDJAZZ.com; or by Telephone: 212.581.3080.

ABOUT BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND Created by acclaimed performer, writer, producer & presenter Jim Caruso, BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND is a weekly concert series on Monday evenings, showcasing Broadway performers and composers, as well as up-and-coming musical theater talents in the legendary music room. Started as a companion piece to the hugely popular and hilarious weekly impromptu variety show Jim Caruso's Cast Party (which follows Mondays at 9:30pm). BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND has recently hosted such diverse performers as Jason Robert Brown, Lucie Arnaz, Christine Ebersole with Billy Stritch, and Melissa Errico.

ABOUT BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, not-for-profit AIDS fundraising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American Theatre community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources, and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $140 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses.

UPCOMING BROADWAY AT BIRDLAND CONCERTS: January 28 - Amanda Green, "Does This Song Make My Ass Look Phat? Part 2"; February 4 – Jason Danieley, "Love A Work in Progress"; February 11 – Capathia Jenkins & Louis Rosen; February 18 - Billy Stritch CD release concert, "The Mel Torme Songbook"; February 25 – "Under the Covers With Victoria Shaw"