Chita Rivera Brings 'THE SECRET OF LIFE' to LA Phil Songbook Series at Walt Disney Concert Hall 6/6

Two-time Tony Award winner Chita Rivera graces the stage of Walt Disney Concert Hall for the first time in Chita Rivera: The Secret of Life, Saturday, June 6, at 8 p.m. The triple-threat - singer/actress/dancer - accompanied by her longtime musical trio, performs songs from her legendary Broadway career, including numbers from West Side Story ("America"), Sweet Charity ("Where Am I Going?" and "Big Spender"), Chicago ("All That Jazz" and "Nowadays"), Kiss of the Spider Woman, Bye, Bye Birdie and The Rink. The program features the music of Leonard Bernstein, John Kander & Fred Ebb, Charles Strouse, Stephen Sondheim and Cy Coleman among others. The concert is the final presentation of the LA Phil's 2008/09 Songbook series.

The title of the evening, "The Secret of Life" is taken from a James Taylor song and, as expressed in those lyrics, the songs Ms. Rivera performs convey the message to live in the moment and enjoy all that life has to offer.

The LA PHIL's 2008/09 Songbook series has featured intimate performances by some of the foremost talents in contemporary American music. Each year since its inception, the LA PHIL Songbook series has brought audiences some of the most cherished evenings of song.

Chita Rivera is an accomplished and versatile actress, singer and dancer who has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Rink) and received seven additional Tony nominations. Rivera has performed her critically-acclaimed concert dates around the world in such cities as New York, London, Monte Carlo, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Toronto, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Cannes, Chicago and San Juan among many others. She recently starred in the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer's Life, a dazzling new musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele. Last year she recreated her starring role in The Visit, the new Kander/Ebb/McNally musical at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA (originally done at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago in 2001), for which she received the 2009 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress. Rivera received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in Washington, DC, in December 2002, and is the first Hispanic ever chosen to receive this award. She also starred in the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. She trained as a ballerina (from age 11) before receiving a scholarship to the American School of Ballet from legendary George Balanchine. Rivera's first appearance (age 17) was as a principal dancer in Call Me Madam. Her electric performance as Anita in the Broadway premiere of West Side Story (1957) brought her stardom and she repeated the role in London. Her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, Jerry's Girls and (original Broadway casts) 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.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music - Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association's involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2009, at 8 PM
Walt Disney CONCERT HALL, 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

Songbook Series

Chita Rivera: THE SECRET OF LIFE

The concert is generously sponsored by Acura - all Acura vehicles park free for the evening.
Media Sponsor: Los Angeles Magazine

Tickets ($36 - $97) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

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