Chita Rivera
Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Latest News on Chita Rivera:
Dancers Over 40 To Celebrate The 50th Anniversary Of CHICAGO (Mar 27, 2025)
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Tour In Asheville (Mar 26, 2025)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 26, 2025 (Mar 26, 2025)
Dancers Over 40 To Celebrate The 50th Anniversary Of CHICAGO (Mar 27, 2025)
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Tour In Asheville (Mar 26, 2025)
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 26, 2025 (Mar 26, 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: 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
Video: Watch Lorin Latarro's Sensational Choreography in THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Nicole Rosky - 2024-04-22 13:51:47
News
Dancers Over 40 To Celebrate The 50th Anniversary Of CHICAGO
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2025
Dancers Over 40 will present a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of CHICAGO; past, present and future, honoring Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Jerry Orbach and Ann Reinking, with original and revival cast members, hosted by Golden Globe nominee and former revival Roxie Hart, Marilu Henner.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 27, 2025
Dancers Over 40 will present a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of CHICAGO; past, present and future, honoring Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, Jerry Orbach and Ann Reinking, with original and revival cast members, hosted by Golden Globe nominee and former revival Roxie Hart, Marilu Henner.
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Tour In Asheville
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 26, 2025
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand celebrating his 25th year starring as Harold Clurman, the 'Elder Statesman of the American Theatre' touring around the world in his celebrated solo play, LET IT BE ART! will perform in Asheville, North Carolina at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts on April 25th.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 26, 2025
by - Mar 26, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 26, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
by - Mar 26, 2025
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 26, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Hitting Theaters This Fall
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 25, 2025
Kiss of the Spider Woman, the much-anticipated movie musical, has officially landed a distributor and release date. The film is expected to hit theaters this fall in conjunction with awards season.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 25, 2025
Kiss of the Spider Woman, the much-anticipated movie musical, has officially landed a distributor and release date. The film is expected to hit theaters this fall in conjunction with awards season.
Chita Rivera's New York House Put on the Market
by Michael Major - Mar 25, 2025
The late Chita Rivera's house in Blauvelt, NY has been put on the market. In a new real estate listing, the property was 'lovingly maintained' by the Tony-winning Broadway legend.
by Michael Major - Mar 25, 2025
The late Chita Rivera's house in Blauvelt, NY has been put on the market. In a new real estate listing, the property was 'lovingly maintained' by the Tony-winning Broadway legend.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Nearing U. S. Theatrical Deal with Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 24, 2025
The Kiss of the Spider Woman film is in final talks to be distributed by Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment in the U.S. This news comes after the movie made its world premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 24, 2025
The Kiss of the Spider Woman film is in final talks to be distributed by Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment in the U.S. This news comes after the movie made its world premiere in January at the Sundance Film Festival.
Meet the Cast of THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 18, 2025
The Last Five Years begins performances tonight, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and officially opens on Sunday, April 6, 2025 for a strictly limited, 14-week-only engagement at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre. Meet the cast of The Last Five Years here!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 18, 2025
The Last Five Years begins performances tonight, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, and officially opens on Sunday, April 6, 2025 for a strictly limited, 14-week-only engagement at Broadway’s Hudson Theatre. Meet the cast of The Last Five Years here!
Broadway to Introduce Quarterly 'Broadway In Memoriam' To Honor Theater Legends
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2025
The newly formed Broadway In Memoriam Committee, composed of theatre owners in consultation with industry service organizations, has established 'Broadway In Memoriam'. Learn more here.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 14, 2025
The newly formed Broadway In Memoriam Committee, composed of theatre owners in consultation with industry service organizations, has established 'Broadway In Memoriam'. Learn more here.
CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben to Present Rob Russell & Avery Sommers
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025
The final CULTURE & COCKTAILS brings back two longtime favorites- Rob Russell and Avery Sommers- and frequent musical performers along with several surprise guests.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025
The final CULTURE & COCKTAILS brings back two longtime favorites- Rob Russell and Avery Sommers- and frequent musical performers along with several surprise guests.
Photo: New Look at Orville Peck as the Emcee in CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
by Michael Major - Mar 11, 2025
See a new look at Orville Peck as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The photo cuts off Peck's eyes, not yet making it clear if the country music singer will don one of his classic masks for his performance.
by Michael Major - Mar 11, 2025
See a new look at Orville Peck as the Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The photo cuts off Peck's eyes, not yet making it clear if the country music singer will don one of his classic masks for his performance.
2025 Broadway Awards Season Calendar- All the Dates to Remember
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 8, 2025
The 2025 theatre awards season is here and keeping track of all of the important dates for the many ceremonies and their corresponding nomination announcements is no easy feat. Stay up to date on all the need-to-know facts with BroadwayWorld's full Awards Season Calendar below!
by Sidney Paterra - Mar 8, 2025
The 2025 theatre awards season is here and keeping track of all of the important dates for the many ceremonies and their corresponding nomination announcements is no easy feat. Stay up to date on all the need-to-know facts with BroadwayWorld's full Awards Season Calendar below!
Photo: New Look at Eva Noblezada as 'Sally Bowles' in CABARET
by Michael Major - Mar 7, 2025
See a new look at Eva Noblezada in character as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The Great Gatsby alum joins the Broadway revival alongside Orville Peck. See new photos of her in in Sally Bowles' fuzzy green jacket and purple costume.
by Michael Major - Mar 7, 2025
See a new look at Eva Noblezada in character as Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. The Great Gatsby alum joins the Broadway revival alongside Orville Peck. See new photos of her in in Sally Bowles' fuzzy green jacket and purple costume.
Ben Platt and More To Honor Mandy Patinkin At Signature Theatre Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025
On April 14, 2025, Virginia's Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Mandy Patinkin with the company's fourteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. The Stephen Sondheim Award will be presented at a black-tie Gala Benefit at The Anthem and will benefit Signature Theatre's artistic, education, and community programs.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 5, 2025
On April 14, 2025, Virginia's Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Mandy Patinkin with the company's fourteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. The Stephen Sondheim Award will be presented at a black-tie Gala Benefit at The Anthem and will benefit Signature Theatre's artistic, education, and community programs.
Meet The Cast Of ATI's Latest LabSeries KANNON GETS THE WIGGLES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2025
The LAB Series program is Actors Theatre of Indiana’s commitment to nurturing new plays and playwrights. Learn more about the upcoming event and see how to attend.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2025
The LAB Series program is Actors Theatre of Indiana’s commitment to nurturing new plays and playwrights. Learn more about the upcoming event and see how to attend.
FAT HAM South Florida Premiere to be Presented at Island City Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025
Island City Stage will present their collaborative production of Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames, this spring. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 28, 2025
Island City Stage will present their collaborative production of Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by James Ijames, this spring. Learn more!
Why Film Choreographers Deserve Their Own Awards Category
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 28, 2025
With the Oscars right around the corner, BroadwayWorld talked to four prominent film choreographers about what they do, why their work is important, and how to bring recognition to a medium that is largely left out of film awards.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 28, 2025
With the Oscars right around the corner, BroadwayWorld talked to four prominent film choreographers about what they do, why their work is important, and how to bring recognition to a medium that is largely left out of film awards.
Photos: Eva Noblezada & Orville Peck Get Into CABARET Costume
by Michael Major - Feb 26, 2025
A first look at Eva Noblezada and Orville Peck in Cabaret has been revealed. The production has shared first look photos of the pair in costume, teasing a first look at Peck without his iconic mask on.
by Michael Major - Feb 26, 2025
A first look at Eva Noblezada and Orville Peck in Cabaret has been revealed. The production has shared first look photos of the pair in costume, teasing a first look at Peck without his iconic mask on.
Review: BACKSTAGE BABBLE Brought Flops Back to Life at 54 Below
by Andrew Poretz - Feb 25, 2025
Charles Kirsch’s latest Backstage Babble was a fun resurrection of songs from mostly flop shows that quickly failed on Broadway or out of town. The theme was inspired by Joe Allen's “flop wall” of posters from shows that closed in the first week.
by Andrew Poretz - Feb 25, 2025
Charles Kirsch’s latest Backstage Babble was a fun resurrection of songs from mostly flop shows that quickly failed on Broadway or out of town. The theme was inspired by Joe Allen's “flop wall” of posters from shows that closed in the first week.
Ellen Harvey to Join CABARET on Broadway as 'Fraulein Schneider'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2025
Ellen Harvey will return to Broadway as ‘Fraulein Schneider’ in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre starting Monday, March 31. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2025
Ellen Harvey will return to Broadway as ‘Fraulein Schneider’ in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre starting Monday, March 31. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: CHICAGO's Bianca Marroquín Receives Sardi's Caricature
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 24, 2025
Bianca Marroquín, who recently starred in Chicago on Broadway, has received her caricature at the iconic Sardi's! BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling of her portrait and you can check out photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 24, 2025
Bianca Marroquín, who recently starred in Chicago on Broadway, has received her caricature at the iconic Sardi's! BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling of her portrait and you can check out photos here!
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 won several prestigious awards throughout her career, including the Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Visit, the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement (Theatre World Awards), and Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Visit. She also received the Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nine and the American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards). Rivera won Best Actress - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) and Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman. Additionally, she earned the 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, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Rink.
Videos