Chita Rivera
Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Latest News on Chita Rivera:
J. Harrison Ghee & More to Perform at Legacy Theatre in February (Jan 17, 2025)
John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Rob Ruggiero & More Join The Muny 107th Season (Jan 17, 2025)
Orville Peck & Eva Noblezada to Join CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB (Jan 15, 2025)
J. Harrison Ghee & More to Perform at Legacy Theatre in February (Jan 17, 2025)
John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Rob Ruggiero & More Join The Muny 107th Season (Jan 17, 2025)
Orville Peck & Eva Noblezada to Join CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB (Jan 15, 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: John Kander Joins CABARET Cast to Celebrate 58th Anniversary of Original Broadway Production
by Stephi Wild - 11/21/2024
Exclusive Video: Alysha Umphress in Rehearsal for SEASON OF THE WITCH at Joe's Pub
by Blair Ingenthron - 10/26/2024
Video: Watch a Preview of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
by Michael Major - 10/03/2024
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT
by Stephi Wild - 08/16/2024
Video: Celebrating 25 Years of LaDuca Shoes with the Man Himself, Phil LaDuca
by Joey Mervis - 06/13/2024
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - 05/29/2024
Video: The Broadway Dance Community Hits the Red Carpet at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Joey Mervis - 05/28/2024
Video: THE WHO'S TOMMY Performs at the Chita Rivera Awards and MTC Gala in One Night
by Stephi Wild - 05/28/2024
Video: Phil LaDuca Shares Advice for Young Dancers of Today at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Nicole Rosky - 05/21/2024
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - 05/13/2024
Video: Watch Lorin Latarro's Sensational Choreography in THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Nicole Rosky - 04/22/2024
Video: Watch CHICAGO Pay Tribute to Chita Rivera: 'A Broadway Giant Now Dancing With the Angels'
by Michael Major - 01/31/2024
Video: First Look at Sufjan Stevens, Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury's ILLINOISE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 01/24/2024
VIDEO: Watch Stephen Cole, Ward Roberts, and Peter Filichia Discuss 'Cole Porter as a Gay Icon'
by Blair Ingenthron - 01/13/2024
News
J. Harrison Ghee & More to Perform at Legacy Theatre in February
Give your Valentine the gift of Broadway with tickets to Legacy Theatre's Valentine's Day Weekend Sunday Broadway Concert featuring J. Harrison Ghee. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Give your Valentine the gift of Broadway with tickets to Legacy Theatre's Valentine's Day Weekend Sunday Broadway Concert featuring J. Harrison Ghee. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
John Tartaglia, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Rob Ruggiero & More Join The Muny 107th Season
The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers, music directors and lead designers whose creative visions will bring the theatre’s bold 2025 season to life. Learn more about the upcoming season!
The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers, music directors and lead designers whose creative visions will bring the theatre’s bold 2025 season to life. Learn more about the upcoming season!
Orville Peck & Eva Noblezada to Join CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
Country music star Orville Peck and two-time Tony Award nominee and GRAMMY Award winner Eva Noblezada will star as ‘Emcee’ and ‘Sally Bowles’ in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Country music star Orville Peck and two-time Tony Award nominee and GRAMMY Award winner Eva Noblezada will star as ‘Emcee’ and ‘Sally Bowles’ in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets.
COME ON-A MY HOUSE Comes to Cotuit
Cotuit Center for the Arts has announced its upcoming production of Come On-A My House, an unforgettable one-woman show starring the incomparable Trish LaRose.
Cotuit Center for the Arts has announced its upcoming production of Come On-A My House, an unforgettable one-woman show starring the incomparable Trish LaRose.
Primary Stages Presents Inaugural Reading of New Play Development Initiative LIFF LAB
PRIMARY STAGES' inaugural reading of its new play development initiative Liff Lab took place Friday, January 10, 2025, at A.R.T./NY’s Haimes Studio. Learn more about the event and about upcoming programming.
PRIMARY STAGES' inaugural reading of its new play development initiative Liff Lab took place Friday, January 10, 2025, at A.R.T./NY’s Haimes Studio. Learn more about the event and about upcoming programming.
THE RINK Comes to TheatreZone Next Month
TheatreZone will continue its 20th anniversary season as Naples' premier musical theatre with the opening of The Rink, the musical about a mother seeking to move on with her life and a long-estranged daughter hoping to come back home.
TheatreZone will continue its 20th anniversary season as Naples' premier musical theatre with the opening of The Rink, the musical about a mother seeking to move on with her life and a long-estranged daughter hoping to come back home.
Review: CHICAGO: THE MUSICAL at Kauffman Theater
Chicago, the Musical, now playing at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, is a super evening out for you and your significant other. It is a welcome respite from our incredible snow event last weekend.
Chicago, the Musical, now playing at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, is a super evening out for you and your significant other. It is a welcome respite from our incredible snow event last weekend.
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival to Return in January
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival will return for its third season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Learn more about the programming!
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival will return for its third season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Learn more about the programming!
Camille A. Brown & Dancers Returns To The Joyce Theater in I AM
The Joyce Theater Foundation will welcome the return of prolific director and choreographer Camille A. Brown with the New York premiere of I AM. Learn more here!
The Joyce Theater Foundation will welcome the return of prolific director and choreographer Camille A. Brown with the New York premiere of I AM. Learn more here!
SUN & STARS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL To Premiere 12 Films By Or About Women
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival will return for its third season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace.
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival will return for its third season with screenings at the Rinker Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace.
Feature: Monthly Birthday Tribute: Take the Quiz!
Take BWW Cabaret's monthly quiz and see how much you know about music stars born in January. If your New Year's Resolution is to learn more about music, here's a fun way to do that for New Year's.
Take BWW Cabaret's monthly quiz and see how much you know about music stars born in January. If your New Year's Resolution is to learn more about music, here's a fun way to do that for New Year's.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN's Tonatiuh Praises 'Breathtaking' Co-Star Jennifer Lopez
Kiss of the Spider Woman star Tonatiuh has discussed his experience working on the film adaptation of the Kander and Ebb musical classic with show business legend, Jennifer Lopez.
Kiss of the Spider Woman star Tonatiuh has discussed his experience working on the film adaptation of the Kander and Ebb musical classic with show business legend, Jennifer Lopez.
BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Editor Gil Kaan Passes Away at Age 72
BroadwayWorld is deeply saddened to report the passing of our longtime contributor and current Los Angeles Senior Editor Gil Kaan.
BroadwayWorld is deeply saddened to report the passing of our longtime contributor and current Los Angeles Senior Editor Gil Kaan.
Adrienne Warren to Perform at The Hobby Center in February
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts will welcome musical theater triple threat Adrienne Warren Live in Concert as part of its Beyond Broadway series. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts will welcome musical theater triple threat Adrienne Warren Live in Concert as part of its Beyond Broadway series. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photo Special: Celebrating BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola
All of us here at BroadwayWorld wanted to pay tribute to Tom, and to our strong partnership, by taking a look back with this photo gallery below.
All of us here at BroadwayWorld wanted to pay tribute to Tom, and to our strong partnership, by taking a look back with this photo gallery below.
THE RINK is Now Available For Licensing From Concord Theatricals
The Rink is now available for licensing from Concord Theatricals. The musical features a book by Terrence McNally, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
The Rink is now available for licensing from Concord Theatricals. The musical features a book by Terrence McNally, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
Creative Team Set For THE LAST FIVE YEARS Starring Nick Jonas and Adrienne Warren
The design team and additional creative team members have been announced for the first-ever Broadway production of Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS. Learn more about the team here!
The design team and additional creative team members have been announced for the first-ever Broadway production of Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown’s THE LAST FIVE YEARS. Learn more about the team here!
Faith Prince, Joe Iconis, And More Headline 92NY's Professional Cabaret Classes
The 92nd Street Y has announced an expanded focus on professional courses for those interested in the art of Cabaret and concert performance.
The 92nd Street Y has announced an expanded focus on professional courses for those interested in the art of Cabaret and concert performance.
Video: Rachel Christopher Is Casting a Spell on Broadway
In this video, Rachel Christopher is joining us! Rachel has been on Broadway in “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” and “for colored girls..” She is an acting force. She tells the tale of what it is like to audition.. (It involves flying!), opening night, the magic of the show, and so much more.
In this video, Rachel Christopher is joining us! Rachel has been on Broadway in “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding” and “for colored girls..” She is an acting force. She tells the tale of what it is like to audition.. (It involves flying!), opening night, the magic of the show, and so much more.
New Jersey Symphony Appoints Terry D. Loftis As President & CEO
New Jersey Symphony has announced Terry D. Loftis as the new President & CEO, beginning in early March.
New Jersey Symphony has announced Terry D. Loftis as the new President & CEO, beginning in early March.
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 multiple prestigious awards throughout her career. Her accolades include the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for The Visit, the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Theatre World Awards, and the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical from the Helen Hayes Awards for The Visit. She received the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for Nine and the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards. Additionally, Rivera won the Best Actress in a Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman, along with the Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. She was also honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical from the Tony Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman, and the Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for The Rink. Finally, she secured the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical from the Tony Awards for The Rink.
Videos