Chita Rivera
Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Latest News on Chita Rivera:
20th Annual Fred Ebb Award To Be Presented Tonight at The Todd Haimes Theater (Dec 2, 2024)
Review: Melodie Wolford's WAITING IN THE WINGS at The Triad Is Worth Waiting For (Nov 29, 2024)
Chita Rivera KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Tony Award Fetches 70K at Bonham's Auction (Nov 26, 2024)
20th Annual Fred Ebb Award To Be Presented Tonight at The Todd Haimes Theater (Dec 2, 2024)
Review: Melodie Wolford's WAITING IN THE WINGS at The Triad Is Worth Waiting For (Nov 29, 2024)
Chita Rivera KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Tony Award Fetches 70K at Bonham's Auction (Nov 26, 2024)
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 - Nov 21, 2024
Exclusive Video: Alysha Umphress in Rehearsal for SEASON OF THE WITCH at Joe's Pub
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 26, 2024
Video: Watch a Preview of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at South Coast Repertory
by Michael Major - Oct 3, 2024
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT
by Stephi Wild - Aug 16, 2024
Video: Celebrating 25 Years of LaDuca Shoes with the Man Himself, Phil LaDuca
by Joey Mervis - Jun 13, 2024
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Watch New Trailer
by Nicole Rosky - May 29, 2024
Video: The Broadway Dance Community Hits the Red Carpet at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Joey Mervis - May 28, 2024
Video: THE WHO'S TOMMY Performs at the Chita Rivera Awards and MTC Gala in One Night
by Stephi Wild - May 28, 2024
Video: Phil LaDuca Shares Advice for Young Dancers of Today at the Chita Rivera Awards
by Nicole Rosky - May 21, 2024
Video: Nathan Lane Receives the Stephen Sondheim Award from Signature Theatre
by Joshua Wright - May 13, 2024
Video: Watch Lorin Latarro's Sensational Choreography in THE WHO'S TOMMY
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 22, 2024
Video: Ariana DeBose Remembers Chita Rivera: 'Because She Was, I Am'
by Michael Major - Jan 31, 2024
Video: Watch CHICAGO Pay Tribute to Chita Rivera: 'A Broadway Giant Now Dancing With the Angels'
by Michael Major - Jan 31, 2024
Video: First Look at Sufjan Stevens, Justin Peck and Jackie Sibblies Drury's ILLINOISE
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 24, 2024
VIDEO: Watch Stephen Cole, Ward Roberts, and Peter Filichia Discuss 'Cole Porter as a Gay Icon'
by Blair Ingenthron - Jan 13, 2024
VIDEO: Gloria Onitiri Performs 'Our Lady Of The Underground' From HADESTOWN in the West End
by Stephi Wild - Jan 12, 2024
News
20th Annual Fred Ebb Award To Be Presented Tonight at The Todd Haimes Theater
The Fred Ebb Foundation in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more!
The Fred Ebb Foundation in association with the Roundabout Theatre Company will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more!
Review: Melodie Wolford's WAITING IN THE WINGS at The Triad Is Worth Waiting For
WAITING IN THE WINGS at The Triad tells of the tribulations and triumphs of an understudy. Melodie Wolford is the talented lady in question. There's no question that she's star-worthy, not just star-adjacent.
WAITING IN THE WINGS at The Triad tells of the tribulations and triumphs of an understudy. Melodie Wolford is the talented lady in question. There's no question that she's star-worthy, not just star-adjacent.
Chita Rivera KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Tony Award Fetches 70K at Bonham's Auction
One-of-a-kind costumes, awards, photographs, and ephemera from the extraordinary career of Broadway legend Chita Rivera (1933-2024) were auctioned online at Bonhams this week.
One-of-a-kind costumes, awards, photographs, and ephemera from the extraordinary career of Broadway legend Chita Rivera (1933-2024) were auctioned online at Bonhams this week.
Video: John Kander Joins CABARET Cast to Celebrate 58th Anniversary of Original Broadway Production
Last night, legendary Broadway composer John Kander and the cast of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre celebrated the 58th anniversary of the original Broadway production. Check out the video here!
Last night, legendary Broadway composer John Kander and the cast of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club at the August Wilson Theatre celebrated the 58th anniversary of the original Broadway production. Check out the video here!
Theater Resources Unlimited To 2024 TRU Love Benefit Auction Open Through November 24
Theater Resources Unlimited held their first live gala since 2019, honoring Irene Grandy and Susan E. Lee for their contributions to theater, and remembering producer Ron Simons.
Theater Resources Unlimited held their first live gala since 2019, honoring Irene Grandy and Susan E. Lee for their contributions to theater, and remembering producer Ron Simons.
Gabrielle Stravelli, Klea Blackhurst, and Graham Rowat Join SING HAPPY: THE LYRICS OF FRED EBB
The Fred Ebb Foundation and Birdland Jazz Club announced additional performers for Sing Happy: The Lyrics of Fred Ebb, which will take place next week at Birdland Jazz Club.
The Fred Ebb Foundation and Birdland Jazz Club announced additional performers for Sing Happy: The Lyrics of Fred Ebb, which will take place next week at Birdland Jazz Club.
Nevada Ballet Theatre Announces 41st ANNUAL BLACK & WHITE BALL
Nevada Ballet Theatre announced its 2025 Woman of the Year, recognizing a prominent figure for her contributions to the arts and community.
Nevada Ballet Theatre announced its 2025 Woman of the Year, recognizing a prominent figure for her contributions to the arts and community.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Enters Final Three Weeks of Performances
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS will play its final performance on Broadway in three weeks. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets to the musical before it closes on Broadway.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS will play its final performance on Broadway in three weeks. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets to the musical before it closes on Broadway.
Theater Resources Unlimited 2024 TRU Love Benefit Online Auction Is Now Live
Theater Resources Unlimited announced their 2024 TRU Love Benefit Online Auction, open until November 24, 2024, featuring 37 prizes including Broadway tickets and exclusive experiences.
Theater Resources Unlimited announced their 2024 TRU Love Benefit Online Auction, open until November 24, 2024, featuring 37 prizes including Broadway tickets and exclusive experiences.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld November 15, 2024
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 15, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is November 15, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
The Estate of Chita Rivera to be Auctioned at Bonhams
One-of-a-kind costumes, awards, photographs, and ephemera from the extraordinary career of Broadway legend Chita Rivera (1933-2024) will be auctioned online at Bonhams.
One-of-a-kind costumes, awards, photographs, and ephemera from the extraordinary career of Broadway legend Chita Rivera (1933-2024) will be auctioned online at Bonhams.
CHICAGO cumple 28 años en Broadway
Si bien EL FANTASMA DE LA ÓPERA es el musical más longevo de la historia de Broadway y LOS MISERABLES lo es del West End, el puesto a la producción estadounidense más longeva de la historia de la Great White Way se lo lleva el revival de CHICAGO, que hoy cumple la friolera de 28 años ininterrumpidos en Broadway.
Si bien EL FANTASMA DE LA ÓPERA es el musical más longevo de la historia de Broadway y LOS MISERABLES lo es del West End, el puesto a la producción estadounidense más longeva de la historia de la Great White Way se lo lleva el revival de CHICAGO, que hoy cumple la friolera de 28 años ininterrumpidos en Broadway.
Jinkx Monsoon, Nicholas Barasch, Preston Truman Boyd, Samantha Williams Join PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL
Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced further casting, design team and a brand-new title for its reimagined The Pirates of Penzance. This jazz-infused, New Orleans-style Broadway production, now titled Pirates! The Penzance Musical.
Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced further casting, design team and a brand-new title for its reimagined The Pirates of Penzance. This jazz-infused, New Orleans-style Broadway production, now titled Pirates! The Penzance Musical.
Meet the Cast of GYPSY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
GYPSY is coming back to Broadway, starring Audra McDonald! The production begins previews at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Meet the cast of GYPSY here!
GYPSY is coming back to Broadway, starring Audra McDonald! The production begins previews at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Meet the cast of GYPSY here!
Exclusive: Oh My Pod U Guys- Always Make The Positive Choice with Janine LaManna
In this episode, I am joined by a true Broadway legend, Janine LaManna! From standing by for Chita Rivera in Kiss of the Spider Woman, to originating the role of Gertrude McFuzz in Broadway's Seussical, Janine has truly done it all. She made her Broadway debut as Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime alongside the original company, and eventually went on to work with such legends as Anne Reinking and Harold Prince.
In this episode, I am joined by a true Broadway legend, Janine LaManna! From standing by for Chita Rivera in Kiss of the Spider Woman, to originating the role of Gertrude McFuzz in Broadway's Seussical, Janine has truly done it all. She made her Broadway debut as Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime alongside the original company, and eventually went on to work with such legends as Anne Reinking and Harold Prince.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon
The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Lottery Announced For THE MERRILY CHAPTERS NYC Presentation
The Stage Door Foundation and Pam Pariseau have announced a special lottery for live studio audience tickets to a special industry presentation showing how Stephen Sondheim created MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG through the eyes of original Broadway cast member, David Loud.
The Stage Door Foundation and Pam Pariseau have announced a special lottery for live studio audience tickets to a special industry presentation showing how Stephen Sondheim created MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG through the eyes of original Broadway cast member, David Loud.
Quintessence Theatre Presents Cole Porter's KISS ME, KATE
Experience COLE PORTER'S KISS ME, KATE at Quintessence Theatre, directed by Todd Underwood. Enjoy a blend of jazz, dance, and comedy from November 27 to January 5.
Experience COLE PORTER'S KISS ME, KATE at Quintessence Theatre, directed by Todd Underwood. Enjoy a blend of jazz, dance, and comedy from November 27 to January 5.
Broadway League Steps Back from Light-Dimming Announcements Following Backlash
The Broadway League will no longer be involved in announcing the traditional dimming of marquee lights that honors the memories of deceased performers, writers, and other influential figures in the Broadway community.
The Broadway League will no longer be involved in announcing the traditional dimming of marquee lights that honors the memories of deceased performers, writers, and other influential figures in the Broadway community.
Cheeyang Ng and Eric Sorrels Will Receive 20th Annual Fred Ebb Award
The Fred Ebb Foundation will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more about the award and the ceremony here!
The Fred Ebb Foundation will present the twentieth annual Fred Ebb Award for aspiring musical theatre songwriters to the team of Cheeyang Ng & Eric Sorrels. Learn more about the award and the ceremony 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 received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for The Visit. She also won the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Theatre World Awards. Rivera earned the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical Award from the Helen Hayes Awards for The Visit, as well as the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Award from the Drama Desk Awards for Nine. Additionally, she received The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards. Rivera was honored with the Best Actress in a Musical Award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman, and she won Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. She has also been recognized for her Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre by the Drama League Awards. Rivera's acclaimed performance in Kiss of the Spider Woman earned her the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Award from the Tony Awards. She received the Outstanding Actress in a Musical Award from the Drama Desk Awards for The Rink, and she was awarded Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical from the Tony Awards for The Rink.
Videos