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Chita Rivera

Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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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

STAGE CREDITS

The Visit The Visit
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Claire Zachanassian
The Visit The Visit
[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theatre Festival Production, 2014
Claire
The Mystery of Edwin Drood The Mystery of Edwin Drood
[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Production, 2012
Princess Puffer
The Visit
[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Kander & Ebb Celebration Production, 2008
Claire Zachanassian
The Visit
[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Signature Theatre Production, 2007
Claire Zachanassian
Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Chita Rivera
The Visit
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production [Cancelled], 2004
Claire Zachanassian
Nine Nine
[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Liliane La Fleur
The Visit
[Chicago (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2001
Claire Zachanassian
Anything Goes
[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2000
Reno Sweeney
Reno Sweeney
Dear World
[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Countess Aurelia
Chicago
[US Tour]
2nd National Tour, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]
Chicago Chicago
[West End]
London Revival, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]
Angela Lansbury - A Celebration
[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer
Kiss of the Spider Woman
[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1993
Spider Woman/Aurora
Spider Woman / Aurora
Kiss of the Spider Woman
[West End]
London Production, 1992
Spider Woman/Aurora
Kiss of the Spider Woman
[Toronto]
Toronto Production, 1992
Performer
Jerry's Girls
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Performer
The Rink
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Anna
Merlin
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
The Queen
Bring Back Birdie
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Rose
V.I.P. Night on Broadway
[Broadway]
1979
Performer
Chicago
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Velma Kelly
Sondheim: A Musical Tribute
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer
Meredith Willson's 1491
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1969
Performer
Bajour
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Anyanka
Zenda
[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1963
Athena Constantine
Bye Bye Birdie
[West End]
London Production, 1961
Rose Grant
Bye Bye Birdie
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1960
Rose Grant
Rose Alvarez
West Side Story
[West End]
London Production, 1958
Anita
West Side Story
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Anita
Shinbone Alley
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
mehitabel (Standby)
Mr. Wonderful
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1956
Rita Romano
Rita Romano
Seventh Heaven
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Fifi
Fifi
Can-Can
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1953
Dancer [Replacement]

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

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News


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21 Theater Books for Your Spring 2025 Reading List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 13, 2025

Need a great book to spring into the new season? This spring, Broadway's best have put pen to paper to turn out theatre page-turners of every kind. From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theatre history; check out our collection of 21 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's Spring 2025 reading list.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Sets Fall Release Date Photo
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Sets Fall Release Date
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 11, 2025

Kiss of the Spider Woman, the much-anticipated movie musical, has officially landed a release date. It will hit U.S. theaters on October 10th from Roadside Attractions, Lionsgate, and LD Entertainment.
Interview: Nicolas Dromard & Desiree Davar on NIC & DESI: FROM BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD Photo
Interview: Nicolas Dromard & Desiree Davar on NIC & DESI: FROM BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD
by Shari Barrett - Apr 9, 2025

Broadway stars and real-life couple and triple-threat performers Nicolas Dromard and Desiree Davar are making their debut at the Catalina Jazz Club with Nic & Desi: From Broadway to Hollywood on Thursday May 10. I decided to speak with them about their illustrious careers, how they met, and what led to bringing their new show to Los Angeles prior to taking the show on the road.
Joshua Bergasse and Matt Lenz Join THE MUSIC MAN Tour Creative Team Photo
Joshua Bergasse and Matt Lenz Join THE MUSIC MAN Tour Creative Team
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2025

The creative team has been revealed for the national tour of The Music Man. See who is involved in the production, and learn if the tour is coming to a city near you!
STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW, OLD FRIENDS And More Come to 92NY This Spring Photo
STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW, OLD FRIENDS And More Come to 92NY This Spring
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 5, 2025

Bryce Dallas Howard, Leslie Odom, Jr., Patricia Clarkson, a Stranger Things: The First Shadow special presentation and more come to 92nd Street Y this spring. Get full details on the events!
Meet the Cast of PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL, Now on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of PIRATES! THE PENZANCE MUSICAL, Now on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Apr 4, 2025

Performances are underway for Roundabout Theatre Company's new version of the Gilbert & Sullivan classic, The Pirates of Penzance. Meet the cast of Pirates! The Penzance Musical here.
Ailey Extension Commemorates 20th Anniversary With a Suite of Workshops Photo
Ailey Extension Commemorates 20th Anniversary With a Suite of Workshops
by Stephi Wild - Apr 2, 2025

This month the program is kicking off its official 20th anniversary celebration with a free dance workshop and community party inviting everyone to get moving with AILEY.
Ailey Extension 20th Anniversary Workshops Celebrate Two Decades Of 'Giving Dance Bac Photo
Ailey Extension 20th Anniversary Workshops Celebrate Two Decades Of 'Giving Dance Back To The People'
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 2, 2025

Since April 4, 2005, Ailey Extension has opened its doors for people of all ages and experience levels to feel the vibrant energy of its spectacular dance and fitness classes; and this month the program is kicking off its official 20th anniversary celebration with a free dance workshop and community party inviting everyone to get moving with AILEY.
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Broadway in Worcester Will Host Night Side Songs in April
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2025

Broadway in Worcester will present Night Side Songs, a musical by Daniel and Patrick Lazour and directed by Taibi Magar, for one night only. Learn more here!
Meet the Cast of JUST IN TIME, Now on Broadway Photo
Meet the Cast of JUST IN TIME, Now on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Mar 31, 2025

Performances are underway for the new Broadway musical Just in Time, with previews beginning March 31, 2025 at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre. Meet the cast of Just in Time here!
Dancers Over 40 To Celebrate The 50th Anniversary Of CHICAGO Photo
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.
US Cultural Ambassador Ronald Rand Celebrates 25 Years Starring In LET IT BE ART! On Photo
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.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 26, 2025 Photo
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.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Movie Hitting Theaters This Fall Photo
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.
Chita Rivera's New York House Put on the Market Photo
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.
KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Nearing U. S. Theatrical Deal with Roadside Attractions and Photo
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.
Meet the Cast of THE LAST FIVE YEARS, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway Photo
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!
Broadway to Introduce Quarterly 'Broadway In Memoriam' To Honor Theater Legends Photo
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.
CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben to Present Rob Russell & Avery Sommers Photo
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.
Photo: New Look at Orville Peck as the Emcee in CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB Photo
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.
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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 prestigious awards throughout her career, including: - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Visit - John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement (Theatre World Awards) - Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Visit - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nine - The American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards) - 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 - 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

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