Chita Rivera
Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero
Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA
Latest News on Chita Rivera:
Adrienne Warren to Perform at The Hobby Center in February (Dec 16, 2024)
Photo Special: Celebrating BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola (Dec 16, 2024)
THE RINK is Now Available For Licensing From Concord Theatricals (Dec 13, 2024)
Adrienne Warren to Perform at The Hobby Center in February (Dec 16, 2024)
Photo Special: Celebrating BC/EFA Executive Director Tom Viola (Dec 16, 2024)
THE RINK is Now Available For Licensing From Concord Theatricals (Dec 13, 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
News
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.
Liza Minnelli Documentary to Open Florida's Sun & Stars Int'l Film Festival
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival returns early next year, kicking off with a razzle-dazzle screening of LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story.
The Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival returns early next year, kicking off with a razzle-dazzle screening of LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story.
Review: NOBODY DOES IT BETTER at Palm Springs Cultural Center
What did our critic think of NOBODY DOES IT BETTER at Palm Springs Cultural Center?
What did our critic think of NOBODY DOES IT BETTER at Palm Springs Cultural Center?
Video: Adam Lambert Performs 'I Don't Care Much' From CABARET
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club has released a music video and single of GRAMMY Award nominee Adam Lambert singing “I Don't Care Much” from the production, by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Watch here!
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club has released a music video and single of GRAMMY Award nominee Adam Lambert singing “I Don't Care Much” from the production, by John Kander and Fred Ebb. Watch here!
Norbert Leo Butz, Donna McKechnie, J. Harrison Ghee And More Come To Legacy Theatre In 2025
Branford's Legacy Theatre has announced a star-studden lineup for the 2025 Sunday Broadway Concert Series lineup for the historic theatre's 5th anniversary season.
Branford's Legacy Theatre has announced a star-studden lineup for the 2025 Sunday Broadway Concert Series lineup for the historic theatre's 5th anniversary season.
19 Theater Books for Your Winter 2025 Reading List
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
From theatre biographies to theatre fiction; theatre books for kids to theater history; check out our collection of 19 new Broadway books for every theatre lover's winter reading list.
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.
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 the Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Visit, the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement (Theatre World Awards), and the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Visit. She also won the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nine, and the American Express Tribute (Helen Hayes Awards). Additionally, Rivera earned the Best Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman, as well as Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for the same show. She was honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kiss of the Spider Woman. Furthermore, she received Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Rink and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Rink.
Videos