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Rui Rita

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BIO

Broadway Lighting Design: Velocity of Autumn starring Estelle Parsons and Stephen Spinella at the Booth theatre, Trip to Bountiful starring Cicely Tyson, Vanessa Williams and Cuba Gooding Jr., Present Laughter starring Victor Garber at the American Airlines Theatre for Roundabout Theatre Company, Dividing the Estate starring Elizabeth Ashley at the Booth Theater for Lincoln Center Theater, Old Acquaintance starring Margaret Colin and Harriet Harris at the American Airlines Theatre for Roundabout Theatre Company, Enchanted April starring Molly Ringwald (2003 Outer Critics Circle nomination-Best Lighting Design), The Price starring Harris Yulin at the Royale Theatre and A Thousand Clowns starring Judd Hirsch for the Roundabout Theatre Company.



Off Broadway Lighting Design: Just Jim Dale (Roundabout); Happiest Song Plays Last (Second Stage); The World Premieres of Horton Foote’s Orphan’s Home Cycle Marathon (Hewes Design Award); Big Bill, The Carpetbagger's Children, Far East, and Ancestral Voices (Lincoln Center Theater); Moonlight and Magnolias (Manhattan Theatre Club); Engaged (Theatre for a New Audience, 2005 Obie Award); Endpapers and Dinner with Friends (Variety Arts); Crimes of the Heart (Second Stage); The Day Emily Married (Primary Stages); Antony and Cleopatra (New York Shakespeare Festival); Vita and Virginia.

Working throughout North America, Mr. Rita’s credits include work with the Alley Theatre in Houston, American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, Center Stage in Baltimore, Arena, Shakespeare and Ford's Theatres in DC, Guthrie in Minneapolis, Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Huntington Theatre in Boston, Kennedy Center in Washington DC, Ahmanson and Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, Old Globe in San Diego, Oregon Shakespeare, Vancouver Opera in Canada, Hartford Stage in Connecticut and over forty productions with the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts, where Mr. Rita has designed for many seasons.

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Lighting Design
 
[West End, 2022]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2022]
Lighting Design
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2013]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2012]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2011]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2010]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2009]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2007]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2007]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2005]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2004]
Lighting Designer
 
[Williamstown, MA (Regional), 2003]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2002]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2001]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Lighting Designer
Scenic Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Lighting Designer
 
[Off-Broadway, 1994]
Lighting Designer
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Associate Lighting Designer

Awards and Nominations

Helen Hayes Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production

Rui RitaThe Laramie Project

The Lortels - 2013 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Rui Rita, The Piano Lesson


winner
The Hewes Awards - 2010 - Notable Effects - Production Design, Lighting

Rui Rita, The Orphans' Home Cycle

The Lortels - 2010 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Rui Rita, The Orphans' Home Cycle

Helen Hayes Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production

Rui RitaMeet John Doe


winner
Obie Awards - 2005 - Lighting design

Rui Rita, Engaged

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Lighting Design

Rui Rita, Enchanted April

Videos

News


Cast & Creative Team Set for IN THE HEIGHTS at Signature Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 14, 2025

Signature Theatre has revealed the cast and creative team for In the Heights, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; LEGALLY BLONDE at Conundrum Theatre Company Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; Conundrum Theatre Company Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Vote For The 2024 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards; LEGALLY BLONDE at Conundrum Theatre Company Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 16, 2024

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Los Angeles Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 9, 2024

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Los Angeles Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
A SHERLOCK CAROL to Return To Marylebone Theatre For Third Festive Season; Full Cast Revealed
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 4, 2024

DEM Productions has announced final casting for the critically acclaimed production, written and directed by Mark Shanahan, which plays a festive season at Marylebone Theatre from Friday 29 November 2024 - Sunday 5 January 2025.
Video: AMERICAN MARIACHI at Two River Theater First Look
by Joshua Wright - Oct 11, 2024

Get a first look at Two River Theater's production of American Mariachi written by José Cruz González, directed by James Vásquez, and arrangements by Cynthia Reifler Flores which runs through October 20, 2024
Review: AMERICAN MARIACHI at Two River Theater is Enthralling
by Marina Kennedy - Oct 7, 2024

Two River Theater is now presenting American Mariachi.  This production has it all. It is a heartfelt story with plenty of humor and marvelous music.
AMERICAN MARIACHI to Begin Performances at Two River Theater This Weekend
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 26, 2024

Performances for AMERICAN MARIACHI, written by José Cruz González, will begin this weekend at Two River Theater, showcasing a story of family, love, and tradition. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Full Cast and Creative Team Set for AMERICAN MARIACHI at Two River Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 4, 2024

Two River Theater has revealed the cast and creative team for American Mariachi. Learn how to purchase tickets.
A SHERLOCK CAROL Will Return To Marylebone Theatre With Increased Seating Capacity Due To Demand
by Stephi Wild - Jun 18, 2024

The worlds of Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle combine brilliantly in ‘A Sherlock Carol', which sees Sherlock Holmes investigating the mysterious death of Ebenezer Scrooge.
JELLY'S LAST JAM Enters Final Two Weeks of Performances at Pasadena Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 13, 2024

Pasadena Playhouse's production of the Tony Award-winning musical JELLY'S LAST JAM, directed by Kent Gash will close this month. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Celebrities on the Red Carpet at Opening Night of JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jun 4, 2024

Pasadena Playhouse is now presenting a new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam, featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson. Check out photos from the opening night red carpet here!
Photos/Video: First Look at Pasadena Playhouse's JELLY'S LAST JAM
by Joshua Wright - Jun 3, 2024

Get a first look at Pasadena Playhouse's new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam, now on stage through through June 23, 2024. The production features a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson. 
VIDEO: Go Inside Rehearsals for JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - May 21, 2024

Get a first look at rehearsals for the new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam at Pasadena Playhouse, featuring a book by George C. Wolfe, music by Jelly Roll Morton, and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead with musical adaptation and additional music composed by Luther Henderson.  
Video: See Stewart, Williams, and Rogers in Teaser for Pasadena Playhouse's JELLY'S LAST JAM
by Blair Ingenthron - May 5, 2024

Watch a teaser for Jelly's Last Jam at Pasadena Playhouse in the video here!
Cast Set For JELLY'S LAST JAM at Pasadena Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - May 1, 2024

Full casting has been announced for the new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam.
John Clarence Stewart, Jasmine Amy Rogers & Cress Williams to Lead JELLY'S LAST JAM in Pasadena
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 28, 2024

Pasadena Playhouse has revealed the cast for its new production of the Tony Award winning musical Jelly’s Last Jam. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Pittsburgh Awards; Voting Ends 12/31
by BWW Awards - Dec 26, 2023

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Pittsburgh Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Houston Awards; Voting Ends 12/31
by BWW Awards - Dec 26, 2023

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Houston Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Rui Rita been nominated for?

Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Laramie Project, Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for The Piano Lesson, Notable Effects - Production Design, Lighting (The Hewes Awards) for The Orphans' Home Cycle, Outstanding Lighting Design (The Lortels) for The Orphans' Home Cycle, Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Meet John Doe , Lighting design (Obie Awards) for Engaged and Outstanding Lighting Design (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Enchanted April.

What awards has Rui Rita won?

Rui Rita has won the Notable Effects award for Production Design and Lighting at The Hewes Awards for The Orphans' Home Cycle, as well as the Lighting Design award at the Obie Awards for Engaged.

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