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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

More Video

News


Video: Kyle Selig Joins WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Broadway Photo
Video: Kyle Selig Joins WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Broadway

Water For Elephants officially welcomed Kyle Selig in the role of Jacob Jankowski beginning Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Check out a behind the scenes video as well as Selig's first curtain call!
Carbonell Awards Reveal Four New Judges For 2024-2025 Theatre Season Photo
Carbonell Awards Reveal Four New Judges For 2024-2025 Theatre Season

The Carbonell Awards have announced four new judges. They will bring the total number of Carbonell judges to 46, including 18 in Broward County, 11 in Miami-Dade, and 17 in Palm Beach County.
Video: Grant Gustin Takes Final Bow in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Photo
Video: Grant Gustin Takes Final Bow in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

Grant Gustin played his final performance as 'Jacob Jankowski' in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS on Broadway on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre.  Check out a video of his final curtain call here!
THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD Comes to Star Of The Day Photo
THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD Comes to Star Of The Day

Star of the Day has announced casting for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, a musical whodunnit by Rupert Holmes based on the unfinished Charles Dickens novel of the same name.
RENEE KATZ SINGS IRVING BERLIN - LOST IN HIS ARMS is Coming to Don't Tell Mama Photo
RENEE KATZ SINGS IRVING BERLIN - LOST IN HIS ARMS is Coming to Don't Tell Mama

Don’t Tell Mama will present Renee Katz in “Renee Katz Sings Irving Berlin---Lost In His Arms”. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Cast Set for Porchlight's 2024 ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza Photo
Cast Set for Porchlight's 2024 ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza

Porchlight Music Theatre has revealed the cast for its ICONS Gala Celebrating Raúl Esparza. Learn more about the event!
M. Can Yasar's TURKISH RHAPSODY Comes to Don't Tell Mama Photo
M. Can Yasar's TURKISH RHAPSODY Comes to Don't Tell Mama

Following his critically acclaimed cabaret debut, M. Can Yasar is coming back with his show “Turkish Rhapsody” to Don't Tell Mama for a one-night-only encore performance on October 1 at 7 pm.
Grant Gustin & More to Join WATER FOR ELEPHANTS CD Signing at Barnes & Noble Photo
Grant Gustin & More to Join WATER FOR ELEPHANTS CD Signing at Barnes & Noble

New York's Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue will host a CD signing for the Water for Elephants: Original Broadway Cast Recording. Learn how to attend.
A HADESTOWN West End Cast Recording is in the Works Photo
A HADESTOWN West End Cast Recording is in the Works

The West End production of Hadestown seems to be getting a cast recording soon! A recent post was shared to the production's official Instagram account, teasing the album. The video features comments from fans of the show asking about a cast recording, which ends with the text 'Wait for it. It's coming.' 
Review: BYE BYE BIRDIE at The Argyle Theatre will have you 'put on a happy face,' Photo
Review: BYE BYE BIRDIE at The Argyle Theatre will have you 'put on a happy face,'

What did our critic think of BYE BYE BIRDIE at The Argyle Theatre?
David Burnham to Return to Catalina Jazz Club in September Photo
David Burnham to Return to Catalina Jazz Club in September

Master vocalist and Broadway sensation David Burnham will return to Catalina Jazz Club with his new show Burnham Sings Bublé for one night only on Saturday, September 7, at 8:30pm.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Cast Recording is Available Now on CD Photo
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Cast Recording is Available Now on CD

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of the Broadway musical Water for Elephants, featuring a score by PigPen Theatre Co., is now available on CD! The album is also available in streaming and digital formats. Learn how to stream or purchase the album here!
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT Photo
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT

During her concert at New York City's Beacon Theatre last night, August 15, Idina Menzel called onstage a special guest, much to the surprise of her fans in attendance. Adrienne Warren took the stage alongside Menzel to perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' from Rent. Check out the video here!
Spotlight: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Ridgefield Playhouse Photo
Spotlight: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Ridgefield Playhouse

Adrienne Warren of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
HOLLYWOOD SQUARES Host Peter Marshall Passes Away at 98 Photo
HOLLYWOOD SQUARES Host Peter Marshall Passes Away at 98

Actor and host Peter Marshall has passed away. Learn more about Marshall's life and work.
Kyle Selig Will Replace Grant Gustin in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Photo
Kyle Selig Will Replace Grant Gustin in WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

BroadwayWorld has just learned that WATER FOR ELEPHANTS will welcome Kyle Selig (Mean Girls) to the role of Jacob Jankowski beginning Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Full Cast Set For Carolee Carmello-Led KIMBERLY AKIMBO National Tour Photo
Full Cast Set For Carolee Carmello-Led KIMBERLY AKIMBO National Tour

As previously announced, Carolee Carmello will lead the cast of the National Tour of Kimberly Akimbo, which kicks off next month. Learn more about the full cast here!
New Cast Will Join HADESTOWN in London This Month Photo
New Cast Will Join HADESTOWN in London This Month

New casting has been announced for the West End production of multi award-winning Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre, London.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Will Launch National Tour in 2025 Photo
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS Will Launch National Tour in 2025

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS will launch its First National Tour in Baltimore, MD at the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in the Fall of 2025.
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS to Launch Tent Talkback Series This Month Photo
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS to Launch Tent Talkback Series This Month

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is launching the Tent Talkback Series. Learn more about the series and see how to attend.
More News

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?

Chita Rivera has received numerous nominations and awards throughout her career. She has been nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards. For her performance in The Visit, she received nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards), Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards), and Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards). She also earned the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Theatre World Awards and was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for The Visit. Rivera has been recognized for her work in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, receiving a Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards. For her role in Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Musical, she was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production at the Helen Hayes Awards, as well as Best Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards and Outstanding Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards. She also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman. Her accolades include nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Jerry's Girls, The Rink, and Merlin. Additionally, she was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for The Rink and Bring Back Birdie, and for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Bring Back Birdie and Chicago. Rivera also received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for Bye Bye Birdie.

What awards has Chita Rivera won?

Chita Rivera has received several prestigious awards throughout her career. These 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 also won 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, she received the Best Actress in a Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman, as well as the Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for the same production. Rivera was honored with the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical from the Tony Awards for Kiss of the Spider Woman. She also won the Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for The Rink, and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical from the Tony Awards for The Rink.

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