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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


Breaking Down the 2025 Tony Awards Nominations Photo
Breaking Down the 2025 Tony Awards Nominations
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2025

Still thinking about the Tony nominations? Us too! Check out some takeaways from Tuesday's big announcement and recap the full list and the nominees' reactions!
Audra McDonald Becomes Most Tony-Nominated Performer in History with GYPSY Photo
Audra McDonald Becomes Most Tony-Nominated Performer in History with GYPSY
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025

Audra McDonald has broken a new Tony record, becoming the most-nominated performer in Broadway history. Her nomination as the iconic Mama Rose in the latest production of Gypsy marks the 11th for the performer, following her 2023 nomination for Ohio State Murders. 
2025 Tony Awards Nominations- A Complete Guide Photo
2025 Tony Awards Nominations- A Complete Guide
by Nicole Rosky - May 1, 2025

The 78th Annual Tony Awards nominations will be announced soon and we are catching you up on the full season of shows, who is eligible for what, and so much more!
Randi Rahm Will Host 'Couture For A Cause' Fashion Talks Event Photo
Randi Rahm Will Host 'Couture For A Cause' Fashion Talks Event
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2025

Hot on the heels of yesterday's Chita Rivera Awards nominations announcement, acclaimed designer Randi Rahm will host Couture for a Cause, a special edition of her signature Fashion Talks series.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 30, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 30, 2025
by - Apr 30, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 30, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
BUBBLES FOR BROADWAY! West Bank Cafe To Host Tony Nomination Celebration Photo
BUBBLES FOR BROADWAY! West Bank Cafe To Host Tony Nomination Celebration
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2025

In honor of the conclusion of the 2024–25 Broadway season and with Tony Award nominations being announced Thursday morning, West Bank Cafe has announced a special informal Tony Nomination Celebration taking place Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
2025 Chita Rivera Awards Nominations- The Full List Photo
2025 Chita Rivera Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025

Nominations have been announced for the 2025 Chita Rivera Awards. Among the nominees are Buena Vista Social Club, Smash, Just In Time, Boop!, Gypsy and more! Check out the full list here.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 29, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 29, 2025
by - Apr 29, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 29, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 28, 2025 Photo
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 28, 2025
by - Apr 28, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 28, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Harvey Fierstein Will Receive a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement Photo
Harvey Fierstein Will Receive a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 24, 2025

The Tony Awards Administration Committee announced that legendary actor and writer, and four-time Tony Award winner, Harvey Fierstein will receive the 2025 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.
Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau, and More Will Lead FROZEN at The Muny Photo
Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau, and More Will Lead FROZEN at The Muny
by Stephi Wild - Apr 24, 2025

 Patti Murin, Hannah Corneau, Jelani Remy, Bobby Conte, Kennedy Kanagawa, Andrew A. Cano, Jared Gertner, Maliah Strawbridge and Isla Turner will star in the Muny premiere of Disney’s Frozen.
Brandon Victor Dixon to Release New Pop Power Song 'Maybe,' First From New Album Photo
Brandon Victor Dixon to Release New Pop Power Song 'Maybe,' First From New Album
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2025

Best known for his starring turns on Broadway and television, Tony-nominated actor, singer, and producer Brandon Victor Dixon will release an original song and accompanying video on May 16th.
9 TO 5 Comes to Actors Theatre Of Indiana Photo
9 TO 5 Comes to Actors Theatre Of Indiana
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2025

The musical 9 to 5 with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is coming to ATI in April. Learn more about the upcoming production and how to get tickets!
National Black Theatre & The Flea Theater Collab On The World Premiere of CHIAROSCU Photo
National Black Theatre & The Flea Theater Collab On The World Premiere of CHIAROSCURO
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 18, 2025

National Black Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for the NYC premiere of Chiaroscuro. Originally written by one of the foremothers of the Black Arts Movement, the late Aishah Rahman, in 2002, this work is directed by NBT's SOUL Directing Resident Abigail jean-baptiste.
National Black Theatre To Present New York City Premiere of CHIAROSCURO Photo
National Black Theatre To Present New York City Premiere of CHIAROSCURO
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 17, 2025

National Black Theatre (NBT) in association with The Flea Theater has announced the cast and creative team for the NYC premiere of Chiaroscuro. Performances run May 27 - June 22 at The Flea Theater.
The School of American Ballet's Annual Alumni Celebration to Take Place at Lincoln Ce Photo
The School of American Ballet's Annual Alumni Celebration to Take Place at Lincoln Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 17, 2025

The School of American Ballet's Annual Alumni Celebration will be held at SAB-an evening of connection, reflection, and shared pride as they kick off the Workshop weekend. Learn how to attend.
Video: Watch Eva Noblezada as 'Sally Bowles' in New CABARET Footage Photo
Video: Watch Eva Noblezada as 'Sally Bowles' in New CABARET Footage
by Michael Major - Apr 17, 2025

Watch new footage of Eva Noblezada in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway. The new video features the production's new 'Sally Bowles' performing 'Mein Herr,' while she discusses taking on the iconic character.
May Hermitage Programs Feature Tony-Nominees Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Bess Wohl, And Photo
May Hermitage Programs Feature Tony-Nominees Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, Bess Wohl, And More
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2025

The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced two new programs in May, with additional May and June programming to be opened for registration in the coming weeks.
West Bank Café to Launch Partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation Photo
West Bank Café to Launch Partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2025

West Bank Café has revealed their partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, lining the walls of the 42nd Street restaurant with both originals and limited-edition lithographs of Broadway’s biggest stars. Learn more!
The South Carolina New Play Festival Sets 2025 Season with New Works by Aurin Squire Photo
The South Carolina New Play Festival Sets 2025 Season with New Works by Aurin Squire & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 14, 2025

The South Carolina New Play Festival has unveiled its season lineup for 2025. The 4th annual festival will take place over four days, transforming Greenville, South Carolina into a hub of theatrical innovation from Thursday, August 7- Sunday, August 10.
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?

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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