Chita Rivera Headshot

Chita Rivera

Also Credited As: Conchita Del Rivero

Birth Place: Washington, DC, USA

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Chita Rivera 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.

Chita Rivera Photos

Chita Rivera STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2015
Claire Zachanassian

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theatre Festival Production, 2014
Claire

[Broadway]
Roundabout Theatre Company Production, 2012
Princess Puffer

[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Kander & Ebb Celebration Production, 2008
Claire Zachanassian

[Arlington, VA (Regional)]
Signature Theatre Production, 2007
Claire Zachanassian

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Chita Rivera

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production [Cancelled], 2004
Claire Zachanassian

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2003
Liliane La Fleur

[Chicago (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2001
Claire Zachanassian

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 2000
Reno Sweeney

Reno Sweeney

[New York]
Workshop, 1998
Countess Aurelia

[US Tour]
2nd National Tour, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]

[West End]
London Revival, 1997
Roxie Hart [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1993
Spider Woman/Aurora

Spider Woman / Aurora

[West End]
London Production, 1992
Spider Woman/Aurora

[Toronto]
Toronto Production, 1992
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
Anna

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
The Queen

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Rose

[Broadway]
1979
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
Velma Kelly

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1973
Performer

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1969
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Anyanka

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1963
Athena Constantine

[West End]
London Production, 1961
Rose Grant

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1960
Rose Grant

Rose Alvarez

[West End]
London Production, 1958
Anita

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
Anita

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1957
mehitabel (Standby)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1956
Rita Romano

Rita Romano

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1955
Fifi

Fifi

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1953
Dancer [Replacement]


Chita Rivera 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

Chita Rivera Videos

Chita Rivera News


Interview: Chatting With John Riddle, Star of LES MISERABLES At The Muny

The Muny opens its 106th season next week with the epic musical sensation Les Misérables. John Riddle returns to play Jean Valjean following his award-winning performance as Anatoly in CHESS last season. Broadway World sat down with John Riddle during his rehearsal lunch break to talk about the upcoming production, how he got his start on The Muny stage, and his success performing on Broadway in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, THE VISIT, and Disney’s FROZEN.  
Drama Book Shop Will Host Signing and Talkback Event For 'The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre'

The Drama Book Shop will host an event in conjunction with the release of the book, 'The Tony Awards: A Celebration of Excellence in Theatre'. The event will feature Eila Mell and Heather A. Hitchens, and will include a talkback, signing, and live podcast recording.
Photos: First Look at Ephraim Sykes, Christian Borle, Krysta Rodriguez, and More in BYE BYE BIRDIE at the Kennedy Center

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is now presenting the Broadway Center Stage production of Bye Bye Birdie. Check out all new photos here!
Ariana DeBose to Talk Tony Awards on CBS Mornings Next Week

Ariana DeBose, actor, singer, and host of the upcoming 77th Annual Tony Awards will be appearing on CBS Mornings next week as part of their 'Road to the Tonys' segment. The program will air on Thursday, June 13 from 7:00-9:00 AM on CBS.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld June 7, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is June 7, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: Inside Rehearsals for Kennedy Center's BYE BYE BIRDIE

In this video, watch as the cast of Broadway Center Stage production of Bye Bye Birdie at the Kennedy Center rehearses 'A Lot of Livin' to Do,' 'Kids,' and 'Rosie.'
Audra McDonald Will Return to Broadway This Fall in GYPSY; Hear Her Sing in New Trailer

It's official! six-time Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald will return to Broadway this fall, taking on what is widely regarded as the greatest role in musical theatre, “Rose” in GYPSY. We have all of the details!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld May 29, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 29, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: The Broadway Dance Community Hits the Red Carpet at the Chita Rivera Awards

In this video, watch as the Chita Rivera Awards nominees, honorees, and special guests walk the red carpet on the special night.
Video: THE WHO'S TOMMY Performs at the Chita Rivera Awards and MTC Gala in One Night

The Tony Award-nominated Broadway production of The Who’s TOMMY did double duty on their day off Monday, May 20, performing for both the Chita Rivera Awards and the Manhattan Theatre Club Gala. Check out the video here!
Photos: Inside Rehearsals for BYE BYE BIRDIE at the Kennedy Center

Rehearsals are now underway for the Broadway Center Stage production of Bye Bye Birdie at the Kennedy Center, starring Christian Borle, Krysta Rodriguez, Ephraim Sykes and more. Check out photos from inside rehearsals!
Jeanna de Waal, Jay Armstrong Johnson, and More Will Lead ANYTHING GOES at the Muny

Jeanna de Waal, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Kevin Chamberlin, George Abud, Kimberly Immanuel, Adrianna Hicks, Ann Harada, Lara Teeter, Eric Jordan Young, Danny Gardner, Spencer Jones and Joe Capstick will star in the Muny production of Anything Goes.
Ariana DeBose, Alan Cumming, Darren Criss, Shoshana Bean, & Aaron Lazar Headline BROADWAY AND VINE Concerts

Broadway and Vine kicks off its 2024 season on July 9 and 10 at 7:30PM, with Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose at Carneros Resort Vineyard Lawn.
In The Spotlight: Coffee County High School's Alyssa Freeze

Today’s spotlight is focused on Alyssa Freeze, a senior at Coffee County High School, who garnered Spotlight Award attention for her performance as Janet Van De Graff in The Drowsy Chaperone. This fall, Alyssa begins her college career at Nashville’s Lipscomb University. 
Heidi Blickenstaff, Alex Edelman, and More Receive Elliot Norton Awards; Full List

Awards were presented tonight in 37 categories including outstanding actors, directors, designers, choreographers, musicians, productions and 4 visiting productions by the Boston Theater Critics Association (BTCA) at the 41st Annual Elliot Norton Awards ceremony, held at the Huntington Theatre in Boston.  
Video: Phil LaDuca Shares Advice for Young Dancers of Today at the Chita Rivera Awards

In this video, watch as Mr. LaDuca hits the red carpet ahead of receiving his award to chat about his relationship with the late, great Chita Rivera, advice for young dancers of today, taking care of the Broadway dance community, and more.
Photos: On the Red Carpet for the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards

The Broadway productions of Illinoise, The Outsiders, Water for Elephants and more were winners at this year's 2024 Chita Rivera Awards. Check out photos from the red carpet!
HELL'S KITCHEN, ILLINOISE, And More Win 2024 Chita Rivera Awards

The Broadway productions of Illinoise, The Outsiders, Water for Elephants are winners at this year's 2024 Chita Rivera Awards.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld May 21, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is May 21, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
North American Tour of MYSTIC PIZZA to Launch in January 2025

The highly-anticipated musical adaptation of the 1988 classic movie MYSTIC PIZZA, which recently completed a critically hailed run at LA Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts this past January, will embark on a North American Tour in January 2025.

Chita Rivera 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 been nominated for numerous awards throughout her career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards. She has also received nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit," as well as the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for the same production. Other nominations include Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Visit" and the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Theatre World Awards. Chita Rivera has received nominations for various performances, such as Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Visit" and "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life." Additionally, she has been nominated for awards like Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Nine" and Best Actress - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman." Chita Rivera's nominations also include Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Rink" and Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Chicago."

What awards has Chita Rivera won?

Chita Rivera has won several awards throughout her career, including 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 - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "Nine" and the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards. Additionally, Rivera received the Best Actress - Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," the Outstanding Actress - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for the same show, and the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. Her accolades also include the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," the Outstanding Actress in a Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "The Rink," and another Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for "The Rink."

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