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


Shoshanna Bean, Kenny Ortega & David Hyde Pierce to Join Chita Rivera Awards


More stars will be joining the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards. See the stars joining the event and learn more!

Al Hirschfeld Prints Signed By Cher, Chita Rivera & More to be Auctioned Off


Discover the auction benefitting BC/EFA and The Al Hirschfeld Foundation featuring 20 limited-edition Al Hirschfeld prints, signed by iconic stage and screen stars.

Westport Country Playhouse Will Host a Script in Hand Playreading of MRS. CHRISTIE


Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of the comedic mystery, “Mrs. Christie,” a fictional account of the unsolved 1926 disappearance of Agatha Christie, one of the most-read mystery writers, written by Heidi Armbruster and directed by Mark Shanahan, on Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m.

Kerry Butler To Direct THE PIN-UP GIRLS Musical Developmental Readings At York Theatre Company


Join the York Theatre Company for developmental readings of THE PIN-UP GIRLS, a musical love letter directed by Kerry Butler, on May 20.

Kristin Chenoweth, Joel Grey & More Among Presenters and Performers at 2024 Chita Rivera Awards


Presenters have been announced for the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards, being presented on May 20 at 7:30pm at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place off Washington Square Park). See the lineup here!

Nikki Renée Daniels, Beth Malone & More to Star in Pittsburgh CLO's Summer Musicals


Pittsburgh CLO's 2024 Summer of Musicals at the Benedum Center will be highlighted by Broadway and TV stars, as well as beloved Pittsburgh favorites. See who is starring and learn about the programming!

Photos: Meet the Nominees For the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards


A special event was held recently for press to meet the Chita Rivera Awards nominees. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!

SAB Hosts First Alumni of Distinction Awards at its Alumni Cocktail Reception in June


The School Of American Ballet will invite alumni to join them, toasting SAB's milestone 90th Anniversary and presenting the first-ever Alumni of Distinction Awards at SAB's Alumni cocktail reception on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 7pm.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 30, 2024


Happy Tony Award nominations day, BroadwayWorld! It is April 30, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours: 

ILLINOISE, HELL'S KITCHEN & More Earn Nominations for 2024 Chita Rivera Awards


See who was nominated for Chita Rivera Awards! Check out the full list and learn more about the awards.

Interview: NIC & DESI - BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD at Oscars Palm Springs


A pair of “Superheroes in Love” will bring their quadruple threat talents to Oscars Palm Springs for one night only May 11th at 7PM (Dinner and Drink service begins at 5:30pm).  Nicolas Dromard and Desiree Davar, Winners of 2023 BroadwayWorld NYC Cabaret Awards as “Best Duo”, bring their high octane show to the Coachella Valley for the first time.

Interview: Jeremy Webb of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at BROADWAY AT THE HOBBY CENTER


I initially started working on this show, and now I am the biggest Dylan fan. He's so ubiquitous. He's out there in the culture. So, of course, I knew Dylan and Dylan's songs, but this has made me a huge fan of his.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 26, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 26, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Bebe Neuwirth Will Announce Chita Rivera Award Nominations Next Week


Tony Award winner and dance icon Bebe Neuwirth, who is currently starring in Broadway’s revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, will announce this year’s Chita Rivera Awards nominations next week! Find out how to tune in here!

CABARET Comes to Center REP in May


Willkommen, bienvenue, and welcome to Center Repertory Company's 2023-24 season finale, the Tony Award-winning musical Cabaret.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 25, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 25, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Bernadette Peters to Be Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards


Multi-Award winning actress Bernadette Peters will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards. It was also announced that Tony, Oscar, and Golden Globe Award Winner Joel Grey will present Bernadette with her Award. The 2024 Chita Rivera Awards will take place on Monday, May 20 at 7:30pm at The Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place).

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld April 24, 2024


Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is April 24, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Meet the Cast of ILLINOISE, Beginning Performances Today on Broadway


Previews begin tonight, April 24, for Illinoise, the theatrical adaptation of Grammy- and Oscar-nominated Sufjan Stevens’ concept album Illinois. Performances will continue through August 10 at the St. James Theatre. Meet the cast of Illinoise here!

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 illustrious career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards. She has received nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Visit" and the Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards for the same production. Rivera also garnered nominations for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "The Visit" and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for the same show. Additionally, she received nominations for various other productions, such as "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," "Nine," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," "Jerry's Girls," "The Rink," "Merlin," "Bring Back Birdie," and "Chicago." Rivera's nominations include accolades from prestigious organizations like the Helen Hayes Awards and the Theatre World Awards. Her talent and contributions to musical theatre have been recognized with nominations for a wide range of categories, showcasing her versatility and enduring impact on the Broadway stage.

What awards has Chita Rivera won?

Chita Rivera has won several awards throughout her illustrious 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, the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical from the Helen Hayes Awards for "The Visit," the Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical from the Drama Desk Awards for "Nine," the American Express Tribute from the Helen Hayes Awards, 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 "Kiss of the Spider Woman," the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards, the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical from the Tony Awards for "Kiss of the Spider Woman," 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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