- 1984 - Appears on Broadway in "The Rink - a New Musical" co-starring Liza Minnelli. Her character, Anna Antonelli, is the mother of "Angela" (Liza). Rivera performs solo in songs "Chief Cook and Bottle Washer", "We Can Make It".
- She is probably best known for her work in the theatre. She was the original Anita in "West Side Story" and has also appeared in such musicals as "Pippin", "Chicago" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman". She has two Tonys.
- (July 2002) Plays Bernarda Alba in "The House of Bernarda Alba" by Federico García Lorca, adapted by Chay Yew (Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles, CA).
- She starred as Rosie (with Dick Van Dyke as Albert) in the original Broadway production of "Bye Bye Birdie".
- (May 2003) Currently appearing in the smash revival of the musical "Nine" starring Antonio Banderas.
- (2005, Sept. - ?) Stars in "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life", which opened in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre before moving to Broadway's Schoenfeld Theate in December, 2005. The original limited run in San Diego was extended twice due to the popularity of the work.
- Album: "The Legends of Broadway -- Chita Rivera"
- (1962) She appeared in the theatrical production of "Bye Bye Birdie" at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey.
- Shinbone Alley (1957). Musical. Music by George Kleinsinger. Lyrics by Joe Darion. Book by Joe Darion and Mel Brooks. Based on the "Archie and Mehitabel" stories by Don Marquis [Posthumous]. Music and Choral Direction by Maurice Levine. Music orchestrated by George Kleinsinger. Additional orchestrations by Irwin Kostal. Additional Musical Routines by John Morris. Choreographed by Joe Alexander and Rod Alexander. Broadway Theatre: 13 Apr 1957- 25 May 1957 (49 performances). Cast: Eddie Bracken(as "Archy"), Eartha Kitt (as "Mehitabel"), Jacques d'Amboise, Gwen Harmon, George S. Irving, Allegra Kent, Ross Martin (as "Broadway"), Erik Rhodes (as "Tyrone T. Tattersal"), Dorothy Aull, Julian Barry, Cathryn Damon, Jack Eddleman, Don Farnworth, Gene Gavin, Carolyn George, Harold E. Gordon, Reri Grist, Carmen Gutierrez, Buzz Halliday, Lillian Hayman, Moses LaMarr, Bruce MacKay, James Marley, Larry Montaigne, Albert Popwell, Jack Rains, Nora Reho, Howard Roberts, Dorothy Scott, James Tarbutton, Elizabeth Taylor, Claude Thompson, Elmarie Wendel, Myrna White, David Winters. Alternates: Standbys: Larry Montaigne, Tom Poston (as "Archy"), Chita Rivera (As Mehitabel). Produced by Peter Lawrence.
- (2002) She acted in Terrence McNally, John Kander, and Fred Ebb's new adaptation of the musical, "The Visit," at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. The crew included Brian MacDevit (lighting designer) and Ann Reinking (choreographer). Frank Galati was director.
- (1973) Stage Play: Sondheim: A Musical Tribute. Special/benefit. Featuring songs by Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers. Featuring songs with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Musical Director: Paul Gemignani. Special arrangements by Jonathan Tunick. Choreographed by Donna McKechnie. Directed by Burt Shevelove. Shubert Theatre: 11 Mar 1973 (1 performance). Cast: George Lee Andrews, Leonard Bernstein (as "Special Guest"), Larry Blyden (as "Performer"), Susan Browning, Len Cariou, Jack Cassidy (as "Performer"), Dorothy Collins, Steve Elmore, Harvey Evans, George Furth (as "Special Guest"), Hermione Gingold (as "Performer"), James Goldman, Laurence Guittard, Pamela Hall, Sheldon Harnick (as "Special Guest"), Ron Holgate, Beth Howland (as "Performer"), Glynis Johns (as "Performer"), Justine Johnston, Larry Kert, Mark Lambert, Angela Lansbury (as "Performer"), Goddard Lieberson, Victoria Mallory, Mary McCarty, Donna McKechnie, John McMartin, Pamela Myers, Anthony Perkins (as "Special Guest"), Kurt Peterson, Alice Playten, Harold Prince (as "Special Guest"), Teri Ralston, Chita Rivera (as "Performer"), Mary Rodgers (as "Special Guest"), Marti Rolph, Virginia Sandifur, Burt Shevelove (as "Special Guest"), Diana Shumlin (as "Special Guest"), Ethel Shutta, Alexis Smith, Tony Stevens, Jule Styne (as "Special Guest"), Nancy Walker. Produced by Kurt Peterson. Produced in association with Craig Zadan and Neil Appelbaum.
- (1958) She acted in Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's musical, "West Side Story," at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, England with George Chakiris and Marlys Watters in the cast.
- (June 15, 1961) She acted in Charles Strouse's musical, "Bye Bye Birdie," at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, England with Peter Marshall and Angela Baddeley in the cast.
- Chicago (1975). Musical comedy. Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse. Music by John Kander. Lyrics by Fred Ebb. Based on the play "Chicago" by Maurine Dallas Watkins. Musical Director: Stanley Lebowsky. Music orchestrated by Ralph Burns. Dance arrangements by Peter Howard. Choreographed by Bob Fosse. Assistant Choreographer: Tony Stevens. Scenic Design by Tony Walton. Costume Design by Patricia Zipprodt. Lighting Design by Jules Fisher. Sound Design by Abe Jacob. Hair Design by Romaine Green. Assistant Scenic Design: John Kasarda. Directed by Bob Fosse. 46th Street Theatre: 3 Jun 1975- 27 Aug 1977 (936 performances + 24 previews that began on 12 May 1975). Cast: Jerry Orbach (as "Billy Flynn"), Chita Rivera (as "Velma Kelly"), Gwen Verdon (as "Roxie Hart"), Barney Martin (as "Amos Hart"), Mary McCarty (as "Matron"), M. O'Haughey (as "Mary Sunshine"), Candy Brown (as "June"), Hank Brunjes (as "Dance Alternate"), Christopher Chadman (as "Fred Casely"), Cheryl Clark (as "Liz"), Graciela Daniele (as "Hunyak"), Gene Foote (as "Aaron"), Gary Gendell (as "Court Clerk"), Richard Korthaze (as "Sergeant Fogarty"), Michon Peacock (as "Annie"), Charlene Ryan (as "Go-To-Hell-Kitty"), Ron Schwinn (as "Judge"), Paul Solen (as "Harry"), Pamela Sousa (as "Mona"), Monica Tiller (as "Dance Alternate"), Michael Vita (as "Martin Harrison"). Standbys: Marsha Bagwell (as "Mary Sunshine/Matron"), Lenora Nemetz (as "Roxie Hart"). Understudies: Richard Korthaze (as "Amos Hart"), Michon Peacock (as "Velma Kelly"). Replacement actors during production run: Mace Barrett, Joan Bell (as "Annie") [from 10 May 1976- ?], Georgia Creighton (as "Matron") [from Jul 1977- ?], Rex Everhart (as "Amos Hart") [from 20 Feb 1976- ?], Fern Fitzgerald (as "Go-To-Hell-Kitty"), Richard Korthaze (as "Amos Hart") [from Aug 1977- ?], Debra Lyman (as "Mona"), Peter Marinos (as "Mary Sunshine") [from 17 May 1976- ?], Liza Minnelli (as "Roxie Hart"), [from 8 Aug 1975- 13 Sep 1975], Lenora Nemetz (as "Roxie Hart") [from 30 Jul 1975- ?] (and as "Velma Kelly") [from 28 Jul 1976- ?], Gena Ramsel (as "Go-To-Hell-Kitty"), Alaina Reed (as "Matron") [from 10 Jan 1977- 13 Jul 1977], Ann Reinking (as "Roxie Hart") [from 7 Feb 1977- ?], Gwen Verdon (as "Roxie Hart") [from 15 Sep 1975 - ?]. Standbys: Elaine Cancilla (as "Velma Kelly"), Steve Elmore (as "Billy Flynn"), Peter Marinos (as "Mary Sunshine"), Candace Tovar (as "Roxie Hart"). Produced by Robert Fryer and James Cresson. Produced in association with Martin Richards, Joseph Harris and Ira Bernstein. Note: Filmed as Chicago (2002).
- The Rink (1984). Musical. Book by Terrence McNally. Lyrics by Fred Ebb. Music by John Kander. Choreographed by Graciela Daniele. Assistant Choreographer: Tina Paul. Directed by A.J. Antoon. Martin Beck Theatre: 9 Feb 1984- 4 Aug 1984 (204 performances + 29 previews that began on 12 Jan 1984. Cast: Liza Minnelli (as "Angel"), Chita Rivera (as "Anna"), Jason Alexander (as "Lino/Wrecker/Lenny/Punk/Uncle Fausto"), Ronn Carroll (as "Ben/Wrecker/Dino's Father/Mrs. Silverman/Sister Philomena"), Scott Ellis (as "Lucky/Wrecker/Sugar/Punk/Arnie/Suitor/Bobby Perillo/Danny"), Kim Hauser (as "Little Girl"), Scott Holmes (as "Guy/Wrecker/Dino/Father Rocco/Debbie Duberman"), Mel Johnson Jr. (as "Buddy/Wrecker/Hiram/Mrs. Jackson/Charlie/Suitor/Junior Miller"), Frank Mastrocola (as "Tony/Wrecker/Tom/Punk/Suitor/Peter Reilly"). Standbys: Patti Karr (as "Anna"), Lenora Nemetz (as "Angel"). Understudies: Rob Marshall (as "Lino/Lucky/Tony"), Frank Mastrocola (as "Guy"), Kimi Parks (as "Little Girl"), Jim Tushar (as "Ben/Buddy"). Replacement actors during run: Stockard Channing (as "Angel"), Scott Ellis (as "Mrs. Antonelli"), Standby: Mary Testa (as "Angel"). Frank Mastrocola (as "Danny"), Kimi Parks (as "Little Girl"). Standby: Mary Testa (as "Angel"). Understudy: Barclay DeVeau (as "Little Girl"). Produced by Jules Fisher, Roger Berlind, Joan Cullman, Milbro Productions and Kenneth-John Productions (Kenneth D. Greenblatt: President. John J. Pomerantz: Executive Vice President). Produced in association with Jonathan Farkas and Jujamcyn Theaters (under the direction of Richard G. Wolff, President). Associate Producer: Tina Chen.
- (October 20, 1976) Guest on the daytime talk program "Midday!". Also appearing on the program were Marilyn Michaels and Bob Fearon.
- (1956) Stage Play: Mr. Wonderful. Musical comedy. Book by Joseph Stein and Will Glickman. Music by Larry Holofcener, Jerry Bock [earliest Broadway credit] and George David Weiss [credited as George Weiss] (earliest Broadway credit). Lyrics by Jerry Bock, Lawrence Holofcener [credited as Larry Holofcener] and George David Weiss. Musical Director: Morton L. Stevens. Music orchestrated by Ted Royal and Morton Stevens [credited as Morton L. Stevens] (final Broadway credit). Production Conceived by Jule Styne. Featuring songs by Sam Coslow ("Sing, You Sinners"), W. Franke Harling ("Sing, You Sinners"), Sid Kuller ("Daddy, Uncle and Me"), Arthur Hammerstein ("Because of You"), Dudley Wilkinson ("Because of You"), Harold Arlen ("That Old Black Magic"), Johnny Mercer ("That Old Black Magic"), Buddy G. DeSylva ("Birth of the Blues"), Lew Brown ("Birth of the Blues"), Ray Henderson ("Birth of the Blues"), Cole Porter ("It's All Right With Me"), Benny Davis ("Dearest"), Harry Akst ("Dearest"), George Gershwin ("Liza"), Ira Gershwin ("Liza") and Gus Kahn ("Liza"). Scenic Design by Oliver Smith. Costume Design by Robert Mackintosh. Lighting Design by Peggy Clark. Directed by Jack Donohue. Broadway Theatre: 22 Mar 1956- 23 Feb 1957 (383 performances). Cast: Jack Carter (as "Fred Campbell") [only Broadway role], Sammy Davis Jr. (as "Charlie Welch") [Broadway debut], Olga James (as "Ethel Pearson"), The Will Mastin Trio, Chita Rivera (as "Rita Romano"), Marvin Arnold (as "Hoofer"), Malcolm Lee Beggs (as "Mr. Foster") [final Broadway role], Ann Buckles (as "Unemployed Actress"), Marilyn Cooper (as "Little Girl"), Richard Curry (as "Song Plugger"), Sammy Davis, Sr. (as "Dad"), Dorothy D'Honau (as "Acrobat"), Rina Falcone (as "Soprano"), Herb Fields (as "Counterman"), Tempy Fletcher (as "Dancer"), Charlotte Foley (as "Annie's Friend"), Harold Gordon (as "Bop Musician"), Shirley Graser (as "Dancer"), Jerri Gray (as "Cigarette Girl"), T.J. Halligan (as "Talent Scout"), Suan Hartman (as "Dancer"), Bob Kole (as "Stage Manager"), Gail Kuhr (as "Sister"), Ronnie Lee (as "Sophie's Boy"), Barbara Leigh (as "Sister"), Bob Leslie (as "A Comic"), Larry B. Leslie (as "A Comic"), Hal Loman (as "Hal"), Pat Marshall (as "Lil Campbell"), Frank Marti (as "Stagehand"), Will Mastin (as "Uncle"), Sherry McCutcheon (as "Sister"), Sally Neal (as "Dancer"), John Pelletti (as "Johnnie"), Ginny Perlowin (as "Script Girl"), Albert Popwell (as "Bop Musician"), Bill Reilly (as "Hoofer"), Patti Ann Rita (as "Dancer"), Tony Rossi (as "Stagehand"), Sylvia Shay (as "Dancer"), Karen Shepard (as "A Singer"), Claude Thompson (as "Bop Musician"), Jimmie Thompson (as "Hoofer"), Patti Wharton (as "Dancer"), Pat Wilkes (as "Audition Annie"). Understudies: T.J. Halligan (as "Mr. Foster"), Bob Leslie (as "Fred Campbell"), Jimmie Thompson (as "Hal"), George Watts (as "Dad/Uncle"), Patti Wharton (as "Rita Romano"), Pat Wilkes (as "Lil Campbell"), Louise Woods (as "Ethel Pearson"). Replacement actors: Bob Burkhardt (as "Hal/Agent"), Charlotte Foley (as "Audition Annie"), T.J. Halligan (as "Mr. Foster [from 28 May 1956- ?], Larry Kert (as "Stagehand"), Larry B. Leslie (as "Talent Scout"), Jackie McElroy (as "A Singer"), Kay Medford (as "Lil Campbell"), Gary Morton (as "A Comic/Talent Scout"), Robert Neukum (as "Stage Manager"), Lew Parker (as "Fred Campbell"), Elizabeth Taylor (as "Dancer/ Soprano"). Understudies: Ann Buckles (as "Lil Campbell"), Rina Falcone (as "Unemployed Actress"), Bob Leslie (as "Mr. Foster/Bartender"), Joan Morton (as "Rita Romano"). Produced by Jule Styne and George Gilbert. Produced in association with Lester Osterman Jr. Note: Filmed by The Samuel Goldwyn Co. as Mr. Wonderful (1993).
- (1960) Stage Play: Bye Bye Birdie. Musical comedy. Book by Michael Stewart. Music by Charles Strouse. Lyrics by Lee Adams. Musical Director: Elliot Lawrence. Music orchestrated by Robert Ginzler. Dance arrangements by John Morris. Additional scoring by Elliot Lawrence. Scenic Design by Robert Randolph. Costume Design by Miles White. Choreographed by Gower Champion. Associate Choreographer: Gene Bayliss. Directed by Gower Champion. Martin Beck Theatre (moved to The 54th Street Theatre from 24 Oct 1960- 14 Jan 1961, then moved to Shubert Theatre from 16 Jan 1961- close): 14 Apr 1960- 7 Oct 1961 (607 performances). Cast: Chita Rivera (as "Rose Grant"), Dick Van Dyke (as "Albert Peterson"), Dick Gautier [credited as Dick Gautier] (as "Conrad Birdie"), Paul Lynde (as "Mr. MacAfee"), Kay Medford (as "Mae Peterson"), Michael J. Pollard (as "Hugo Peabody"), Susan Watson (as "Kim MacAfee"), Jessica Albright (as "Deborah Sue/Teen Trio"), Ed Becker (as "Neighbor/Dish Washer"), Vicki Belmonte (as "Martha Louise/Teen Trio"), George Blackwell (as "Charles F. Maude/Neighbor"), Johnny Borden (as "Randolph MacAfee"), Lynn Bowin (as "Suzie/Cheerleader"), Kenny Burrell (as "Guitar Man"), John Coyle (as "Reporter/Shriner"), Dick Crowley (as "Shriner"), Dori Davis (as "Old Woman"), Jerry Dodge (as "Karl"), Barbara Doherty (as "Ursula Merkle"), Lada Edmund (as "Penelope Ann"), Tracy Everitt (as "Freddie"), Don Farnworth (as "Reporter/Shriner"), Bud Fleming (as "Shriner"), Penny Ann Green (as "Carol"), Amelia Haas (as "Mayor's Wife/Neighbor"), Lee Howard (as "Reporter/Neighbor/Bar Customer"), Gary Howe (as "Peyton"), Will Jordan (as "Ed Sullivan's Voice"), Judy Keirn (as "Linda/Cheerleader"), Allen Knowles (as "Mayor/Shriner"), Kasimir Kokich (as "Conductor/Shriner"), Ed Kresley (as "Henry"), Sharon Lerit (as "Alice/Sad Girl"), Marijane Maricle (as "Mrs. MacAfee") [final Broadway role], Marissa Mason (as "Nancy"), Jeannine Masterson (as "Neighbor"), Pat McEnnis (as "Mrs. Merkle"), Tony Mordente (as "TV Stage Manager"), Oran Osburn (as "Neighbor/Bar Customer"), Louise Quick (as "Margie Ann/Teen Trio"), Charles Nelson Reilly (as "Mr. Henkel"), Norma Richardson (as "Gloria Rasputin"), Jim Sisco (as "Reporter/Shriner"), Bob Spencer (as "Arthur"), Dean Stolber (as "Harvey"), Michael Vita (as "Harold"), Karin Wolfe (as "Helen/Another Sad Girl"). Swings: Penny Ann Green (Swing) and Ed Kresley (Swing). Standbys: Carmen Alvarez Block (as "Rose Grant") and Charles Nelson Reilly (as "Albert Peterson"). Understudies: Jessica Albright (as "Ursula Merkle"), Ed Becker (as "Charles F. Maude"), Lynn Bowin (as "Gloria Rasputin"), Don Farnworth (as "Mayor"), Bud Fleming (as "How to Kill a Man Ballet"), Amelia Haas (as "Mrs. Merkle), Lee Howard (as "Mr. Henkel/Mr. MacAfee"), Ed Kresley (as "Conrad Birdie"), Jeannine Masterson (as "Mrs. MacAfee"), Pat McEnnis (as "Mae Peterson"), Bob Spencer (as "Harvey"), Dean Stolber (as "Hugo Peabody/Randolph MacAfee"), Michael Vita (as "TV Stage Manager") and Karin Wolfe (Kim MacAfee"). Produced by Edward V. Padula. Replacement actors [during Martin Beck Theatre run]: Ed Kresley (as "TV Stage Manager"). [During 54th Street Theatre run:] Understudy: Vicki Belmonte (as "Kim MacAfee"). [During Shubert Theatre run:] Jill Choder (as "Another Sad Girl"), Kay Cole (as "Sad Girl"), Beth Howland (as "Carol"), Bill Joyce (as "Reporter/Shriner"), Bob Mariano (as "Harvey"), Patti Mariano, Jacqueline Mayro (as "Ursula Merkle"), Dick Patterson (as "Albert Peterson"), Barry Pearl (as "Randolph MacAfee") [Aug 1961- 7 Oct 1961] (Broadway debut), Gene Rayburn (as "Albert Peterson") [only Broadway role], Lori Rogers (as "Nancy"), Marilyn Siskin (as "Another Sad Girl/Helen"), Gretchen Wyler (as "Rose Grant"). Swing: Beth Howland. Understudies: Bill Joyce (as "Mayor"), Bob Mariano (as "Hugo Peabody/Randolph MacAfee"). Produced in association with L. Slade Brown. Note: Filmed by Columbia Pictures as Bye Bye Birdie (1963).
- (1992) She acted in John Kander and Fred Ebb's musical, "The Kiss of the Spiderwoman," at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London, England with Brent Carver and Anthony Crivello in the cast. Harold Prince was director.
- (1962) She acted in Johnny Green's musical, "Bye Bye Birdie," at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey with Tom Poston and Selma Diamond in the cast. Duane Camp was director.
- (March 16 to April 21, 1996) She acted in the musical, "The Kiss of the Spider Woman," at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, California with Juan Chiron and Dorian Harewood in the cast. Harold Prince was director. Terrence McNally wrote the book. John Kander was composer. Fred Ebb was lyricist. Rob Bowman was musical director. Vincent Paterson and Rob Marshall were choreographers. Howell Binkley was lighting designer. Florence Klotz was costume designer.
- (2005 to 2006 Winter) Terrence McNally's play, "Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life," was performed in a world premiere production at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California. Jack O'Brien was artistic director. Graciela Daniels was director.
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