Producer Daniel Nardicio will present “Chita: Nowadays”, marking the first time Broadway legend Chita Rivera will headline the iconic venue Carnegie Hall, on Monday, November 7, 2016 at 8:00 PM. The two-time Tony Award winner will welcome guests Alan Cumming and Andy Karl, with other leading men to be announced.
“Chita: Nowadays” – which features signature favorites, new selections and special collaborations with her guests, plus a very unique version of the West Side Story classic “America” – will be directed by Graciela Daniele with music director Michael Croiter leading a 15-piece band. Tickets are now on sale August 11 at www.ChitaInConcert.com.
Ms. Rivera commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to play one of the most prestigious venues in the world, Carnegie Hall. We’re going to have a ball!”
“Chita is a national treasure, musical theater goddess, and as anyone who knows her can attest, one incredible lady,” says producer Daniel Nardicio. “Once I tackled Carnegie Hall with Alan Cumming and we nailed it with a sold-out show, speaking with friend, and Chita’s music director, Michael Croiter we came up with the idea to honor Chita’s career in a huge celebration.”
Chita Rivera, an accomplished and versatile actress/singer/dancer, has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical and received eight additional Tony nominations for an exceptional 10 Tony nominations. She recently starred in The Visit, the final John Kander/Fred Ebb/Terrence McNally musical directed by John Doyle and choreographed by Graciela Daniele on Broadway (2015), following the acclaimed production at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in the summer of 2014. She starred in the Broadway revival of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer’s Life, a dazzling new 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 11) before receiving a scholarship to the School of American Ballet from legendary 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. She received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in 2002 and was the first Hispanic woman chosen to receive this award. In 2015, Great Performances aired their special Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin’ To Do, a retrospective on her extraordinary life and career nationally on PBS. Chita’s current solo CD is entitled And Now I Swing. Her most treasured production is her daughter, singer/dancer/choreographer Lisa Mordente.
Daniel Narcidio segued into concerts in 2012 after 15 years in nightlife. He has had the incredible fortune of working with John Waters, Chita Rivera, Margaret Cho, Liza Minnelli, Alan Cumming, Lynda Carter, Peaches, Bridget Everett, Carol Channing, Lady Gaga, Vivian Reed, Christine Ebersole and Billy Stritch. He recently presented “Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs” at Carnegie Hall with special guests Kristin Chenoweth, Darren Criss and Ricki Lake.
Chita: Nowadays will be presented at Carnegie Hall for one night only Monday, November 7, 2016 at 8:00 PM. The venue is located at 881 Seventh Avenue at 57th Street. Tickets are $49 to $135. Premium seat packages that include admission to the after party and signed CDs are also available. Visit www.ChitaInConcert.com for more information.
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