Broadway Across America - Miami, in association with Moet & Chandon, presents the legendary Chita Rivera in The Dancer's Life at Miami's Carnival Center For The Performing Arts.

The Dancer's Life had its world premiere at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California. Written by Terrence McNally, with musical concepts and arrangements by Mark Hummel, it also features some original songs by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The show is a celebration of Miss Rivera's personal and professional life, and a tribute to the people with whom she has worked.

Chita Rivera has won two Tony Awards (Kiss Of The Spider Woman and The Rink), and received seven additional Tony nominations. She received her ninth Tony nomination for the Broadway production of Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life. In December of 2002 she received the coveted Kennedy center Honor in Washington, DC.

Miss Rivera made her first Broadway appearance at age 17 in the chorus of Call Me Madam. Her performance as Anita in West Side Story brought her to stardom. Her Broadway career is highlighted by appearances in Bye Bye Birdie, Jerry's Girls, Mr. Wonderful and Seventh Heaven. She created the role of Velma Kelly in the original Broadway production of Chicago, and played Nickie in the film version of Sweet Charity.

At 74 years old, Chita still dances with considerable youth. Songs like "A Boy Like That" provide the opportunity for her to show her singing voice while providing drama as well. The musical arrangement and choreography for her tango version of "More Than You Know" is particularly good. Her storytelling is entertaining and engaging, and her dancing still heartfelt after decades of performing. The evening's show at the Carnival Center was received with a standing ovation that showed appreciation for not just one evening's performance, but for the impressive body of work that is she has shared with so many audiences.

The Dancer's Life appeared from January 2, 2007 - January 7, 2007 at the Carnival Center For Performing Arts in Miami, FL. For information on the many diverse offerings of the Carnival center, you may contact them at 305-949-6072, or on line at www.carnivalcenter.org. For information on the Broadway Across America series, you may go to www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

Cast
Chita Rivera
Ensemble: Richard Amaro, Lloyd Culbreath, Raymond Del Barrio, Carolyn Doherty, Pascale Faye, Richard Montoya, April L. Nixon, Jennifer Savelli

Crew
Director / Choreographer: Graciela Daniele*
Musical Direction: Gordon N. Twist
Scenic Design: Loy Arcenas+
Lighting Design: Beverly Emmons+
Sound Design: Duncan Robert Edwards+
Costume Design: Toni-Leslie James+
Production Stage Manager: Arturo E. Porazzi

All of the performers and stage managers in this production are members of the Actor's Equity Association, the union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

*Indicates a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent labor union.

+Indicates a member of the United Scenic Artists.

See the current theatre season schedule for southern Florida.

-- John Lariviere