For Immediate Release: December 11, 2006
Media Contact: Ellen Gilbert, The Merriam Theater, 215.732.5997

CHITA RIVERA IN THE ROLE SHE WAS BORN TO PLAY! Newsweek hails her as "the greatest musical dancer ever!" Now, direct from Broadway, two-time Tony Award® winner Chita Rivera is coming to The Merriam Theater as part of the Broadway Across America - Philadelphia 06-07 Season for one-week only January 14-19 in a dazzling new musical that celebrates her astonishing career. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through authorized sellers found only at the Merriam Theater Box Office at 250 S. Broad Street, all Ticketmaster Outlets, by phone at 215-336-1234 and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/Philadelphia.

CHITA RIVERA: THE DANCER'S LIFE, a musical celebrating the life and career of one of America's most beloved stage performers, is written by four time Tony Award-winner Terrence McNally, and directed and choreographed by Graciela Daniele.

This musical, featuring a cast of Broadway's most talented singers and dancers, offers its audience a rare look into that moment when great musical numbers in the theatre were born, as related and performed by the woman for whom they were created. CHITA RIVERA: THE DANCER'S LIFE is a magical tour through landmark creations in the American theatre that were helmed by some of the greatest talents in its history, including Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Bob Fosse, Gower Champion and Michael Kidd and features new songs by the Tony Award-winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Along the way, Rivera and company will celebrate some of her most stunning and legendary Broadway performances - from West Side Story to Chicago to Kiss Of The Spider Woman.

As an aspiring 17-year-old ballerina, Chita Rivera decided to accompany a friend to an audition for the chorus of Call Me Madam without any serious intention of pursuing a part in the show. Jerome Robbins took one look, cast her as a principal dancer, and the rest is theatre history. She has received two Tony Awards, seven additional Tony nominations and the Kennedy Center Honor. Throughout her 50 year career, Chita has been referred to by critics as no less than "a force of nature" and a "true Broadway star."

CHITA RIVERA: THE DANCER'S LIFE features scenic design by Loy Arcenas, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Beverly Emmons on the original design of Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer, sound design by Duncan Robert Edwards and musical direction by Gordon N. Twist.

Showtimes for CHITA RIVERA: THE DANCER'S LIFE are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and range in price from $25-$73.50. Purchase tickets only from an authorized ticket seller at the Merriam Theater Box Office at 250 S. Broad Street in Philadelphia, all Ticketmaster Outlets, by phone at 215-336-1234 in PA, 856-338-9000 in NJ, or 302-984-2000 in DE, or at www.ticketmaster.com or www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com/Philadelphia.

CHITA RIVERA: THE DANCER'S LIFE is sponsored locally by CBS3, KYW Newsradio, The Inquirer and Ruth's Chris Steak House.

This production is presented as part of the Broadway Across America - Philadelphia 06-07 Season at the Merriam Theater. For season ticket information, call 888-451-5761.

About Broadway Across America
Broadway Across America presents first-rate touring Broadway shows, family productions and other live theatrical events throughout a network of 51 North American cities. A leader in subscription series programs and group ticketing, Broadway Across America is dedicated to creating memorable and accessible experiences for all guests, selling over 5 million tickets to over 3,000 performances each year. Broadway Across America is a division of Live Nation (NYSE: LYV), a leading live content and distribution company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

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