AKA: Chita O'Hara, Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero, Conchita del Rivero
Nationality: American
Birthdate: 01/23/1933
Birthplace: Washington, DC, USA
biography
Dynamic Latina dancer-singer-actress, a staple of Broadway musicals for four decades. Shortly after studying for several years at George Balanchine's American School of Ballet, Rivera made her Broadway debut in "Call Me Madam" (1952). A sinuous dancer very much in the vein standardized by Jerome Robbins and later Bob Fosse, Rivera brought her fiery energy to many Broadway and regional productions, including originating the role of Anita in "West Side Story" (1959), "Can Can", "Mr. Wonderful", "Bye, Bye Birdie" (as Spanish Rose), "Shinebone Alley", "Chicago" (as Velma), "Merlin", "Jerry's
Performed in the national touring show of "Call Me Madam", first with Ethel Merman, then Elaine Stritch in lead role; billed as Conchita del Rivero
1953
Was briefly featured in "Guys and Dolls" before moving to the chorus of "Can-Can"
1955
Appeared in the ensemble of the Off-Broadway show "The Shoestring Revue"; for three days billed as Chita O'Hara before adopting current stage name
1957
Breakthrough stage role, Anita in "West Side Story"; reprised part in London production in 1958
Was active on TV variety shows of the late 1950s and early 1960s; also made occasional dramatic appearances on such anthology shows as "The Outer Limits" (as Mrs. Dame in the episode, "The Bellero Shield")
