Nominations for the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards will be revealed by Bebe Neuwirth. The two-time Tony Award-winning performer will make the announcement on April 29 at 1 p.m. on ABC News’ “GMA3: What You Need to Know.” An April 26 announcement date was previously announced. Winners will be named at an awards ceremony on May 20 at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
Neuwirth’s Broadway career has been marked by many dance-heavy roles. She won a Tony for the featured role of Nickie in the 1986 revival of “Sweet Charity,” as well as the 1997 Tony as Lead Actress in a Musical for her turn as Velma Kelly in the currently running revival of “Chicago.” Neuwirth replaced in the original Broadway productions of “A Chorus Line,” “Dancin’” and “Fosse,” and originated roles in revivals of “Little Me” and “Damn Yankees.” Neuwirth is currently featured as Fraulein Schneider in the revival of “Cabaret.”
The awards body, which acknowledges achievement in dance and choreography, is named for two-time Tony-winning performer, Lifetime Achievement recipient and Kennedy Center Honoree Chita Rivera, who passed away in January at the age of 91. Like Neuwirth, “Chicago” and “Sweet Charity” were hallmarks of her career. Rivera originated the role of Velma Kelly in the original 1975 Broadway mounting of “Chicago.” Additionally, Rivera has played both Nickie and the titular role in “Sweet Charity”—the former in the 1969 film adaptation, and the latter in the 1967 national tour.
“While the theater and dance communities continue to mourn the loss of Chita, we are looking at this year‘s awards as a celebration of love, life and of her legacy,” expressed Joe Lanteri, founder and executive director of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, Inc., in a statement. “Chita’s performances on and off the stage have touched so many people and we have special surprises in store at this year’s awards. We also couldn’t be more thrilled that Bebe will be announcing our nominations on 'GMA3' on April 29.”
The awards encompass Broadway and Off-Broadway productions that opened in the 2023-2024 season, as well as film. Categories acknowledge choreography, featured dancers and ensembles. The cut-off date for nominators to see eligible shows is April 25.
As previously announced, Bernadette Peters is the recipient of this year’s award for lifetime achievement.
The Chita Rivera Awards is being produced by Lanteri in conjunction with Patricia Watt.
