Chita Rivera to Lead Kander & Ebb's The Visit Musical at Williamstown Theatre Festival in Summer 2014

Tony winner Chita Rivera will headline a John Doyle-helmed production of John Kander and Fred Ebb's The Visit at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts. Artistic Director Jenny Gersten will include the long-in-the-works musical, featuring choreography by Graciela Daniele, as part of Williamstown's 60th anniversary season in summer 2014. The Visit will play July 31 through August 17, 2014. No additional casting has been announced.

The Visit is based on the classic Friedrich Durrenmatt play (adapted by Maurice Valency) and features a book by Terrence McNally, with music by Kander and lyrics by Ebb. Claire Zachanassian is an often-widowed millionairess who pays a visit to her hardship-stricken birthplace. The locals hope she’ll bring them a new lease on life, but little do they know her offer to revitalize the town comes at a dreadful price.

Rivera was most recently seen as The Princess Puffer in the Broadway revival of Rupert Holmes' The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She earned Tony Awards for The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman. Rivera received nominations for Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, Nine, Jerry's Girls, Merlin, Bring Back Birdie, Chicago and Bye Bye Birdie.