The Visit’s Chita Rivera, An American in Paris & Curious Incident Among 2015 Drama League Award Winners

The Visit headliner Chita Rivera received the prestigious Distinguished Performance Award at the 81st annual Drama League Awards on May 15. Rivera was one of 47 nominees for the top honor, which a performer can only win once in his or her lifetime. Additionally, An American in Paris, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and the revivals of The King and I and You Can’t Take It With You were presented with trophies.

Prior to The Visit, Rivera was seen on Broadway as The Princess Puffer in the revival of Rupert Holmes’ The Mystery of Edwin Drood. She earned Tony Awards for two other Kander and Ebb musicals: The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman. Her performance as Claire Zachanassian in The Visit marks her tenth Tony nomination; her previous nods include Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, Nine, Jerry's Girls, Merlin, Bring Back Birdie, Chicago and Bye Bye Birdie.

The ceremony was hosted by Hand to God star Steven Boyer. Neil Patrick Harris, who took home the Distinguished Performance Award last year, served as this year’s presenter for the honor. Zachary Quinto presented the four production awards. The ceremony also honored legendary performer Joel Grey, director Stephen Daldry and WNET’s Neal Shapiro and David Horn.

Distinguished Performance Award
Chita Rivera for The Visit

Distinguished Production of a Musical
An American in Paris

Distinguished Production of a Play
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Distinguished Revival of a Musical
The King and I

Distinguished Revival of a Play
You Can’t Take It With You