Rivera, who has made her mark as an actor, singer and dancer, has won Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and Helen Hayes Awards and has the distinction of being the first Hispanic woman to receive the Kennedy Center Honors. The evening honoring Rivera, held at the Priam Vineyard in Connecticut, will support the development of new works and emerging artists in musical theatre. The gala will include cocktails, dinner and special entertainment.

Goodspeed executive director Michael Gennaro stated, “Goodspeed is truly honored to present this award to Chita Rivera. Chita is an extraordinary artist and performer and one of the most celebrated dancers ever to grace the Broadway stage. This is the perfect year to celebrate Chita’s legendary career as we are producing two shows in which she starred —Anything Goes as Reno Sweeney and Bye Bye Birdie where she originated the role of Rosie Alvarez.”

This year’s honorary committee includes Lee Adams; Graciela Daniele; Maurice Hines, Jr.; John Kander; David Krane; Rob Marshall; Hal Prince; Ann Reinking and Charles Strouse.

Previous honorees include Julie Andrews, Martin Charnin, Kristin Chenoweth, Ira Gershwin, Sheldon Harnick, Jerry Herman, William Ivey Long, Thomas Meehan, Michael P. Price, Gerald Schoenfeld, Stephen Schwartz, Susan Stroman, Charles Strouse, Tommy Tune, Tony Walton and Paul Williams.