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Chita Rivera and Stars of Broadway's The Visit Help John Kander Celebrate 88th Birthday

The legendary songwriter was treated to a cake in the shape of a piano.

John Kander gives Chita Rivera a big kiss as they pose with his piano-themed birthday cake.
John Kander gives Chita Rivera a big kiss as they pose with his piano-themed birthday cake.
(© David Gordon)

Chita Rivera and the cast of Broadway's The Visit helped composer John Kander celebrate his 88th birthday on March 18 with a small party at their rehearsal studio. The musical, which features a book by Terrence McNally and lyrics by the late Fred Ebb, begins performances March 26 at the Lyceum Theatre before opening on April 23.

The Visit, one of the final musicals of the legendary songwriting duo Kander and Ebb, tells the story of Claire Zachanassian (Rivera), the oft-widowed richest woman in the world. She returns to the hardship-stricken town of her birth, where the locals pray that her wealth will bring them a new lease on life, but the carefully plotted renewal she offers carries a dreadful price. The show is based on the 1956 play by Friedrich Dürrenmatt.

The Broadway cast also includes Roger Rees, Jason Danieley, Matthew Deming, Diana Dimarzio, David Garrison, Rick Holmes, Tom Nelis, Chris Newcomer, Aaron Ramey, Timothy Shew, Michelle Veintimilla, George Abud, Mary Beth Peil, Elena Shaddow, and John Riddle.

Directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, the musical is choreographed by Graciela Daniele.

John Kander, Chita Rivera, Terrence McNally, and the stars of The Visit have a birthday party for John Kander.
John Kander, Chita Rivera, Terrence McNally, and the stars of The Visit have a birthday party for John Kander.
(© David Gordon)

For tickets and more information, click here.

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