Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life Dick Van Dyke to make four guest appearances

Chita Rivera will reunite with her legendary Bye, Bye Birdie co-star when Dick Van Dyke makes a special guest appearance in Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life, it has been announced by the show's producers.

Mr. Van Dyke will appear in the musical for four performances from Tue 24 - Thu 26 Jan 2006.

In a statement, Ms. Rivera, who played 'Rosie,' opposite Van Dyke's 'Albert,' said, "I loved every performance of Birdie that I did with Dick, and am thrilled that we will be together again on stage!"

Mr. Van Dyke's last Broadway appearance was more than 25 years ago, in the revival of The Music Man.

Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on the 11 Dec 2005, following previews from the 23 Nov. The show is currently booking to the 11 Jun 2006.

Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life celebrates the life and career of Chita Rivera, one of America's most beloved stage performers. This musical offers its audience a rare look into that moment when great musical numbers in the theatre were born, as related and performed by the woman for whom they were written.

As an aspiring 17-year-old ballerina, Chita Rivera decided to accompany a friend to an audition for the chorus of Call Me Madam without any serious intention of pursuing a part in the show. Jerome Robbins took one look, cast her as a principal dancer, and the rest is theatre history.

The musical is written by four time Tony Award-winner Terrence McNally, with music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The show is directed and choreographed by Graciela Daniele.

Starring Chita Rivera the cast also features Richard Amaro, Cleve Asbury, Lloyd Culbreath, Madeleine Ehlert, Malinda Farrington, Edgard Gallardo, Deidre Goodwin, Richard Montoya, Liana Ortiz, Lainie Sakakura, Alex Sanchez and Allyson Tucker-Mitchell.

Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life features scenic design by Loy Arcenas, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer and sound design by Scott Lehrer. Musical direction is by Mark Hummel.

The musical is produced on Broadway by West Egg Entertainment, The Producer Circle Co., Chase Mishkin and Stage Ventures III; with Marty Bell and Aldo Scrofani as Executive Producers.