Signature Theatre (Arlington, VA)
Two-time Tony winners and Broadway legends Chita Rivera and George Hearn star in this new musical based on one of the 20th century's great plays. Driven from her hometown in disgrace as a teenager, Claire grows to become the richest woman in the world. Many decades later, she returns to her downtrodden hometown, where she faces much more than she expected.
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Such a great theater--loved the intimate feeling. Thank you--what a good choice for a venue. We look forward to more events at the Signature Theater
An enjoyable evening ... the seating is intimate ... and the singing and staging was excellent ... a bit/lot disturbing subject matter ... but intersting ... and seeing the actors up close, got you more into the story ...
First rate show with a first rate cast (not just the stars but also the supporting players). As expected, the music was incredible and it's a crime that The Visit is not as well known. A big Bravo to Kander and Ebb and especially Signature Theater.
Expanding artistic vision, deepening service to the community and growing audiences have led Signature to a unique partnership with Arlington County and the development of an exciting new home for Signature. The complex, located in the Village at Shirlington, features two black box theatres, expanded facilities for artists, production and education, and ample parking in a community-centered, se
Claire Zachanassian was driven from her hometown in disgrace when she was 17, having been betrayed by her lover. Several decades and seven husbands later, Zachanassian has become the richest woman in the world, yet her hometown has fallen on hard times. When Zachanassian returns with an offer to save the town, she finds that salvation comes with an outrageous price tag.
Book by Terrence McNally
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Based on the play by Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Adapted by Maurice Valency
Choreographed by Ann Reinking
Directed by Frank Galati
Chita Rivera (Claire) created the role of Claire in the original production of The Visit at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. An accomplished and versatile actress/singer/dancer, Rivera has won two Tony Awards as Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Kiss of the Spider Woman and The Rink) and received seven additional Tony nominations. She recently starred in the Broadway and touring productions of The Dancer’s Life, a dazzling new musical celebrating her spectacular career, written by Terence McNally and directed by Graciela Daniele. Rivera received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor in Washington, DC, in December 2002, and is the first Hispanic ever chosen to receive this award. She recently starred in the revival of the Broadway musical Nine with Antonio Banderas. She trained as a ballerina (from age 11) before receiving a scholarship to the American School of Ballet from legendary George Balanchine. Rivera’s first appearance (age 17) was in the chorus of Call Me Madam. Her electric performance as Anita in the Broadway premiere of West Side Story (1957) brought her stardom, which she repeated in London. Her career is highlighted by starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, Jerry’s Girls and Mr. Wonderful and the original Broadway casts of Guys and Dolls, Can-Can, Seventh Heaven. On tour: Born Yesterday, The Rose Tattoo, Call Me Madam, Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate, Zorba and Can-Can with The Rockettes.
George Hearn (Anton): Broadway: A Time For Singing, The Changing Room, I Remember Mama, Ah Wilderness, The Diary of Ann Frank, Sweeney Todd, La Cage Aux Folles (Tony Award, Best Actor), Sunset Boulevard (Tony Award, Best Supporting Actor), Putting It Together (Tony nomination), Wicked. TV: "Law and Order SVU"; "The Golden Girls"; "Sweeney Todd" (Emmy Award); "Sarah, Plain and Tall." Film: "The Devil’s Own," "See You in the Morning," "The Vanishing," "Flags of our Fathers."
Signature is a theatrical force renowned for reinventing classic musicals and inventing new voices. Combining Broadway-quality productions with an intimate playing space, Signature provides experiences that are moving and genuine, gutsy and surprising. In 1989, Signature began life as part of the Arlington Arts Incubator program with just 136 subscribers. Now in its 16th season under Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer, more than 4,500 subscribers and a budget of $2.9 million, Signature Theatre earns rave reviews in The New York Times, Variety, The Washington Post and other world-class publications. In addition to the finest local talent, Signature has been a home to such luminaries as Cameron Mackintosh, Stephen Sondheim, Terrence McNally, John Kander and the late Fred Ebb. With 50 Helen Hayes Awards and 209 nominations to its credit, Signature was honored by the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation for "its artistic vision and commitment to the support and development of musical theatre artists."
