Chorus Line Star Donna McKechnie Will Be Chita Rivera's Standby in Broadway's The Visit

Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie (A Chorus Line) has been announced as the standby for Chita Rivera's lead role of Claire Zachannassian in The Visit on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre. Previews begin March 26 with an opening night set for April 23.

The Visit is one of the final musicals of the legendary songwriting pair John Kander and Fred Ebb. In addition to Rivera, the production will star Roger Rees. Both stars appeared in the Williamstown Theatre Festival production. The cast also includes Jason Danieley, Matthew Deming, Diana Dimarzio, David Garrison, Rick Holmes, Tom Nelis, Chris Newcomer, Aaron Ramey, Timothy Shew, and Michelle Veintimilla.

The Visit follows the oft-widowed richest woman in the world. When she returns to the hardship-stricken town of her birth, 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.

Directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, the musical features a book by Terrence McNally and choreography by Graciela Daniele.

Donna McKechnie is a beloved Broadway veteran who won a Tony for originating the role of Cassie in A Chorus Line.

"The tradition of an actor standing by, should the star not be able to perform, though unlikely in Ms. Rivera’s case, has been turned on its ear by this news. We are ecstatic that Donna is joining our company," said producer Tom Kirdahy in a statement.

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