Donna Murphy Shines at Chita Awards as Best Ensemble Presenter
Celebrating dance excellence on & off Broadway, honoring iconic artists & emerging talents
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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Murphy Takes Center Stage
Donna Murphy was honored Monday night as presenter at the 2023 Chita Rivera Awards, celebrating excellence in dance on and off Broadway and in film. The two‐time Tony Award winner took the mic to announce the coveted Best Ensemble honor, a role she described as especially meaningful given her early days as a Broadway swing and ensemble member.
Honoring The Beating Heart Of Broadway
“As someone whose first professional job was as a Broadway swing and then ensemble member, and who’s been surrounded, lifted (sometimes literally :) and AWED by the many incredible ensembles I’ve been privileged to work with over the years,” Murphy wrote on Instagram, “these amazing (Super)humans are truly the beating hearts of our shows.” The 59‐year‐old star presented this year’s Best Ensemble Award to the cast of Buena Vista Musical, praising the group’s “energy, precision, and heart.”
Lifetime Achievement Moments
The night also celebrated legend Ben Vereen, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Murphy highlighted the touching introduction by composer Stephen Schwartz and Vereen’s godson Usher. “How glorious it was to experience icon Ben Vereen receive the #LifetimeAchievementAward,” she noted. Vereen’s career spans Broadway, film, and television, and the award acknowledged his decades of influence on dance and performance.
Supporting The Next Generation
More than glitz, the evening spotlighted philanthropy through the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation. Murphy applauded the organization for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund scholarships and mentorships for young dancers. “The invaluable work that the NYCDA does to inspire, support & mentor young dancers” was a highlight, she said, calling it “a privilege to witness how these funds directly empower gifted artists.”
Early Career Highlights
Beyond the gala, Murphy’s own Broadway journey has been studded with standout roles and accolades. According to her Wikipedia profile, Murphy won her first Tony Award in 1994 as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Fosca in Passion, and later won Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 2017 for Hello, Dolly! On Instagram, she reminisced: “Passion opened on Broadway May 9, 1994. It remains one of the greatest gifts of my life, forever grateful to geniuses Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine for trusting me to originate the role of Fosca.” That post, shared along with a Richard Avedon photo from previews, underscores how formative the experience was in her career.
Style On The Red Carpet
Murphy arrived in a vibrant tangerine frock styled by Randirahm, complemented by hair and makeup from Em Katz Beauty and a striking bracelet by Donn Karan. She gave a special shout‐out to manager Kitt Relf, who accompanied her to the event. The bold hue and sleek silhouette reflected Murphy’s confidence as both a performer and presenter, drawing praise on social feeds.
Celebrating Rivera’s Legacy
Named for Broadway icon Chita Rivera, the awards have honored choreographers, dancers, and ensembles since 2001. This year’s ceremony at New York City Center featured performances from past nominees and paid tribute to Rivera’s groundbreaking work. Murphy, who first saw Rivera perform in her youth, shared admiration for her “spirit, grace, and unwavering passion.”
Murphy’s Instagram post captured backstage snapshots—her with other presenters, candid rehearsals, and the joyful moment she announced the winner. Fans flooded the comments with praise for her heartfelt tribute to ensemble artists, many recalling their own chorus‐line memories.
At a time when Broadway navigates the post‐pandemic landscape, Murphy’s words and presence reaffirmed an enduring truth: great theatre is a team sport, and every ensemble deserves its moment in the spotlight. The gala’s energy, capped by Vereen’s ovation and the fundraising success, pointed to a vibrant future for dance and musical theatre alike.
Murphy closed her post by saluting the late Chita Rivera, whose legacy “lives on and inspires.” As the curtain fell on another celebrated evening, the glow on the stage promised that mentorship, collaboration, and appreciation for dance’s unsung heroes will continue to flourish.
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