Wanda Richert

Wanda Richert, born April 18, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, is an American actress, singer, dancer, choreographer, and director whose career in musical theatre spanned from 1975 to 1990. She is the daughter of George Richert, a chief petty officer in the Coast Guard, and Lola Richert, an executive secretary. Richert began training in tap and ballet at age five, and by high school was already performing at a Chicago dinner theater. She subsequently transitioned to working full-time on the regional theatre circuit.

Her professional breakthrough came in 1976 when she joined the national touring company of A Chorus Line, spending two and a half years with the production in various roles, including Cassie. Richert made her Broadway debut on August 25, 1980, originating the role of Peggy Sawyer in the Broadway production of 42nd Street. The opening night was marked by a somber announcement: following a lengthy curtain call and standing ovation, producer David Merrick came onstage to reveal that director and choreographer Gower Champion had died earlier that day. Her performance earned her a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical, and in 1981 she received the Theatre World Award in recognition of her Broadway debut.

In 1983, Richert joined the Broadway cast of Nine, replacing Anita Morris in the role of Carla. Two years later, at the invitation of Michael Bennett, she returned to A Chorus Line on Broadway to play Cassie, a role she performed intermittently over the following five years through 1990.

Beyond the stage, Richert appeared on television as Julie in The Doctors in 1982 and as Aimee in Law and Order in 1990, and also had a role in Hardcastle and McCormick in 1986. She appeared as herself at the 35th Tony Awards in 1981 as a nominee and performer, and again at the 39th Tony Awards in 1985 as a presenter.