Early Life
Don Darryl Rivera was born and raised in Seattle, WA to Danny and Dora Rivera. At the age of 5 Don Darryl had discovered a love of singing. Growing up he took piano lessons, and danced with Kultura (a Filipino folk dance group) and kaSAma (A hip-hop dance group from the University of Washington). In his Freshman year at Bishop Blanchet High School he was bitten by the acting bug and by his Junior year he decided he wanted to pursue a career as an actor. He attended Cornish College of the Arts where he received his BFA in Theatre.
Don Darryl now resides in New Jersey with his wife Kate and their daughter Eloise.
As An Actor
Don Darryl has garnered 3 Gregory Award Nominations (Winner 2009, 2017 & Nominated in 2013) and a number of accolades from critics and audiences alike. Don Darryl has worked around the U.S. at some of the country's most prestigious theatres including: The Guthrie Theater, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, The Children's Theatre Company, and The Shakespeare Theatre Company. He is currently on Broadway in Disney's Aladdin.
As A Playwright & Composer
In 2011 Don Darryl wrote the book for the world premiere musical based on the beloved children's book Harold and the Purple Crayon along with Auston James (Music) and Rob Burgess (Lyrics). Harold received two 2011 Seattle Times Footlight Awards for Best Actor in a Musical and Top for Tots. Here's what the critics had to say:
"The captivating new musical by the same title at Seattle Children's Theatre is a celebration of the theatrical imagination."
-Misha Berson, The Seattle Times"Seattle Children’s Theatre has another hit on their hands"
-Erika Lee Bigelow, Seattle's Child
In 2013 Don Darryl collaborated as a Co-Composer with Rob Burgess and Co-Book writer with Linda Hartzell on the world premiere musical based on the books by Eric Hill Adventures With Spot. Here's what the critics had to say:
"As underscored by the expressions on the young faces around me, Director Linda Hartzell and team have successfully brought to life a lovable character and his world with the utmost care and enthusiasm." -Kali Sakai, Parent Map
"The adorable new (world premiere) musical following the Adventures with Spot at Seattle Children’s Theatre is perfectly crafted for the tinier audience members." -Culture Mob