The Rink: Chita & Liza's Mother/Daughter Musical Misfire
Vložit
- čas přidán 19. 02. 2024
- In this Broadway Breakdown, we explore The Rink with a score by Kander & Ebb and a book by Terrance McNally and starring Chita Rivera and Liza Minnelli! A fascinating musical drama straight out of the kitchen-sink. A strained family relationship, a roller rink, lies, candy bars, disco balls, and joints. Who could ask for anything more? With a great score, stunning stars, and major Theater talent behind-the-scenes, what could go wrong? (A lot apparently) And I'll break it all down for you here!
- Zábava
What I recall the most about it is how Chita came down to the lip of center stage, started Chief Cook and Bottle Washer and radiated such electricity she kept the audience in the palm of her hand for the entire show. I also recall how inventive the set design was in its ability to morph through the various locations, both past and present. The challenge of the show is allowing the audience to embrace 2 highly conflicted and dysfunctional main characters. The wreckers gave it many moments of levity and were quite talented and charming.
I was very young and JUST BLOWN AWAY!
I’m so jealous you got to witness it firsthand! Thanks for sharing.
Loved the show, at her worst Luza was still the best. Music was divine they should bring it back
I saw The Rink, and I loved The Rink. When I saw it, Liza was in great shape and just tremendous. Chita was a force of nature.
I saw the orignal production: in spite of the two megastars on stage, the show didn't work. Loved the "dancing with Gwen" line.
Ha! Had the great fortune to perform this show in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1987 (?) in the Jason Alexander role. It was a blast. Except for the skating classes in San Mateo AFTER rehearsals from 11pm to midnight. Oy
THE RINK was the first Broadway Show I'd seen, I flew into New York from California, by myself as a teenager and saw the show two nights in a row. I came out to see the show because I knew Liza as a teen and wanted to see her on Broadway. I walked to the theater the first night and left a note at the stage door for Liza and that night Mary Testa went on as Angel. Oh no! Liza entered Betty Ford and was out of the show. The next night was Stockard Channing's first night. Although initially totally disappointed, I loved the show. Mary Testa was incredible, the entire company of pros - excellent, and CHITA was beyond - totally engaging, passionate, and real. The set - magical, the story - totally engrossing, and the finale - even more magic. What a first show - I loved every minute and left NYC with all the swag I could afford only to move to the city a few years later.
What a wonderful memory!! Thank you so much for sharing it! I did the same sort of thing in my youth too!!
Can’t imagine how much work these breakdowns must take to create, Marc. Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate and enjoy them! Thank you!!
I appreciate that! ❤️
I saw the show early in its run, being (at the time) a Tony voter. I loved every minute of it. Kander and Ebb have created some of the greatest musicals ever - I suggest their STEEL PIER for a future breakdown - and I really liked this score. McNally's book was insightful and honest, the 2 ladies were brilliant (as expected) and that cohort of future-famous "wreckers" was a joy. It broke my heart when the show closed so soon. But at least we gave Chita her Tony. And to be honest, when that entire set lifted off the ground and disappeared into heaven, leaving the mother daughter granddaughter trio silhouetted against the beautiful sky... my jaw was on the floor! I have to say it was one of the most spectacular and memorable coup de theatres (coups de theatre?) I that I have ever seen. Brilliant! Thanks for the wonderful breakdown... now please do STEEL PIER. 😂
Thanks!! Good news, I’ve already covered Steel Pier! It’s one of my early videos. Hope you enjoy it.
I saw The Rink in London in 1988 during its brief run there, starring Josephine Blake and Diane Langton. I immediately fell in love with it and have relished the cast recordings and video clips available. In 2006, I had the good fortune to direct the show in Toronto and was happy to see that audiences were able to embrace it as much as I had. A true story about family and redemption -- and letting go of the past. And, of course, it has a terrific book, too. Starting with the 1988 London production, the role of the hateful Uncle Fausto has been eliminated which works much better! Thanks for posting this retrospective on one of my favorite musicals of all time!
just found your channel saw the show in London in 80s Cambridge Theatre excellent, also 70 girls 70 London Fortune theatre Dora Bryan did the splits, also saw her in On the 20th Century at Her Majestys (now called His Majestys, keep up the good work
What an incredible deep dive!! "CABARET" was also dark, but succeeded brilliantly. "THE RINK", well-- sounds exhausting!! I'm sure it was held together by the star power and charisma of Chita & Liza. The review near dismissal of Liza probably exacerbated her personal problems at the time.
I saw the show and loved every minute, even though it was clear at the performance I attended that Liza was struggling. I loved the back-and-forth timelines, and the score was tremendous. Seeing Jason Alexander for the first time, I knew he'd have a great career. "Marry Me" was my favorite moment in the show.
I watched this last night and loved it! I saw The Rink Six Times and Liza was in every performance and was wonderful! I'm a fan of this musical! Great job!
Thank you sir!! That means a lot coming from you.
I loved this show. Saw it in the late 80's at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami with Lanie Kazan and Leonora Nemetz. What a wonderful show. Such a shame it didn't do better during its inital run. Yes, it was dark, but it was also wonderful and cathartic. Loved it so much. Thanks for highlighting it.
Wow! I’d love to have seen that!
From what I’ve heard from people in the know was that the Liza role was originally meant to be the “breakout” role for Lenore Nemitz- an original cast member of Chicago who replaced Chita as Velma and understudied for Roxie having famously played Velma at a matinee and Roxie at an evening performance . When Liza heard about the role/heard the score she wanted the role. The atmosphere was not all sunshine’s and rainbows and only deteriorated due to Liza’s “personal” problems and horrific attendance record. That being said I LOVE LOVE LOVE this score it represents two of the greats singing material that was written for them or by men who knew their strengths and played to them. they both sound phenomenal and the OBC is one of my all time favorites!!
My parents saw the original London production, and Mom loved it.
OMG!!! This has brought back so many memories... I saw an (armature) of "The Rink" in Exeter, Devon... About a thousand year ago... It must have just finished on Broadway... As you talked through the lines... the synopsis... the motivations... I laughed and wept and relived every second of that amazing production... Thank you... Thank you from the bottom of my heart... "Colored Lights" will always send a shiver through my body!!! Bless you... sending love from South Africa! XXX Bless you!!!
Wow!! Thank you so much!!
Thank you for sharing this, Marc! It was really interesting to learn about this show. And RIP to the legendary Ms. Chita Rivera.
one of my all time favorite musicals!! eagerly awaiting your video on celebration…!
I'd love to see a HERES WHERE I BELONG breakdown!
You are wonderful! I enjoyed very much your video on this show, which I’ve heard of, but knew nothing about. Now I feel from your synopsis, I’ve seen the show. I also love your clips..always makes me laugh! Thank you again!
You have made my day!! That is exactly why I do these breakdowns. To give some semblance of a show that many are likely to never see. Thank you so much for this!
@@broadwaybyghostlight😊
I'm a currently training in Musical Theatre, and first became aware of this show, when in a Musical Theatre scene study class, two of my classmates did the scene and song of The Apple Doesn't Fall. I really enjoyed the number and the scene, as it very strongly reminds me of my own relationship with my mother. I think why this musical wasnt very succesful could maybe have to do with the marketing, advertising itself as a big, galmouras musical, with two big stars, especially in the time of the Mega-musical, audiences didn't want a show that was too close to real life in that time. I'm almost convinced if the show has opened now on Broadway, it would have been a lot more succesful, now that we have a lot more rough, and triggering subject matter in mainstream musicals, take Dear Evan Hansen, Days of Wine And Roses, Spring Awakening, Next To Normal
Thanks for the great video !!! ❤ I’d never heard of the show until quite a few years now a regional theatre mounted a production in Coventry uk 🇬🇧 starring Diane Langton playing Anna , who originally played Angel in the west end version . I fell in love with it still one of my favourites. A couple of years ago another production was performed in the west end in a tiny theatre starting Caroline o Connor again a wonderful production …. It really is a good musical and deserves new life 🎭🎭🎭🎭❤️❤️❤️🎢
Thank you!
Thank you for this. I've used many scenes from the libretto for musical theatre scene study but never got a full feel for the show (even though I'd seen a regional production was back in the 80s). I loved the detailed scene by scene breakdown. I need to re read the libretto again.
Another video to help with the Broadway itch! Many thanks for covering these lesser known musicals. Still holding my breath for Dance of the Vampires Broadway flop. I’ve heard the tales, but to see you tackle it will be amazing to witness.
Welcome back! So glad to see you here again.
Thanks!! Thanks for returning, haha. ❤️
Absolutely adore this show. Was it ahead of its time? Maybe. But I love McNally’s book, the boys playing all the roles and the wonderful score - one of K & E’s best imho.
Thanks so much for this video. Particularly loved you mouthing Dino’s line in Blue Crystal as that’s what I do!!
Hahaha, thanks!
I had the honour and privilege of playing one of the Wreckers (Ben/Dino's Father) last year in a rarely performed Amateur performance. I've loved this show for nearly thirty years and it was a dream to be in it.
This music suggests Cabaret, and also Three Penny Opera.
I enjoyed this. For some reason, I never went to this, but it was nice to hear your rundown. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you, Marc, for this breakdown of “The Rink”. I agree with those who felt that the book was less than stellar. I think the story could possibly have worked with a better book. And HUGE kudos to you for your editing. The movements in your random B-roll was always amazingly in sync with the rhythm of the audio. As an editor in a former life I know that that takes a great deal of time and effort. It makes a difference.
That means a lot!! It can be very time consuming and it means the world that someone really notices the little details.
So excited for a new video from you!! I was actually thinking about this yesterday. Great job as usual. I love to see a vlog about McNally’s flop musical. I listened to The Rink’s cast album many times when it came out , never had a chance to see it though
Yay! Thank you!
Can you do a video on the 1968 production of How Now Dow Jones?
This past Spring I attended talk between Ms. Rivera and Harvey F. discussing her book. Wished it lasted eight hours.
I would love for you to talk about Here's Where I Belong. Shows that close on opening night are deeply fascinating to me.
Also it is funny that your video on The Rink came out today because I'm currently reading Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and I just got to a point in the book where one of the characters mentions that he saw the show with his mom
Heres where i belong sounds like a fun topic
WELCOME BACK!! How about a breakdown of Rockabye Hamlet.
Those reviews probably would have sent me into therapy!!
Right?!
I think the book is quite valid. It specifically tells the story of a middle class Italian-American family from the East Coast. McNally wrote an insightful script!
Hello sir!!!! I hope you enjoyed the video. I thought if you guys a lot during it. ❤️
Growing up this was one of Rosie O’Donnell’s favorite music. She also lost her mom at a young age as well.
Wow! I’m a big fan of Chita and was saddened to hear of her passing. I was aware of the show having been a fan, but I never dug into the book until watching your breakdown. It’s a touching ending, but I think the critics were partially right. People go to the theatre to forget their troubles, not have trouble double downed on them. A story needs some conflict, but wow this sounds like Springer-on-steroids.
I’d love to see a production now and I’m glad to hear that Fausto has been removed from the show. It doesn’t sound like he was much of an influence on Deno. I’m not sure if the character added as much as he seemed to take away from the pleasure of watching the show. Deno’s name, however. I wonder if it is an homage to the Deno of Wonder Wheel fame?
Holy shit was that a heavy show.
Another wonderful breakdown of a show I never knew anything about except for the name. It would’ve been wonderful to see it. I’m curious if it was truly bad or if the critics needed something to dish about.
❤️❤️❤️
"What Happened To the Old Days?" seems a bit...upbeat for the information we've just received.
Liza and Chita! Whats not to like?
So finished and remember everything. Liza was there. Jason was there Chita all in there places. No I did not love the show but I am grateful to see any Broadway musical. Diffficult now. Chita we loe you
Could you possibly cover anyone can whistle? It’s such an interesting show and has some of my favorite music from Stephen Sondheim. It would be cool if you could even cover the cut song “There’s always a woman”!
I feel like a revival for this could work now; darker musicals are more common now. The book might need some work, but given the right duo of actresses, I think it could do well. Maybe NYCC Encores?
Front row next to a producer. Not my friend. Had the same hairdresser as Chita,s at the time.
Pleeeeze cover HERE'S WHERE I BELONG. I enjoyed the first preview in Philadelphia so much that I returned for the final performance a few weeks later to see how it had been "improved." Oy, the "improvements" disappointed me in every way. Boo hoo. I've been told by an insider on GEORGY that the same thing happened from out-of-town tryouts to opening at the Winter Garden.
Yeah…there’s a LOT going on with this show. It looks like a good concept and perhaps with the way today’s audience might respond to a darker show better now than 4 decades ago, it could
Work. On the other hand all the flashbacks are so extensive that it’s hard to keep the plot focused and it ruins the character arcs for even some of the minor characters.
JASON ALEXANDER?!
I saw The Rink with Stocker Channing and I don't remember anything about it. If they had a women or two in the creative team might of helped. Not to be politically correct but because it focuses on women/mothers and doesn't give them a female point of view. It's interesting that the same creative team did The Visit with Chita on Broadway. Convoluted with a so-so score.
Great Kander and Ebb score but less than perfect book.