THE RINK is a fantastic musical from the pen of John Kander and Fred Ebb, starring two of the best triple-threats in the business, Chita Rivera and Liza Minnelli, as feuding mother and daughter Anna and Angel. Rivera and Minnelli are always at their best with Kander-Ebb material (Rivera in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN and CHICAGO; Minnelli in FLORA THE RED MENACE, CABARET and THE ACT). THE RINK was a splendid showcase for these 2 formidable divas. Chita and Liza had (briefly) co-starred when Minnelli filled in for a sick Gwen Verdon during the run of the original CHICAGO.
The story concerns freewheeling hippy Angel (Minnelli) who returns to the family nest after leaving as a teenager. Her weary-yet vital mother Anna (Rivera) has been running her husband's rollerskate rink by herself ever since he walked out on her when Angel was a little girl. Now the time has come that Anna can sell up and start living her own life...imagine her shock when her daughter shows up broke and looking for a reunion!
Touching and bittersweet, THE RINK also features a pre 'Seinfeld' Jason Alexander in a great role as Anna's wannabe-suitor Lenny, singing the heartfelt "Marry Me". Other standout numbers include "Colored Lights", Anna's riotous "Chief Cook and Bottle-Washer", "The Apple Doesn't Fall" and the cataclysmic "Mrs A." where Angel confronts her mother's indiscretions.
THE RINK was a mild success and a Tony Award Winner for Rivera, when it opened on Broadway, buoyed by the star-power of Rivera and Minnelli. The show folded a few weeks after Minnelli's departure (being replaced by Stockard Channing of GREASE fame). The London production featured A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC's Diane Langton but it quickly shuttered. A sadly underrated musical featuring a strong and memorable score.
Chita refused to have her profile used on the album cover, she had other ideas and wanted a tribute to a certain Mom, three guesses whose profile was used....3, 2, 1.....Judy.
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