Idea: Chita and Dick's "Rosie" on Tonys

[Someday]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 1:16pm

Idea: Chita and Dick van Dyke should be invited to perform "Rosie" on the Tony telecast. Yes, I know the Tony show planners have a recent policy against performances from closed shows, but I feel it's time to make an exception.

For what it's worth, I have no personal or professional stake in this, except that I sincerely want to see them together again. I witnessed their performance on his last day guesting. As Chita is known for her inexplicably great physical shape and stamina, she thoroughly entertained but did not shock. However, I didn't know what to expect from the aging and reformed alcoholic Dick. Booze and time are tough on a body, right?

I was stunned at the great shape he appeared to be in. He received show-stopping standing O's (Os?) on his entrance and exit, which was fun. But the proof was in the numbers. "Put on a Happy Face" found his trademark facial expressions and nimble legs as quick as ever. And "Rosie" was just pure theatre bliss, with both of them kicking it up, in perfect sync, and clearly enjoying every second. Is it possible they first did this number in 1960?

All theatre lovers, including the "viewers at home", deserve to see them together, one last time. The Tonys are the only way that's gonna happen. If this were to happen, I believe "Rosie" and Sutton's "Show Off" would end up becoming the only numbers for the ages to emerge from the 2006 broadcast. Whether or not Chita's show gets that fourth Best Musical nom, and regardless of the fact that the show has closed, I hope the folks in charge find a way to make this happen.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 1:32pm

What a Great Idea!
I also saw them together and was delighted how spry he was.
I think TV viewers would love this, I know I would.

[timote316]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 2:28pm

That is wonderful idea.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 3:06pm

I saw them together on Wednesday evening (Dick's third performance with Chita) and yes, this would be a fantastic idea. However, it'll never happen.

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 3:18pm

I too saw them together in Chita's show and what a fantastic performance. Personally, I think the Tony Award committee should consider do a tribute to The Golden Age and have them perform as part of it.

[timote316]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 3:23pm

Why would it never happen? The committee usually does something to honor the past, and this seems as good of an idea as any.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 3:24pm

Believe me, I hope it does happen. I just don't think it will.

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 3:28pm

I THINK.

Chita should get a lifetime achievement award. And perform a medley of some of her most famous numbers. All That Jazz, America, Where You Are (some examples) and end it with Dick coming out and performing Rosie with her.

That would be AMAZING. but sadly may not happen.
Updated On: 5/12/06 at 03:28 PM

[Someday]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 3:28pm

WithoutATrace, curious as to why you think it's impossible. Because of the rule that says no number if your show's not nominated and still running? Or because the suits would think no ratings come from dancin' oldsters? Both could happen, of course.

I think the suits would be wrong about the oldsters, though - van Dyke, at least. We'll all tune in for just about anything, of course. But I think fewer of the masses out in TV-land will tune in to see unknowns in numbers from new, unknown shows than would watch to see lovable Dick ("their" Bert and Nick-at-Night/Diagnosis Murder star). But it's hard to argue with a suit.

Immediately following the number, Rosie O’Donnell should appear to announce the first Best Replacement Tony. (She’s not eligible, right?)

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 3:34pm

I don't think her show will get nominated (since it's not running anymore), and even if it does get nominated, I think she will do something from West Side Story or Spider Woman. I have no inside info or anything like that, I just have a feeling that if they honor Chita's show, it would be rude to include Dick in her Tony performance.

I guess if there is extra airtime, and they want to try and raise ratings, it would be a good idea...better than random pop stars singing Broadway showtunes.

[Someday]

Posted: 5/12/06 at 3:37pm

Agreed on the pop stars!

[Someday]

Posted: 5/16/06 at 4:01pm

Now that the noms are out, thought I'd bump this. Maybe someone's reading who could make this happen!