Chita Rivera To Appear On "Johnny & The Sprites" On March 15

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 3/9/08 at 11:42am

Set your alarms and tune in to Disney Channel's "Johnny and the Sprites" March 15 (7:30 AM ET), and see Broadway royalty — the indefatigable, two-time Tony winner Chita Rivera — playing the Queen of All Magical Beings.

How did the gig come about? "I just got a call. I'm a great fan of Johnny's [Avenue Q Tony nominee John Tartaglia], so I said 'absolutely!' I've got a grandniece, you know. Everything worked out perfectly.

"Have you ever been on that set? If things get rough and tough, and you hate everybody, go to that set. They are the most talented, gifted, magical people. They've built a beautiful world. It makes you smile; it cleans you out."

Daryl Watson wrote the episode, "Johnny's Not Invited," directed by Richard A. Fernandes. The sprites (Ginger, Basil, Lily, and Root) are excited because "a special visitor" is due to arrive "to throw a royal party."

Enter Chita: "Welcome everyone. It is I, the queen of all the sprites, and fuzzies, and other magical beings." Since she doesn't mention humans, the sprites believe that Johnny ("the greatest human in the whole world") can't attend — and they're afraid to question Her Majesty. (The morale: "You should never be afraid to ask questions," advises Tartaglia. "After all, that's how you learn.")

Rivera sings ("Welcome to Grotto's Grove"), very briefly trips the light fantastic, and spouts a little "sprite" jargon. "When I left, one of the girls gave me a tiny, beautiful queen, made from bits of material from the dress and crown. It went on my Christmas tree. It's not really an ornament, but her thoughtfulness was lovely."


Chita

[jerseyboyschick2]

Posted: 3/9/08 at 1:01pm

Well I TiVo all the episodes, so I can't wait to watch it!

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 10:30am

Anyone watch?

And as a bonus, Paul Vogt was the giant in the second half of the show. :)

[GottaHaveAGimmick]

Posted: 3/15/08 at 10:51pm

Didn't see the TV show as I was attending Ms. Rivera's concert with 3 piece band tonight in South Florida. What an amazing treat. It was truly a master class in acting as each song told a story with specific gestures, style and wit. She was in strong voice and did a bit of dancing throughout. Along with the expected retrospective hits (West Side Story, Chicago, Kiss of Spider Woman, Bye Bye Birdie), there were some treasures from other sources. She also delivered a few songs from the upcoming "The Visit" by Kander/Ebb.
I was lucky to have been there and been able to enjoy this legend.

[jilljones]

Posted: 3/18/08 at 10:42pm

Awesome! Did he (Paul Vogt) sing too? Was it good?

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 3/19/08 at 9:31am

I bet Chita was amazing!