"Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life" to be considered a Musical by the Tonys — Page 4

But Chita does have TWO Tonys now, so the omissions of the past are forgotten at this point -- at least by the committe members. I still think Lupone would be the favorite, with Friedman (especially considering her bravery through her cancer scare) and Rivera close behind.

And I wouldn't automatically hand the choreography Tony to Daniele just yet (especially since more than half of her work was recreating choreography from Robbins, Fosse etc... -- her own work here is fairly undistinguished). Regardless of what people end up thinking about the book or the overall show (and remember Chita's reviews were mixed for every element except for her), Maurice Hines will probably have a solid shot since he's creating a two+ hour all dance show with all original choreography (a la Tharp in Movin Out). I actually think he might be the favorite -- just for the sheer quantity of the dance being created. Marshall will also be in contention for her new choreography in Pajama Game.

I don't think Chita's show is the favorite in any category it could be nominated in -- not Best Musical, not Best Actress and not Best Choreography. The show could very easily go home empty handed as a Musical, but it almost surely would have won Best Special Event. If it were me, I'd have preferred the odds of having one Tony 100% guaranteed, to the situation now, where they maybe have a little less than a 50-50 chance for the choreography prize (which won't get Chita up on that stage and over the years has proven totally worthless in terms of marketing or box office), maybe a 1 in 3 chance at the Best Actress Tony (I think Sweeney is going to do a minisweep -- Revival, Direction, Lighting, Orchestrations -- and that momentum is going to propel Lupone -- and maybe Cerveris -- to Tony wins), and zero chance at Best Musical (its mixed reviews and low box office numbers guarantee it won't even be nominated -- the Best Musical prize is extremely valuable and the road voters would never give it to a show that by definition cannot spawn multiple touring companies; there's only one Chita -- and she's virtually unknown outside of NYC; she can barely sell tickets here, so imagine how badly the show would do out on the road).

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Updated On: 1/27/06 at 01:55 PM

Dame Edna had several new songs in her last show as well as back up dancers and was placed in the Special Event category. Mario Cantone also had two new songs written specifically for his show and was placed in the Special Event category.

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I'm rooting for LaChanze.

I think it's mainly because I saw Kenita first..and was blown away. But LaChanze just topped that completely.

(Doesn't it help to also see the understudy?)

I enjoyed Patti a lot - and she fit the production - but...I dunno...she wasn't my favorite. But I'd be happy if she won.

Friedman was also great - but the role is blah and save for one good song...

But then you add in all the personal things - LaChanze missing shows, Friedman's health battle...

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I side with Margo this time. If the Tony had ruled this a Special Event, they might as well have handed the award to Chita, she'd have won three Tony awards, she'd be happy, I'd be happy, and everything would have come up roses. Now this show is considered an actual musical (for no apparent reason), Chita has a chance of getting nominated for Best Actress (I think she will probably get nominated but it's not a lock like LuPone, Friedman, or LaChanze), she has the smallest chance of getting nominated for Best Musical, and perhaps the show might get a nomination for Choreography and Direction. Danielle will definitely not win in any category she gets nominated for because she never wins (lol) and because this time she didn't do a good job. If Chita wins it'd be purely for political reasons and just the fact she gets nominated completely messes up the category because I believe younger actresses like O'Hara or Benanti deserve a chance of a nomination, and Chita will be taking a spot and taking votes away from the three front-runners. Now, I'm even more convinced LaChanze won't win because she has big competition, I'm hoping for LuPone's second Tony. I'm very much confused by this decision.

EDIT: Margo, what dance show is Maurice Hines choreographing?

Updated On: 1/27/06 at 03:27 PM

ljay889, did you see the same show I did? In fact, have you really actually even seen this show? Like really seen it?

"She goes in and out of characters portraying important people in her life."

Huh? What the heck are you talking about? What, she did a two-second imitation of Gwen Verdon? She had other actors pretending to be her family members for that dinner table sequence, OK...but that wasn't Chita.

"Not to mention she sings and dances her butt off,"

OK, she is 72 years old and wow, that's amazing, blah blah, but I wouldn't say she exactly "dances her butt off." Most of the time she's just standing there talking, sometimes singing, and she dances for a couple minutes here and there, all very basic stuff.

"I think the show is a lock for Best Choreography. That's practically in the bag."

Again, did we see the same show?! The only reason this show would even get a nomination for Best Choreography would be either because there aren't enough actual, real shows with choreography that deserve nominations, or because, as you campaigned earlier: Chita is Chita, she's a legend, she's amazing, this is her last chance, give her the Tony, others will have their chance in the future, give it to her, now, she's on her death bed.

See the show, buddy, then let's discuss.

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Updated On: 1/27/06 at 08:06 PM

Yep, Foster! How did you know I never saw the show? Nope, never saw it. Just making it all up. I don't have my picture with Chita, and my original Chicago program signed by her. Made it ALL up. How the hell did you know? You amaze me!

Maybe Chita isn't your cup of tea? But I can look beyond flaws and enjoy the show for what it is. I was just happy to see someone I loved for so long for the first time, and to see her perform songs from my favorite musicals was great.

Updated On: 1/27/06 at 09:29 PM

I do see your points, Foster. I accept and respect them.

But I can look beyond flaws and enjoy the show for what it is

Yes but can the Tony voters? The general word of mouth that I've been hearing/reading from The Dancer's Life is Chita is a legend but she is poorly served by and ill conceived and clumsily executed show.

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didn't some people say that when Marsha Mason played Jennie MacLaine in Chapter Two, she was playing herself...

...and me thinks she got an Oscar nomination! Just kidding guys. Marsha was wonderful in that movie.

Updated On: 1/28/06 at 11:34 AM

Princeton! I was looking at your avatar and thinking about pm'ing you an indecent proposal. Nice picture!

Updated On: 1/28/06 at 11:56 AM

Unfortunately, it now sucks to be Patti, Laura, Carolee, Jessica or LaChanze.

No, I'd argue it sucks to be Chita. You listed 5 names right there and missed out the one I would think is a lock for a nomination if not a win (Maria Friedman) so this category is already looking pretty crowded. I wouldn't be surprised if the "but she's just being herself" train of thought ends up costing Chita a nomination.

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No bitchin' from me! I'm just so happy my Chita is back and she is the talk of the town....I'm delighted.