THE RINK - Classic Stage benefit

[JSquared2]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 1:48pm

Did anyone go to the CSC benefit performance of THE RINK last night with Beth Leavel and Jessie Mueller?

[somecheapfrenchthing]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 2:20pm

Yes, I was there! Happy to answer any specific questions you might have but overall I thought it was terrific evening. Everyone did a great job, no real stumbles or hiccups - Beth Leavel was, as usual, stellar - heartbreaking, hilarious, and her voice sounds terrific on the score. The rest of the cast is terrific too, I just walked away particularly floored by Leavel. A lot of highlights, but The Apple Doesn't Fall scene and song were notably hilarious and moving (for anyone familiar with the book - - - does she always accidentally call Angel "Martha" in that scene or was this a genuine mistake? If so, it was so expertly-handled and, if not, Beth Leavel made the line seem so natural it felt like a real mistake). It would be so cool to see a full run of a revival in the CSC space - already looks like an old roller rink. Also, John Kander was there last night and seemed very pleased! Again, if there's anything you're wanting to know specifically, let me know. 

Updated On: 9/16/25 at 02:20 PM

[Melissa25]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 2:34pm

I just love Beth Leavel and am sorry that I missed this. Thanks for the report. I hope we get to see and hear her perform this at another time. 

Updated On: 9/16/25 at 02:34 PM

[The Bandstand]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 3:45pm

I hope this turns into a full scale production!

[JSquared2]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 5:11pm

somecheapfrenchthing said: "Yes, I was there! Happy to answer any specific questions you might have but overall I thought it was terrific evening. Everyone did a great job, no real stumbles or hiccups - Beth Leavel was, as usual, stellar - heartbreaking, hilarious, and her voice sounds terrific on the score. The rest of the cast is terrific too, I just walked away particularly floored by Leavel. A lot of highlights, but The Apple Doesn't Fall scene and song werenotably hilarious and moving (for anyone familiar with the book - - - does she always accidentally call Angel "Martha" in that scene or was this a genuine mistake? If so, it was so expertly-handledand, if not, Beth Leavel made the lineseem so natural it felt like a realmistake). It would be so cool to see a full run of a revival in the CSC space - already looks like an old roller rink. Also, John Kander was there last night and seemedvery pleased! Again, if there's anything you're wanting to know specifically, let me know."

 

Thanks!  I'm going tonight -- so I'll wait and be surprised by the specific details!  Thanks for the report and so glad you loved it -- sounds like it'll be amazing!  It's a show I've always loved and had hoped it would get an Encores slot -- but this sounds even better (since it's a small space)? 

 

 

 

[inception]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 6:21pm

My favorite song from that is Blue Crystal. The numbers for Angel just seem so tailored to Liza, that I'm curious how Mueller did them so she didn't come across as doing a Liza parody?

[somecheapfrenchthing]

Posted: 9/16/25 at 7:12pm

inception said: "My favorite song from that is Blue Crystal. The numbers for Angel just seem so tailored to Liza, that I'm curious how Mueller did them so she didn't come across as doing a Liza parody?"

I was curious about the same thing going in. It didn't seem to me like Jessie Mueller was going for "Liza" singing at all - she was less brassy, choosier with where belted (a softer, floatier "Colored Lights" in particular, which I enjoyed).