bring back "the rink"

[dfwtheatreguy]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:07am

i've only heard the cd but think this is a fun show, all they need to do is update, de-80s the orchestrations.

who would be a good mother/daughter team if they brought it back?

wouldn't bebe neuwirth be great as anna? and idina menzel as angel?

[dfwtheatreguy]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:21am

BUMP

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:49am

Idina replacing Liza? I don't know, I don't like that casting, nor Bebe. I think the show was made for Liza, once she left the show, it closed. So you need a bankable star for that role.

[perfectliar]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:09am

There was talk a few months ago of there being a revival (in London, I think) with Patti LuPone playing the Chita role.

Posted: 3/29/07 at 7:26am

theatreguy said:

"i've only heard the cd but think this is a fun show, all they need to do is update, de-80s the orchestrations. "

First of all, the show isn't "fun", it's actually a very moving show. Why update? Why re-orchestrate? If you don't like or understand the substance of a show,no changes that anyone could make would improve it.

[nmartin]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 7:45am

This show was tailored for Chita Rivera. Liza Minnelli asked to be a part of it. I actually liked it a lot when I saw it. I don't think it's revivable though.
Updated On: 3/29/07 at 07:45 AM

[Jon]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 11:27am

Well, it IS revivable. In fact, my theatre revived it 5 years ago. McNally has rewritten the script, taking out all the specific time references (mention of "a peanut farmer for a president", talk of the father having served in Korea, etc.).

The rewritten version returns the show to what they originally intended before Liza was cast - a star vehicle for Anna, with Angel as a supporting character. "Colored Lights" no longer opens the show. It is sung at the end of Act 1 (where she did a reprise on Broadway). "Angel's Rink and Social Center" and "Wallflower" are cut. "All the Children in a Row" has copmpletely new lyrics - it's now a song about Angel searching for her father, rather than a hippie anthem.

[nmartin]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 11:31am

Jon, thanks for all the info. I had no idea there was a revised version. When I saw it on B'way at the Martin Beck, I actually loved it. The revisions sound as if they do make it revivable.

Posted: 3/29/07 at 11:46am

I just don't understand why a show can't take place in another era. Is it strictly because of the ignorance of some audience members with regard to not understanding or knowing about anything that went on before WICKED?

[Gavino77]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 11:55am

Idina Menzel? please.
Patti Lupone and someone with the same talent level as her should do the show.

[bobby_luvs_bway]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:46pm

I remember the Patti LuPone proposal from a while back, got me very excited. I love this show, always felt it was one of the better underrated Kander & Ebb shows. I like all the changes that were mentioned. It sounds like it's been tightened up, and Anna is the more interesting character. IMHO.

[Mojojo5]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 12:58pm

Why did they cut "Angel's Rink and Social Center" and "Wallflower"? I have a special love for both those songs but really know nothing of the script to The Rink so can't comment on their placement. I'm assuming "Wallflower" was just there so Liza and Chita could kick up their heels? I mean, how can you have two of the most famous Fosse dancers in a show and NOT have them dance.

Z.

[Amber2]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:27pm

Love "The Rink". I've never seen it, but I'm in love with the cast recording. I thought it was really "fun" music, very 80s, when I first heard it, but when you find out about the story and what's happening and you can piece it all together, it really does make for a moving story and moving music.

(Is anyone else loving the song "Mrs. A" right now? It's my new favorite song from the recording.)

As for Bebe as Anna and Idina as Angel? Keep Bebe Neuwirth, but please...Not Idina as Angel. I can't think of anyone who could play Angel at the moment, but I really could NOT see Idina doing a good job with this role (nothing against her, I think she's fantastically talented, but I just don't think she'd be right for it)...

I hope it is revived someday. It's a show I really would LOVE to see onstage.

[nmartin]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:31pm

Ever since I noticed this thread today, I have been flooded with memories of having seen this show. I remember it more vividly than many a hit.
Amber, I have had Mrs. A in my head for hours now, as well as Chief Cook and Bottle Washer.

[Amber2]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:32pm

Thanks, now that's stuck in my head now!

(Not smart. I'm at school.)

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:56pm

Whatever Happened to the Old Days

and

I wanna go round the rink, the rink. I wanna go round the rink.

I'll have to listen to all those on my MP3 player on the way to NYC tomorrow!

[bobby_luvs_bway]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:58pm

I have to admit that The Apple Doesn't Fall Very Far is one of my all time fav performances. Song is ok, but I just love the chemistry they have. Don't Ah Ma Me and Chief Cook and Bottlewasher too.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 1:59pm

Whatever its merits, Encores really ought to take this on.

[nmartin]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 2:03pm

OMG! I forgot to mention that magnificent set, the rink that broke away and disappeared at the end of the show.

[Jon]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 2:48pm

I think "Wallflower" was cut because it follows the title song, which features the six men on skates. Why should the two leading ladies try to follow the big production number with yet another duet? They already had "The Apple Doesn't Fall" earlier in the act. "Wallflower" does nothing to advance the story, and it's getting near the end anyway.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 3:19pm

Patti LuPone and Michelle Pawk

[jv92]

Posted: 3/29/07 at 3:39pm

I like Wallflower. It was an touching, exiting moment, but perhaps without Chita and Liza it won't work as well.

[friedrichVT]

Posted: 3/30/07 at 7:08pm

Maybe Patti or Michelle alone but I dont think it could work as a pairing. Unles Anna had Angel at the age of 5 or 6.

[friedrichVT]

Posted: 3/30/07 at 7:08pm

double post
Updated On: 3/30/07 at 07:08 PM

[Jon]

Posted: 3/30/07 at 7:29pm

The ages are very specific in the show. In the "now" scenes, Anna is 48 and Angel is 30. Of course, in flashbacks, Anna is a young as 18 and Angel is as young as 5.