54 Sings The Rink
The Rink opened on Broadway in 1984 garnering unsupportive reviews, in particular that by Frank Rich of The New York Times. It ran a mere 204 performances. “We truly loved that production. They were the worst reviews of my career,” composer John Kander ruefully tells on video. Lyricist Fred Ebb had written “Every single element of it was exactly as we imagined.” The Rink‘s early demise is a prime example of the outsized influence of one newspaper critic.
Charles Kirsch
The musical revolves around Italian American Anna Antonelli (Chita Rivera earning her first Tony Award), forced to sell her rundown, seaside skating rink, and estranged daughter, Angel (Liza Minnelli), who returns home in need of a soft place to land after life challenges. The story is told in flashbacks. Tonight’s iteration is produced and hosted by Charles Kirsch, in honor of Rivera who passed this year. Capable and entertaining, Kirsch, who has had a successful interview podcast since adolescence, introduces each number with context. The show is well cast and runs like silk.
Mary Testa
“Colored Lights” casts Mary Testa as Angel. Testa went on for Minnelli in the show’s last two weeks. “She had the good sense to know she was in trouble….” (Minnelli checked in at rehab.) The song is filled with palpable longing. Vocal flares and retreats, flares and retreats. Caroline O’Connor, who played Anna in London, reprises the role for a feisty “Chief Cook and Bottle Washer.” Facial expression, gesture, expressive vocal are wonderful.
Ben Davis and Nikka Graff
Jenny Lee Stern (as Anna) and Jenna Lea Rosen (as Angel) duet “Don’t Ah Ma Me.” Stern’s nasal vocal and perfect spitfire enunciation bring the character to life. Rosen’s reiteration of the title phrase holds its own with frustrated variation. “Blue Crystal” pairs Ben Davis as alcoholic husband, Dino, and Nikka Graff Lanzarone as Anna. Davis is charming enough to sell swampland and oh, that beautiful baritone! Graff has only a few lines, but she’s present.
On video, Jason Alexander (from the original cast) shares a warm anecdote about Rivera’s show business trouper ethics. Original cast members Scott Ellis and Mel Johnson, Jr. reminisce about the feeling there was no place better to be than in that intimate, familial production.
Producer Richard Frankel, former co-owner now managing director of non-profit 54/Below, tells us about The Rink’s director, A.J. Antoon – his background, success, and untimely passing from AIDS. Frankel appeals to the audience to sponsor chairs, possibly in honor of people who’ve passed, as contribution to keeping live music afloat at our preeminent venue. He shows a plaque on the chair he endowed.
Caroline O’Connor, John Bolton
Bianca Marroquin followed Rivera into shows over 20 years. “I don’t have anyplace else to go, Ma,” she begins stepping into the character of Angel, baring her soul. Vocal and piano arrangement are beautiful. (“Under the Roller Coaster”) In a flashback, John Bolton (as young Dino) sings “Not Enough Magic” to Caroline O’Conner (Angel as a little girl). “Turn, turn, glitter and twirl/Light up the eyes of my little girl..” (A mirror ball bathes the stage in pointilist light) Bolton is tender with longing. O’Connor drops years in an instant adoring her dad. “I think we have to establish that Dino was a bad guy. We’ve had two of the most charming men…” Kirsch quips.
Karen Ziemba
In the next song, “We Can Make It,” Anna (Karen Ziemba) kneels by a drunken Dino. Vocal is hopeful, wrought, committed. “Angel’s Rink and Social Center” – Angel’s plans to rescue the venue – is performed by an impassioned Stephanie Pope (reading Angel) with Danny Gardner, Bruce Landry, Andrew Leggieri, and Quinn Corcoran. Lively and imaginatively directed, the men stand out as an ensemble.
Ilene Graff, Nikka Graff Lanzarone
“The Apple Doesn’t Fall” finds actual mother and daughter, Ilene Graff and Nikka Graff Lanzarone, playing Anna and Angel sharing a joint. The actresses seem genially high – they even credibly giggle – prickly and affectionate, just right. An example of the song title. Cute song, cute direction, excellent vocal arrangement. “Marry Me” is rendered by Mark Jacoby as Anna’s waiting-in-the-wings suitor, Lenny. Aware he lacks Dino’s looks and charisma, the character sincerely pledges his heart. Jacoby’s deft, understated rendition is rife with pathos.
Karen Mason, Jenny Lee Stern
Sara Gettelfinger (as Angel), Jenna Lea Rosen (as Anna), and the ensemble, perform “Mrs. A.” Gettlefinger is appropriately fierce, but too aware of the streaming camera cutting out her audience. Casting might’ve better served were the two roles switched. Rosen steps up. Karen Mason’s Anna chides and encourages a sulky Jenny Lee Stern as Angel in “Wallflower.” Mason is pure mama lion trying to imbue confidence while lighting a fire under her daughter.
Quinn Corcoran, Bruce Landry, Danny Gardner, Andrew Leggieri
Tonight’s finale, “The Rink,” is buoyantly enacted by its talented ensemble, Danny Gardner, Bruce Landry, Andrew Leggieri, and Quinn Corcoran. Each is nonplussed by his girl preferring the rink rather than carefully planned entertainment. There’s brotherhood in being in the same boat. Vocals are consistently good. Top notch direction on the small stage even has the men awkwardly skating.
Michael Lavine
Arrangements and direction by Michael Lavine were terrific. It looked as if the company had been rehearsing for weeks. Characterization was omnipresent, movement inventive.
Photos by Alix Cohen
Opening photo The Company by Maryann Lopinto
54 Sings The Rink
Producer/Host – Charles Kirsch
MD/Piano/Director – Michael Lavine
All songs from The rink by John Kander and Fred Ebb
54Below
254 West 54th Street
