This 1988 London cast recording of John Kander and Fred Ebb's The Rink lacks the star power of the 1984 original Broadway cast, but it's still pretty good. Josephine Blake takes the Chita Rivera role as Anna, who sells the... more » family roller rink for development, and Diane Langton follows Liza Minnelli as the daughter who joins her on a series of flashbacks. Thirteen more minutes than the Broadway version as well as a slightly better booklet help explain the nonlinear plot, though lyrics again are not included. While the voltage level doesn't quite measure up, the two British stars actually sound a bit similar to the Americans--perhaps proving that the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree. --David Horiuchi« less
This 1988 London cast recording of John Kander and Fred Ebb's The Rink lacks the star power of the 1984 original Broadway cast, but it's still pretty good. Josephine Blake takes the Chita Rivera role as Anna, who sells the family roller rink for development, and Diane Langton follows Liza Minnelli as the daughter who joins her on a series of flashbacks. Thirteen more minutes than the Broadway version as well as a slightly better booklet help explain the nonlinear plot, though lyrics again are not included. While the voltage level doesn't quite measure up, the two British stars actually sound a bit similar to the Americans--perhaps proving that the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree. --David Horiuchi
vicefrenlopez@worldnet.att.net | San Juan | 11/23/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is an excellent recording because it contains some dance music that was not recorded in the broadway album. It nevertheless is missing Chita Rivera and Liza Minnelli. This show was written for Ms. Rivera and every song she sings she makes her own."
From voice student and fan of musicals
07/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This review comes after listening to both recordings of The Rink on numerous occasions. The London recording does the play much greater justice than the Broadway album. The voices of the London album are much more pleasant to the ear and allow the listener to relish in the magic of the Kander and Ebb score, instead of lamenting the inability to see the well-known American performers in action. This recording of The Rink stills carries emotional punch, and leaves the listener desiring the opportunity to read the Terrence McNally script and see the show in person."
THE RINK - a second recording of this fine score
Mark Andrew Lawrence | Toronto | 02/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"More people will probably buy the Broadway cast Cd with Chita Rivera and Liza Minnelli, but this London cast Cd does offer a little more of the score and more dialogue. Diane Langton and Josephine Blake make an ideal mother and daughter and the entire supporting cast is first rate. If you can get both recordings, do so. What a wonderful score, and a show that deserves to be given a full fledged revival. Isn't it amazing that a flop show is given two excellent recordings?"
Often Overlooked Kander and Ebb Show Glitters
10/08/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This recording is a very good representation of the show. Though I miss Chita, the girls hold their own very well. The men do a fine job as the Wrecker ensemble. The music itself is highly underrated. Songs range from emotion driven ballads ("All the Children In A Row"), to mid tempo standards ("Colored Lights"), to high spirited cabaret numbers ("Chief Cook and Bottle Washer"). Shows hints of both the previous show Chicago and the upcoming Kiss of the Spider Woman. A wonderful show to hear, an impressive show to see, and an incredible show to perform in. If you enjoy Kander and Ebb's style, ignore the naysayers and give The Rink a well-deserved shot."
Not Quite Chita
10/17/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have both the Broadway and the London cast recording of this musical. This version is excellent, although it does not quite measure up to the incredible Chita Rivera/Liza Minelli duo performance. This version makes many of the scenes clearer through the music. I recommend the Broadway cast, but as it is hard to find, this recording is a close second."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1
