The Rink (music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Terrence McNally) opened at the Martin Beck Theatre on February 9, 1984. The musical told the story of a mother (Anna, played by Chita) and her estranged daughter (played by Liza Minnelli) fighting over the disposal of a family-owned roller rink somewhere on the Eastern seaboard. The show also featured Jason Alexander, Kim Hauser, and Scott Ellis. Liza Minnelli was succeeded by Mary Testa and then by Stockard Channing. Chita's standby was Patty Karr. The show was directed by A.J. Antoon, choreographed by Graciela Daniele, with costumes by Theoni V. Aldredge and scenic design by Peter Larkin. Chita won her first Tony for The Rink. Others in the category that year included her co-star Liza, Rhetta Hughes for The Amen Corner, and Bernadette Peters for Sunday in the Park with George. The Rink was also nominated for outstanding score, scenic designer, and choreographer. The winners in those categories were Jerry Herman for La Cage Aux Folles,Tony Straiges for Sunday in the Park with George,and Danny Daniels for The Tap Dance Kid. Kander, Ebb, and McNally would later team again, for Kiss of The Spider Woman, which brought Chita her second Tony. They also wrote The Visit which premiered at the Goodman in Chicago in 2001 starring Chita and John McMartin.
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Chita fans consider posters for The Rink and Kiss of the Spider Woman to make the best use of her image
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Chita and Liza rehearse for The Rink
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) link for a preview of the music!
