The Rink: The Musical (1988 Original London Cast) [Cast Recording]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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

Tracks:

Let Me Entertain You (Gypsy)
Blame It On The Summer Night (Rags)
Raise The Roof! (The Wild Party)
I'd Rather Leave While I'm In Love (The Boy From Oz)
On My Own (Les Miserables)
Colored Lights (The Rink)
I'm The Greatest Star (Funny Girl)
Who Are You Now? (Funny Girl)
They All Laughed (Shall We Dance?)
Sex (Skirts)
Maybe This Time (Cabaret)
I Enjoy Being A Girl (Flower Drum Song)
Anytime (I Am There) (Elegies: A Song Cycle)

Customer Reviews:

What's happened to Debbie?.......2005-04-15

I am not a staunch Gibson fan like most of the drooling 5-star reviews here. But I loved her in the 80's and think her to be a talented singer-songwriter who puts modern pop moppets to shame. I thought it was awesome when she broke into Broadway and made a steady career of it.
Then I heard 'Colored Lights'.
I ask, Debbie!(sorry, DEBORAH), what has happened to you??
Like others here, I applaud her choice to include lesser-known songs. But in doing so, it really behoves her to SELL them as great songs, not rework them for her own interpretation. I felt like I was listening not to the pure-toned, crystal voice of our favourite teen idol, but someone doing a bad impersonation of her. There is hardly a single line she sings which isn't punctured by bad ennunciation, poor phrasing or a lack of respect for the intent of the composers.
There were no gravelly growls(meant to sound sexy, no doubt, but too overdone to succeed), breathy sighs, uneven tone, lacklustre dynamics, excessive scooping, wavery pitch and lack of top range in the Debbie Gibson I remember. But her voice on this album is such a mere shadow of its youthful self that she resorts to these irritating vocal bandaids to get through the song. Any track that had a 'big finish' invariably caused her to run out of steam long before she got there. A belter, Deb is not.
(and I know what I'm talking about, I'm a trained singer myself. If Deborah has a singing teacher, he/she should be shot).

This album was a huge disappointment for me. I love Broadway, but Deb fails terribly to give these songs the great renditions they deserve.
I should add, I have never had the fortune to see Deb sing live, so for all I know, maybe she COULD have done these songs justice had she avoided the pop slant. But this album shows neither the songs nor any talent she still has to advantage at all.

Listen to some Idina Menzel if you want a pop-feel voice that can also out-Belt them all.

A Taste of Broadway.......2004-10-13

I've been a fan of her since God only knows. I know she's not just talented but she is very passionate of (her) music. Knowing that she moved herself into broadways, it's rather of a challenge for me to listen to the songs especially when I'm too familiar with her pop genre. But after a while, I'm used to it coz Debbie is still Debbie to me. She's not afraid of re-arranging the original song to her style, at least she knows what she's doing and again she's proven it. My most favourite track is "Colored Lights", it's light, cheerful, somewhat witty and, in a way, brings up my imagination of seeing her (and the casts) on stage performing the song. All in all, Debbie still has a class and style for us to share.

OUCH!.......2004-08-23

Deborah Gibson is a talented rock star. With a good musical director, she has proved herself to be a wonderful musical theatre performer. This album, however, is a very uneasy marriage of the two genres. She sings every showtune on the album as if it's a pop tune with horrendous bubble gum arrangements. I have seen Miss Gibson in two musicals and have heard her sing showtunes live on other occasions- she knows how to sing showtunes. On this album, however, she's trying to pander to her pop audience and in the process, she created an album that fails as a pop album and as a showtune album. I can only hope that Miss Gibson finds a better musical director the next time she decides to record showtunes.

(Deborah Gibson ) AT HER BEST!!!!.......2004-04-23

Deborah really sing's her heart out on this cd
and it is a must for all of Deborah's Fan's.
Please take the time out and listen to some clip's
of some of the song's from the album. Thank's.

Love You Deborah!!!!
You are the Best!!!!

Deborah delivers deliciously.......2004-02-13

After more than 15 years in the business, Deborah Gibson has learned many lessons and fulfilled many dreams. After 2001's horrifyingly misguided "M.Y.O.B.," she returns to the adult contemporary sound that landed her two number one hits on the Billboard charts, and turns that up a couple of notches. By selecting 13 showtunes from varying Broadway musicals, Gibson satisfies immensely, and delivers a unique compilation worthy of at least one full listen.

"Colored Lights" is not meant to be a showcase of hit tunes; many of the songs on this opus aren't radio hits. Instead, Gibson puts together a delicious smorgasbord of rhythmic melodies and heartfelt ballads that complement her voice (that, strangely enough, hasn't seemed to change that much after more than a decade in the industry).

What is also important to consider in one's evaluation of "Colored Lights" is that, while comparison with the original works/performers is inevitable, we should also take the time to consider that Gibson's pop sensibilities will always shine through. Perhaps it is for that reason, that Gibson has had the best of both pop stardom and Broadway success, that she gives new dimension to these melodies.

The standouts on this collection include "I'd Rather Leave While I'm in Love," which radio would do well to pick up, as the soothing melody and heartfelt delivery will find AC audiences easily; "On My Own," off "Les Miserables," where Gibson as Eponine sounds both heartbroken yet hopeful; the playful title track, from "The Rink," which features some of the most whimsical lyrics I've heard off Broadway thus far; "Raise the Roof," which is truly enjoyable in its pseudo-Latino reincarnation in Gibson's hands (yes, it does beg for a house remix; Gibson's gay audience will see to its success), and "Anytime (I Am There)," which is heartbreaking in its stark delivery, and is easily one of my top five Gibson tracks of all time.

Admittedly, Gibson can't overcome comparisons to the definitive versions of some of the songs. Let's face it: Debbie ain't no Barbra. Her versions of "I'm the Greatest Star" and "Who Are You Now?," while stellar on their own, just fall flat when compare to Streisand's. "Let Me Entertain You," off "Gypsy," ironically, isn't very entertaining, and "Blame It On The Summer Night" drags on.

All in all, "Colored Lights" puts together a collection of songs that are quite distinct and classy, and is easily one of the more worthy albums in Ms. Gibson's discography. She would do well to continue producing albums along this line instead of trying to fight the Britney's and Christina's, because those fads fade, and only the classics remain. Trust in "Colored Lights" to earn a well-deserved place in that section of your record collection.

The Rink: The Musical (1988 Original London Cast)
Average customer rating:

THE RINK - a second recording of this fine score

from voice student and fan of musicals

Find the Chita/Liza recording!

Not Quite Chita

Often Overlooked Kander and Ebb Show Glitters

The Rink: The Musical (1988 Original London Cast)
John Kander , and Fred Ebb
Manufacturer: Jay Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Rink (1984 Original Broadway Cast)

The Act (1977 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000005BHE
Release Date: 1997-10-21

Tracks:

COLORED LIGHTS
CHIEF COOK AND BOTTLE WASHER
DON'T 'AH MA' ME
BLUE CRYSTAL
UNDER THE THE ROLLER COASTER
NOT ENOUGH MAGIC
(I) HERE'S TO THE RINK /(II) WE CAN MAKE IT
AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
ANGEL'S RINK AND SOCIAL CENTRE
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OLD DAYS?
FINALE ACT I (COLORED LIGHTS Reprise)
THE APPLE DOESN'T FALL
MARRY ME
(I) WE CAN MAKE IT (Reprise)/(II) MRS. A
THE RINK
WALLFLOWER
ALL THE CHILDREN IN A ROW
CODA

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

THE RINK - a second recording of this fine score.......2004-02-28

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?

from voice student and fan of musicals.......2000-07-26

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.

Find the Chita/Liza recording!.......1998-11-23

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.

Not Quite Chita.......1998-10-17

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.

Often Overlooked Kander and Ebb Show Glitters.......1998-10-08

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.

Average customer rating:

The Musicality of Kander & Ebb
John Kander , Fred Ebb , Matt Bogart , and Susan Egan
Manufacturer: Jay Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Musicality of Porter
The Musicality of Rodgers & Hart
The Musicality of Sondheim
The Musicality of Rodgers & Hammerstein
The Musicality of Kern

ASIN: B0000C23CO
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Tracks:

But the World Goes Round (New York! New York!) - Kim Criswell
Kiss of the Spider Woman (Kiss Of The Spider Woman) - Matt Bogart
Maybe This Time (Cabaret) - Susan Egan
I Don't Remember You (The Happy Time) - Ron Raines
Boom Ditty Boom (70, Girls, 70) - Dora Bryan and Company
Love and Love Alone (The Visit) - Karen Ziemba
The Apple Doesn't Fall (The Rink) - Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera
The Happy Time (The Happy Time) - George Dvorsky
Only Love (Zorba) - Salena Jones
New York! New York! (New York! New York!)
Nowadays (Chicago) - Caroline O'Connor
Cabaret (Cabaret) - Carolee Carmello

Average customer rating:

Chicago & All That Jazz

Manufacturer: Metro Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

All That Jazz - Music Edition
Fosse (1999 Original Broadway Cast)
Swing! (Original Broadway Cast)
From This Moment On
Chicago - The Musical (1996 Broadway Revival Cast)

ASIN: B0000902KI
Release Date: 2003-04-28

Tracks:

All That Jazz [From Chicago] - Paulette Ivory, , National Symphony Orchestra, Sally Ann Triplett
Maybe This Time [From Cabaret] - Carolee Carmello, National Symphony Orchestra
Two Ladies [From Cabaret] - National Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Pryce
Broadway Baby [From Follies] - Jan Horvath, National Symphony Orchestra
Just for Tonight [From They're Playing Our Song] - Susan Egan, National Symphony Orchestra
New York New York [from New York New York] - Sean McDermott, National Symphony Orchestra
Colored Lights [from The Rink] - Liza Minnelli
What I Did for Life [from a Chorus Line] - National Symphony Orchestra,
Money Money [From Cabaret] - Maria Friedman, National Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Pryce
If My Friends Could See Me Now [From Sweet Charity] - Jacqueline Dankworth, National Symphony Orchestra
Singin' in the Rain [From Singin' in the Rain] - National Symphony Orchestra, Paul Robinson
Mr. Cellophane [From Chicago] - NSO Ensemble,
Anything Goes [From Anything Goes] - National Symphony Orchestra
Cabaret [From Cabaret] - Maria Friedman, National Symphony Orchestra
Nowadays [From Chicago] - National Symphony Orchestra, Caroline O'Connor
One [from a Chorus Line] - National Symphony Orchestra

Album Details

As "Chicago" Packs them in at the Theaters Worldwide, Join Stars of the West End and Broadway as We Present the Very Best of "Chicago" Along with a Selection of the Biggest Songs from Such Musicals as "Cabaret", "New York New York" and "a Chorus Line".

The Stars Of The Musical Stage: Stars Of The West End & Broadway Perform Hit Songs From The Hit Shows (Musical Compilation)

Average customer rating:

The Stars Of The Musical Stage: Stars Of The West End & Broadway Perform Hit Songs From The Hit Shows (Musical Compilation)

Manufacturer: Madacy Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

Tracks:

The Rink: Coloured Lights - Liza Minnelli
Cabaret: Wilkommen - Jonathan Pryce & Company
A Little Night Music: Send In The Clowns - Sian Phillips
Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Maria Friedman
Camelot: How To Handle A Woman - Richard Harris
My Fair Lady: Get Me To The Church On Time - Bob Hoskins & Company
Three Guys Naked From The Waist Down: I Don't Believe In Heroes Any More - Scott Bakula
Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Any Dream Will Do - John Barrowman
Pickwick: If I Ruled The World - Harry Secombe
Godspell: Beautiful City - Darren Day
The Rocky Horror Show: Science Fiction - Anita Dobson
Nine: Unusual Way - Elaine Paige/Jonathan Pryce/Nadia Strahan/Liliane Montevecchi/Anita Dobson

Music:

Music

Music