The Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of the 1975 comedy The Ritz bowed last night at Studio 54. Kevin Chamberlin — who stars as straight-guy-on-the-run-in-a-gay-bathhouse Gaetano Proclo — and playwright Terrence McNally caught up after the show.
Rosie Perez, who earns many of the evening’s biggest laughs for her superb portrayal of talent-challenged singer Googie Gomez, arrived at the party with her boyfriend, actor Ramon Rodriguez.
Brooks Ashmanskas could get another Tony Award nomination for his hilarious work as the sex-crazed (and sex-starved) Chris in the show.
The show’s supporting cast also includes Ashlie Atkinson as Chamberlin’s conflicted wife, Vivian…
…the amazing Seth Rudetsky, who is absolutely hysterical as a Pippin-loving patron…
…and former gay porn star Ryan Idol, who makes a memorable appearance as one of the bathhouse’s many customers.
The opening night’s star-studded guest list included Tony Award winner Nathan Lane, who has starred in such McNally works as Love! Valour! Compassion!, Lips Together, Teeth Apart, and The Lisbon Traviata.
Here’s the great Marian Seldes, who recently starred in McNally’s Deuce on Broadway and co-starred with Lane in the playwright’s Dedication, or the Stuff of Dreams at Primary Stages.
Seldes’ great pal and frequent co-star Brian Murray was another of the evening’s special guests.
Among the other celebrants were Raul Esparza, who will return to Broadway next month in a revival of Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming and who will guest star on the hit ABC comedy Pushing Daisies…
…the very funny Mario Cantone, who will reprise his role as wedding planner Anthony in the upcoming Sex and the City movie…
Tony-winning director (and actor) Walter Bobbie, whose Broadway revival of Chicago will celebrate its 11th anniversary next month…
…the wonderful Jessica Hecht, who’s hoping to return to Off-Broadway in a production of Paula Vogel’s play Desdemona…
…Oscar-winning composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz, whose song “Magic to Do” pops up during The Ritz…
…and film and television star Debi Mazar, who will be seen in the upcoming film remake of Clare Boothe Luce’s classic play The Women.
For TheaterMania’s review of The Ritz, click here.
