Río Rita

Río Rita is a musical comedy with music by Harry Tierney and lyrics by Joseph McCarthy. It premiered in 1927 and was a hit for Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.

Overview

The musical is set on the Texas-Mexico border and involves a Texas Ranger who is secretly investigating a bandit known as "Kinkajou." He falls in love with Rita, a beautiful Mexican girl who is suspected of aiding the bandit. The plot revolves around mistaken identities, romance, and the eventual capture of the Kinkajou.

Productions

• Broadway (1927): The original Broadway production opened at the Ziegfeld Theatre on February 2, 1927, and ran for 494 performances. It starred Ethelind Terry as Rita and J. Harold Murray as Captain Jim Stewart.

• Films: Río Rita has been adapted into films several times. The most notable film versions are:

  • 1929: Starring Bebe Daniels and John Boles.
  • 1942: Starring Abbott and Costello, Kathryn Grayson, and John Carroll. This version significantly altered the plot and incorporated more comedic elements.

Notable Songs

The musical features several popular songs, including:

• "Río Rita" (the title song)
• "If You're in Love, You'll Waltz"
• "The Rangers' Song"
• "You're Always in My Arms (But Only in My Dreams)"

Reception and Legacy

Río Rita was a major success in its time, popularizing its songs and characters. While the story is relatively simple, the music and lavish productions contributed to its enduring appeal. The subsequent film adaptations, particularly the 1942 version, helped to maintain its recognition within popular culture, although they often deviate substantially from the original stage production.