Rosie Perez Puts on The Ritz

Rita Moreno created one of her signature roles as ditzy cabaret singer Googie Gomez in the original 1970s production of gay playwright Terrence McNally's hilarious comedy The Ritz, about a straight man hiding out from mobsters in a gay bathhouse.

Now it looks like another Latina legend will be sinking her teeth into the part - Puerto Rican dynamo Rosie Perez is slated to play Googie in a revival of the show, which will co-star Tony nominee Kevin Chamberlin (Seussical, Heroes).

Previews begin at Studio 54 on Sept. 14, under the guidance of gay director Joe Mantello.

And with any luck, the hoopla surrounding this revival will lead to a long-awaited DVD release of the 1976 film version, also starring Moreno.