Customer Reviews

Scrooge: The Musical (1992 Birmingham Cast)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

For anyone expecting the soundtrack of the film starring Albert Finney, this might be a disappointment. Yes, the same songs are used, but there is a vast difference between a work performed live on stage and one done on film. This CD presents a record of a show presented live and with a completely different cast from the film. I am lucky enough to have an LP of the film cast and will listen to that when I want to hear that version. I must admit that the best numbers are those that are common to both versions. The new numbers that expand the stage version are not as effective as the older ones. The stand outs are still the infectious "Thank You Very Much", "December the tewnty-fifth" and "I Like Life".

The first time I listened to the CD, I was not too happy with the characterization of Scrooge as presented by Anthony Newley. He was a unique talent and seemed a strange choice for this part, but in subsequent hearings, he has grown on me. I get the feeling that seeing him in person would give a completely different feeling as you could then picture him as you listen. After all, when listening to the film soundtrack, you can picture Albert Finney who was great in the film even if not a good singer.

A listener must take into consideration that a CD of a stage show may not have the same quality of voices as a film as there is no chance of dubbing another voice for an actor who can can act a part but not sing well. For the stage, the producers must pick someone who is able to perform the material live and do a complete performance -sing, act, dance without stoping once the show starts. Sometimes all the necessary qualities do not come through on a recording. I find that the whole "Scrooge" recording grows on you with each hearing.

I have copy of the full script and find that the music fits the script very well. For anyone really interested in a theatrical performance, this can be a really enjoyable experience.

First of all, after reading the previous reviews, I would like to say that only the second review (the reviewer from Buffalo) gives any true insight as to the quality of this recording. The other reviews are so inane that I can't believe any thought was put into them at all. (If you are going to quote lyrics, get them right!) Suffice it to say that the original score by Leslie Bricusse is a good reason for purchasing this recording. There isn't the lushness of the original film orchestrations and chorus work, but the presence of the digital recording makes up for it. Anthony Newley brings his usual unique style to the interpretation of Scrooge and the additional songs are interesting, if not quite up to the quality of the film songs. It is a shame that the motion picture soundtrack is no longer available. The film has become a minor holiday classic and Albert Finney's performance as Scrooge may be the best of all the versions to date. His range as an actor is astonishing and anyone who expects this material to be sung instead of acted is missing the point. Until there is a reissue of the soundtrack, this recording will be a welcome addition to anyone who appreciates a tuneful score and witty lyrics that echo the style of Charles Dickens.

well, hmmm, what can i say, but buy this thing. Its strange i know, but i am the tiny tim on the recording, its really weird to hear your voice on the net. So this recording is a beautiful arrangement of the original film and will always bring back special memories for me. I know tony had his critics for the role of scrooge, but anyone who saw the stage version will agree with me that he was special in this role. I cant believe that this was made 11 years ago when i was 11 ish. I am now a medical student, but this experience has never left me.

The reason for all the negative reviews isn't necessarilly a reflection on the Birmingham cast. It's because the FILM was so wonderful and the songs were spectacular and memorable as done by THAT cast, and everyone is looking for a recording from THAT!!!

Unfortunately, unless you get the DVD and hook it up to make your own bootleg recording, there isn't any soundtrack from the film available.

This version isn't misleading - it clearly identifies itself as the STAGE soundtrack. But most likely, it isn't what you were looking for.

Let us all know when the Albert Finney film cast version is ready! It's long overdue for release.

I found this to be a wonderful musical score and I love it. I purchased it through Amazon.com and it arrived a few days later. This is best "A Christmas Carol" story. I have the 1970 "Scrooge" on video and I watch it every year. If you like this movie also, I think you will love this CD.

I saw the stage version of 'Scrooge' 6 times. You might guess that i love this show. Anthony Newley was 100% perfect in the the title role and is sadly missed since his death in 1999.
The whole show was a truly magical experience. the cast was always excellent and supported by an amazing set design with woderful magic scenes made this a perfect Christmas show. I count myself lucky to have seen it.

I have the film version of Scrooge the musical with Albert Finney and all those other wonderful actors/actresses and have watched this film many times, I fell in love with the wonderful music and have wanted to buy the cassette/cd ever since I bought the film. I must admit to being somewhat disappinted with the cd with Tony Newley and the rest of the cast of the stage show, it just does not live up to the music from the film. BUT I shall play it any way because of my love for the musical score. I wish I knew 'WHY' they never released the soundtrack from the original film. I for one would have bought it, if anybody out there knows the reason 'WHY' I would be interested in knowing. Thank you for reading my review.

As much as I enjoyed Albert Finney in the movie SCROOGE, I had always imagined Anthony Newley in the role. Working with his old partner Leslie Bricusse, Newley finally got a chance to play the role in a theatrical adaptation of the movie. The only trouble is this is the Newley of the early 90's, his voice no longer up to the demands of the role. While Finney talked his way through the film's score, more is expected of Newley and he can't quite pull it off. The orchestration calls for him to reach for notes that were no longer a part of his range and this shows up throughout the recording. Despite these limitations, there is a lot to enjoy on this CD. Newley still entertains throughout and the score has a number of catchy songs ("December the Twenty Fifth," "I Like Life," "Thank You Very Much") that will leave you singing along. I'm more disappointed in what could have been, but for a true Newley fan this is something you should own.

It has become a tradition in my house to put this CD on first thing every Christmas morning , then we know that the celebrations can begin! If you have actually seen Newley's riveting performance as Scrooge you will enjoy it even more , but it stands up anyway as a great slice of British theatre. Stage cast recordings are not meant to have the sophisticated studio enhancements of film soundtracks. People like Stratford Johns and Jon Pertwee were not singers , just good actors right for their parts and able to hold a tune. When you listen to this CD close your eyes and you could actually be in the theatre.Newley had certainly reached the age where he couldn't hit the high notes as he did in "Stop The World...." but he brings enormous stage presence to the performances and also the best out of Bricusse's lyrics. Buy it and enjoy it.

NOT the Movie Soundtrack, December 10, 2009

If you love the movie -- and judging by the 450+ five-star reviews for the CD, many many people do, you will be very disappointed in this soundtrack which is for the screenplay.

While many of the songs are in the original movie with Albert Finney -- the sound just isn't the same. It just doesn't leave you with the warm "fuzzy" feeling that you get from the original soundtrack. There are additional songs but they don't add to the listening experience and you just sort of feel let down.

I don't know why they refuse to come out with a CD version of the movie soundtrack. However, if you can get your hands on a Vinyl copy -- grab it and rip it to CD -- about 20 copies so you are never without the music again.

If you really really have to have the Scrooge Musical fix and can't watch the DVD, then this will do in a pinch. However, you will not be as satisfied as being able to listen to the real thing.

[NCJAR]