The Royal Shakespeare Company in London may have been the first to produce a stage version of the 1939 classic "The Wizard Of Oz", one of MGM's best-loved movie musicals, but this American version, recorded while a spectacular stage version was touring in 1997-1998, is definitive. A 2011 Andrew Lloyd Webber produced stage version is packing them into London's Palladium; mostly out of curiousity, I'm sure. For his version, Lord Webber added his own additional songs. Lord Webber has some nerve and a monumental ego to think that the classic Harold Arlen-E.Y. Harburg score needs any improvements or additions by him! There is nothing to fear with this recording. This recording (released September, 1998) utilizes the original Arlen-Harburg songs and score. In some cases, the original orchestrations have been slightly modified or revitalized. "The Munchkinland Musical Sequence", for instance, is slightly reconfigured. It is heard here as one track; instead of being broken down into tiny, individual sections, as other recordings often present it. Likewise, "The Merry Old Land Of Oz" number bursts with sparkling vitality. Other famous songs feature verses not used in the movie.
This "Oz Tour" began, I believe, with Roseanne starring as Miss Gulch/The Wicked Witch Of The West. Thank goodness this recording was made after she left and Eartha Kitt replaced her. It is hard to believe Eartha Kitt was 70 years old when she toured in this production and made this recording. Then again, Miss Kitt is forever ageless and unique. The role of The Wicked Witch is made to fit Kitt's performance persona. For instance, Kitt employs her trademark growl singing "The Jitterbug", a production number cut from the movie and subsequently used in most stage productions. Eartha Kitt offers a highly individualistic interpretation. The result is occasionally, appropriately. frightening--and always fabulous! Bravo, Eartha!!
Memories of Judy Garland in "Oz" will always remain with us. Mickey Rooney, Judy's most frequent movie co-star and lifelong friend, is top-billed alongside Eartha Kitt here. The casting of Rooney, in the multiple roles of Professor Marvel, the Emerald City Doorman and Cabbie, and The Wizard Of Oz himself, gives the production a sincere nostalgic uplift. Jessica Grove, making her professional debut, does an admirable job of stepping into Judy Garland's ruby slippers and her iconic role of Dorothy. Jessica played Dorothy for two years. Her subsequent stage career, including roles in "The Boyfriend," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Oklahoma!" and "Les Miserables". has happily flourished since her years in "Oz." On this recording, Jessica is joined by Lara Teeter and Dirk Lumbard as the Scarecrow and the Tin Man. The wonderful Ken Page ("Ain't Misbehaving, "Torch Song Trilogy") is a hoot as the Cowardly Lion. Page also portrayed the Cowardly Lion on stage in Charlie Smalls' African-American, Rock/Soul version of this story , titled "The Wiz."
This recording, perhaps taking a cue from the famous "MGM Original Cast Album" (released in 1956 and 1960) also includes dialogue combined with the songs and music to effectively tell the complete story (in about 60 minutes). This is an absolutely delightful, magical and essential recording of "Oz."
