Customer Reviews

The Wizard Of Oz: 1998 Cast Recording (Madison Square Garden Cast)

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Thankfully, in 1998 the powers that be over at Madison Square Garden decided to record their version (a slightly altered Royal Shakespeare Company version) of THE WIZARD OF OZ and we should all be very thankful that they did. This CD is quite possibly the best recording of The Wizard of Oz to ever hit the shelves (or lack thereof).
As far as content is concerned, this CD is the reigning champ!!! Most of the dialogue has been retained in order to be able to fully appreciate the performances of Mickey Rooney (as the Wizard, The Guard, Professor Marvel, etc.) and Eartha Kitt (Miss Gultch and the ultra wicked yet, because of Kitt, incredibly sexy, Wicked Witch of the West). She even gets to sing!!! For over sixty years the Wicked Witch has been numberless, but now we get to hear her sing to Niko (her Flying Monkey) all about the wonders of the Jitterbug! The Jitterbug a song that was cut from the 1939 film is used in most stage productions and the involving of the Wicked Witch was an inspired decision. And of course we get to hear Eartha Kitt doing her purring and growling as well.
The music has been slightly re-orchestrated for this production to give it a fresh feel and it does so effortlessly. Another great reason to get this CD is because of Jessica Grove. Her performance as Dorothy is magical. Her voice is genuine and just the perfect match for the roll. She embraces the emotion of the Judy Garland interpretation, that we all love so much, and takes it to another level as only a great actress can. (Look for her name over the title of a Broadway show very soon!) Lara Teeter, Dirk Lambard and Ken Page (Old Deuteronomy in B'way's CATS) all deliver perfect interpretations of The Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. This truly is an enjoyable listen.
England may have Cinderella or Peter Pan, but we've got THE WIZARD OF OZ! What a joy! As Mickey Rooney so happily narrates during the overture, this story has managed to touch our hearts for over a century. No doubt, it will continue to do so as the years pass.

I just saw the touring cast at Washington, D.C. a few days ago and I was astonished. This show totally wipes away the visions of the movie and takes a new life of its own. Earth Kitt works wonders as The Wicked Witch of the West. Though Eartha Kitt is no longer with the show (but is on the CD), Lilliane Montevecchi tops Eartha's performance. Mickey Rooney is so delightful and Jessica Grove makes everybody forget that there was once a young actress named Judy Garland. Ms. Grove is very attractive and very talented. She should go far in life. This CD captures the magic that is the American fairy tale. Our only fairy tale. . .The Wizard of OZ.

When I was cast as one of the Three Crows (among other things) in my high school's production of THE WIZARD OF OZ, I decided to buy this recording, because I had heard bits and pieces at auditions and it seemed fresh and new, not like carbon-copies from the musical. I was so surprised by it's wonder that I'm still listening to it (even though the show's over!).

This is one of the BEST WIZARD OF OZ recordings and the cast members take the well-known music of Arlen and Harburg and make it as entertaining as it could possibly be. The first high point of the recording is Jessica Grove's rendition of "Over the Rainbow," though it's true that this song will always belong to Judy Garland, Grove provides some nice competition! The fun did not stop as I moved on in the recording and encountered the beautiful voice of Judith McCauley as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

Some other high points on the soundtrack include "If I Only Had a Brain" (with the not-often-heard introduction sung by the Three Crows), "Poppies," "King of the Forest," "Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead! (reprise)," with a short "Winkie Rap" sort of thing interplayed into that song, and, of course, the never-before-released "The Jitterbug" sung by the truly wicked Eartha Kitt. What a fun song! One of the best parts, though, is Judith McCauley's singing of the introduction to Over the Rainbow...

"When all the world is a hopeless jumble, / And the raindrops tumble all around, / Heaven opens a magic lane. // When all the clouds darken up the skyway, / There's a rainbow highway to be found / Leading from your window pane / To a place behind the stars / Just a step beyond the rain..."

This is truly a powerful recording and one of the best that THE WIZARD OF OZ has ever seen.

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."

I had to rate 3 because I had to rate in the middle. This album can be good or bad, depending on who is listening to it. It is good for those who want simple, upbeat, quick, renditions of the song. It is not good for those looking to hear the songs in their entirety or attempt to learn them for a stage production (There are WAY too many cuts and changes to do that here!). I bought this album because I am an Oz collector. Also, I will give them credit on their decision to include the Witch in "The Jitterbug."

Jessica Grove` has a beautiful voice, however, a bit too operatic for the role of Dorothy. Lara Teeter, an amazing Scarecrow (and you may also note this was not his first time in the role). The rest of the cast is pretty good. But lets get this clear: Mickey Rooney is not as good as he once was. Eartha Kitt was a surprisingly good Wicked Witch of the West. The choral arrangements are pretty good, well, from the little bit that remains on the album to hear.

As I said before, the music has been tweaked. The opening verse of "Over the Rainbow", although not removed entirely, is moved to the end and Glinda sings it (yeah). The three solos of the leading men are virtually the movie versions, however, The Scarecrow retained his opening verse. "The Merry Old Land of Oz" is chopped WAY too short, a 5-8 minute production number is reduced to under 2 minutes (unless you count the dialogue on the track). "The Jitterbug" is also chopped, but with a solo for the Witch and a very powerful orchestration, it just may be worth it. "Off to See the Wizard" got a slightly new vocal arrangement for Dorothy: on "the wonderful WIZard of Oz," Jessica splits from the group and jumps to a high soprano note (very different to those used to alto Judy Garland in the film). There is an annoying reprise of "Merry Old Land" just before the Wizard leaves, but luckily, it's very brief. A very beautiful choral rendition of "Over the Rainbow" closes out the album.

Overall, this album is worth the money. Personally, I listen to it whenever I want to listen to the songs, but have a limited amount of time.

If you love the film: Stick to the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on Rhino Records. If you're true Ozian, look for the 2 disc deluxe edition (including the scoring, background music, and extras.

If you are looking to learn the music to the stage version, or want a rehearsal supplement: Look for the 1988 London Cast Recording. It is the original Royal Shakespeare Company production from which the amateur stage version comes. However, it like all albums has some minor differences that the vocalists make (and face it, your vocalists will ad-lib slightly as well).

As a sign language interpreter, I interpret productions at our local theater house. I wasn't thrilled to learn that the next play would be the Wizard of Oz since I didn't like the movie as a child. Still, I had to practice so I bought the Madison Square Garden CD and FELL IN LOVE WITH IT! Their performances are impressive and the musical arrangements are fantastic! The cast is superb! I've been playing the CD daily and sometimes find myself not practicing my signing because I get caught up singing along instead.

Isaw the show in new york and on tour when it stopped I tought it was gone forever. Imagine how happy I was wen I found this! the best stage version ever!

This is a wonderful CD. It is the Original Madison Square Garden Cast. It features two of Broadway's best...Mickey Rooney(who played Prof. Marval & the Wizard) and Eartha Kitt(who playes Ms. Gulch & The Wicked Witch). This is an great CD...don't hesitate to buy it. You will be pleased!

When I got it. I thought it was wonderful. To the time that I turned it on in the car, to the time that I listened to it at home. I loved it. every family should buy it. The music was fabulous.

I saw the play on tour and i loved it so much i had to buy the cd. it was great. Eartha Kit sounded great and jazzy in the jitterbug. If your a fan of the wizard of oz, this cd is for you.Its so good that sometimes i cant tell if i'm listening to the movie cd or this one!