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(More customer reviews)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.
Click Here to see more reviews about: The Wizard Of Oz: 1998 Cast Recording (Madison Square Garden Cast)
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