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

I was so happy to fine this CD it took me back to a very happy place because I went see this show I went every year it was there so it was very nice to go back to that time so I would said you should get it if you love the wizard of oz

I am a preschool english teacher and my kids enjoy listening the CD a lot. It contains nice music, expressive storytelling and emotional power. They feel as if they're actually watching the musical.

Jessica Grove is awesome as Dorothy!

good

My son loves it.

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 saw this show live at MSG when it was running back in 1998, Mickey Rooney was so funny. He did a great job, and knowing Judy Garland was the original Dorothy, she would have loved the way he did it. Jessica Grove did a good job, she sang with a sweet tone, her acting ability was good, but could have been better when delivering her lines. Eartha Kitt, did awsome as the wicked Witch, I know some of you might not know her, but during her number "Jitter Bug", she did her Cat perring sound from when she played Catwoman. Back from when she appeared on the 1960's batman tv show. She did it in a spunky way but she still had her nasty side. She gave her character her own attitude twards the wicked witch. The rest of the cast did great, the Scarcrow and Tin Man was great but I did not like how he did his voice it kind of sounding too feminine. I don't know if anyway know Ken Page who played the lion, was Oggie Buggie in Nightmare Before Christmas. That's what it said in the program book. The special effects were out of this world, even the yellow brink road changed colors in a different scene. There was something I did not get until the end, the begining and the end were black/white just like in the movie. That really amazed me. The tornado was crazy, wind everywere even in the audience and the witch flying all over was great, and it kept you on the edge of your seat the whole time. At the end of show was a touching moment when the whole cast sang "Somerwhere over the Rainbow" as there closing number. This show was great from start to finish, recently I just was Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby over this past christmas, it was really a wild ride this was also a classic that is one of my favorites but thats another review for later on. MSG, makes good shows for kids and adults so "There's no business like show bussinss", and it keeps you coming back for more... SJ

Please get this CD!!!!!!! I beg you!!!!! It has wonderful music on it. My favourite is the cyclone music. I have it and my brother listens to the music too. So please get it. cause there only 12 left on Amazon.