1998 Stage Revival

2007 reissue of the Grammy-nominated Wizard of Oz stage revival album, originally released in 1998. The principle cast includes Mickey Rooney, Eartha Kitt, Jessica Grove, Ken Page, Lara Teeter, Dirk Lumbard, Bob Dorian and Judith McCauley. The Wizard of Oz production in question is here given a faithful revival. Mickey Rooney and Eartha Kitt take great glee in star turns as Professor Marvel/The Wizard and Miss Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West respectively. All of the memorable tunes by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg are sung here by an energetic cast with clear, ringing diction and recorded beautifully. While no one could make US forget Judy Garland's Dorothy, Jessica Grove has ample charm and pluck to hold center stage in the principal role. Added attractions include effective use of Herbert Stuttgart's Academy Award winning background score, providing enchantment and menace as needed, and "March of the Winkies/The Jitterbug," which were not in the 1939 classic.