Scrooge: The Musical (1992 Birmingham Cast)

 (26 customer reviews)

For anyone expecting the soundtrack of the film starring Albert Finney, this might be a disappointment. Yes, the same songs are used, but there is a vast difference between a work performed live on stage and one done on film. This CD presents a record of a show presented live and with a completely different cast from the film. I am lucky enough to have an LP of the film cast and will listen to that when I want to hear that version. I must admit that the best numbers are those that are common to both versions. The new numbers that expand the stage version are not as effective as the older ones. The stand outs are still the infectious "Thank You Very Much", "December the tewnty-fifth" and "I Like Life".

The first time I listened to the CD, I was not too happy with the characterization of Scrooge as presented by Anthony Newley. He was a unique talent and seemed a strange choice for this part, but in subsequent hearings, he has grown on me. I get the feeling that...Read more

First of all, after reading the previous reviews, I would like to say that only the second review (the reviewer from Buffalo) gives any true insight as to the quality of this recording. The other reviews are so inane that I can't believe any thought was put into them at all. (If you are going to quote lyrics, get them right!) Suffice it to say that the original score by Leslie Bricusse is a good reason for purchasing this recording. There isn't the lushness of the original film orchestrations and chorus work, but the presence of the digital recording makes up for it. Anthony Newley brings his usual unique style to the interpretation of Scrooge and the additional songs are interesting, if not quite up to the quality of the film songs. It is a shame that the motion picture soundtrack is no longer available. The film has become a minor holiday classic and Albert Finney's performance as Scrooge may be the best of all the versions to date. His range as an actor is astonishing and...Read more

well, hmmm, what can i say, but buy this thing. Its strange i know, but i am the tiny tim on the recording, its really weird to hear your voice on the net. So this recording is a beautiful arrangement of the original film and will always bring back special memories for me. I know tony had his critics for the role of scrooge, but anyone who saw the stage version will agree with me that he was special in this role. I cant believe that this was made 11 years ago when i was 11 ish. I am now a medical student, but this experience has never left me.