Alice Through The Looking Glass - Original Television Soundtrack

If you're like me, combination musical theatre fanatic and vintage television geek, you'll be as excited as I was hearing about the third and final release Masterworks Broadway had up their musical sleeve with "Alice through The Looking Glass" in their Summer 2016 series.

Based on the original story by Lewis Caroll, "Alice Through The Looking Glass" was presented as an NBC special event on Nov 6, 1966 to TV audiences of America. Although its now 50 years after the celebrated event, this is the first time the Soundtrack Recording has seen an American CD/Digital release.

"Alice" voices a strong star cast; Jimmy Durante (Humpty Dumpty), The Smothers Brothers (Tweedledee and Tweedledum), Nanette Fabray and Ricardo Montalban (The White Queen and King), handsome Roy Castle (Lester the Jester), Jack Palance (Jabberwock), and "Endora" herself, Agnes Moorhead (The Red Queen). Judi Rolin rounds out the cast as Alice, the title character, taking her plunge into Wonderland.

Although not British (she's from Chicago), Rolin turns in a charming vocal performance as Alice. Rolin, an unknown for the time, did only one other TV appearance -- NBC's "Rowan & Martin," most likely promoting the special. The Smothers Brothers' "The Backward Alphabet" delights and Durante's "'Twas Brilling" has all heart. The musical blueprint of this show is deeply rooted to "Peter Pan" in sound, ostensibly because it was penned by "Pan" composer Mark "Moose" Charlap.

The weakest song is by Jack Palance, not known for being a musical theatre performer. (He may have not been the worst had the role of The Red Queen gone to Bette Davis, as originally planned).

This vintage recording capitalizes on the recent rebirth and success of big TV Network live musicals we've seen in the past 4 years. In 1966 RCA announced the original LP release of this soundtrack just days before the special aired. Masterworks Broadway has been providing Musical Theatre enthusiasts a plethora of rare recordings since 2006; and kudos to whomever chose to include "Alice" in their repertoire.

This digital release is is thick with sound, melody and orchestrations. With the addition of the original artwork and liner notes from the LP, I give you full permission to pop the top off the "Drink Me" bottle that is "Alice Through The Looking Glass," go down the rabbit hole, and immerse yourself in how alluring this recording remains.

"Alice Through The Looking Glass - Original Television Soundtrack"
CD
$11.98
http://www.masterworksbroadway.com/music/alice-looking-glass-1966-television-soundtrack