Welcome to a new Musical Theatre Monday! This month, we’re celebrating a notable television musical — one that debuted 60 years ago, on December 18, 1962, when NBC first broadcast an animated special called Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol, UPA’s hour-long adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic using its iconic Mister Magoo (voiced by Jim Backus).
Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol has long been beloved by musical theatre fans because its score was written by Broadway’s own Jule Styne and Bob Merrill (not long before their collaboration on Funny Girl), and it features a handful of delightful songs, including “The Lord’s Bright Blessing,” “Alone In The World,” and my favorite, the haunting “Winter Was Warm,” sung by Jane Kean. Here’s Kean’s extended recording — released digitally only a few years ago.
In honor of this well-liked TV musical, I’m offering — for subscribers who comment below to alert me of their private, non-commercial interest — access to an untracked live audio recording of a 2019 concert performance of Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol for the Actors Fund, starring Gavin Lee and Sierra Boggess. Here’s a taste — the overture (written for this production — it’s different from the original). Enjoy — and Merry Christmas!
Come back next month for another musical rarity! And stay tuned for more Living Single!
Thanks, Jackson, I’d love to hear that concert!
Hi, Reed! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your mac address.
Hi Jackson
Love to hear this new version of Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol. Scrooge lives on in many forms to remind us of the riches to share:
love. friendship, food, bountifulness, music and more. Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season and new year.
Donna
Hi, Donna! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your CS address. Happy Holidays!
I think it’s the best Christmas Carol. I always thought it should really be on Broadway. I was going to ask you if there’s ever been a live production. I am privately and non-commercially interested. Thanks so much Jackson and Happy Happy Christmas!
Hi, Donald! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your gmail address. Merry Christmas!
A true Christmas treasure. My favorite Christmas Carol/Christmas TV Special ever since I saw its initial broadcast at age seven. Please send me the audio of the 2019 concert! (my interest is private and noncommercial)
Hi, Will! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your AOL address.
Yes please, would love to hear this curiosity.
Hi, Matt! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your richter-fr address.
Would love to hear this production.
Hi, Bob! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your gmail address.
I love Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol – especially Winter Was Warm. I would love to have the recording.
Hi, Isaac! Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have emailed you at your westigers address.