A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was never remotely as successful as a musical as it was as a movie, despite a clever score from
Arthur Schwartz and
Dorothy Fields. This cast recording captures the work of Johnny Johnston, Shirley Booth, Marcia Van Dyke, Nomi Mitty, Delbert Anderson, and Albert Linville from the 1951 production. With arrangements by
Robert Russell Bennett and Joe Glover, and music direction by Max Goberman, the George Abbott production translates well into pure music, with bright orchestrations that were meant for the long-playing format -- the overture is a good and long exploration of
Schwartz's themes, and
Fields' lyrics present a vivid account of the characters and setting. The album was transferred to CD in time for the work's 40th anniversary. ~ Bruce Eder