The limited-engagement revival of that opened on April 27, 1960, and transferred to for a Broadway run was one of many indications at the start of the new decade that America was beginning to emerge from the chilled artistic climate of the era of the 1950s. It would have been hard to imagine the show, written by blacklisted lyricist-librettist and composer , being revived any earlier than 1960, despite the success of the original 1947 production. (Indeed, a proposed animated film version was scuttled in the mid-'50s, though not before prerecordings were made.) In addition to the red-baiting of one of its authors, the reason for the show's suppression can be found in 's story, which touches on issues of race relations and the gap between rich and poor, and in his lyrics, which slyly insert left-leaning sentiments and criticisms of the right wing. For all that, you might suppose that is some kind of dull political tract, when it is really a delightful fantasy full of catchy songs. That's what people recalled when the revival opened in 1960, and that's what you get on this cast album. can't match the Irish sparkle of her predecessor, , in the female lead role, but she has a stronger voice; is a solid ; and makes a suitably excitable the leprechaun. The whole production has a triumphant spirit well conveyed on the recording, and it shakes the cobwebs from one of the outstanding of the 1940s. It's hard to beat the original Broadway cast recording, but this one makes a satisfying alternative, and it is certainly a sonic improvement. [The 1988 CD reissue added a short reprise of at the end.] ~ William Ruhlmann