I directed this production with Maureen - at the Sundance Summer Theatre, and in fact, am directing her solo show now in Rochester. This was an archival CD recording (made along with an archival DVD for non-distribution purposes). Amazing that you got this - and it's lovely to hear it after all this time.
An excerpt of a preview/tryouts tape has indeed emerged of Dame Lansbury singing this song. But the recording's provenance is unclear, as it's obviously not from the 3 known live audios of the original production (x1 in Boston, with M'el Dowd, x2 on Broadway with Dame Lansbury).
I saw this production at that same place! And that was one of the things that made me want to write musicals! I say it's a miracle that I found this. I thought I never would!
I just saw the ENCORES revival of DEAR WORLD and how I wish that they still used this song instead of the opening song they use in the current version. And Maureen McGovern is fantastic. How I hope that more songs from Maureen McGovern's production are made available.
@phimberg I saw Maureen in Rochester in late October--GREAT performance. No one can deliver a song like she can. She literally blew us away, whether it was a gem like "The Circle Game" or the catchy "Rocky Raccoon." We didn't want the evening to end!! Congratulations on a wonderful show.
@phimberg This is an excellent recording, I'm glad I came across it. Although there seems to be virtually nothing known about this song. I've only been able to find two recordings, this included, and sheet music is out of the question.
Maureen Mcgovern is not the only woman to sing perfectly there is also Angela Lansbury too! she did this role! the soundtrack was released the same year as the movie that had Katherine Hepburn in it.
