Younger than Springtime

With the approach of spring, the song Younger Than Springtime came to mind. This song is a Rodgers and Hammerstein song that was written for their musical, South Pacific. The song is performed in the first act by Lieutenant Cable when he makes love to his adored Liat, to whom he was only recently introduced Read More

Oklahoma!

Oklahoma! transformed the world of musical theater in more ways than one. Richard Rodgers was interested in adapting the 1931 play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs into a piece for musical theater.  However, his writing partner Lorenz Hart had no interest in the project. Oscar Hammerstein II expressed interest, but his writing partner Read More

Profile of a Composer: Oscar Hammerstein II

Oscar Hammerstein II was the other half of the duo that brought The Sound of Music to life.  His lyrics beautifully matched the melodies of Richard Rodgers. Hammerstein was born on July 12, 1895, in New York City.  His grandfather was the theatre producer of the early 20th Century, Oscar Hammerstein I. The longing to Read More

Profile of a Performer: Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews brought the role of Maria to life on the screen in The Sound of Music. Andrews had only completed one film, not yet released, when she was cast in the role of Maria.   The director of the film The Sound of Music, Robert Weiss, was able to convince Walt Disney to allow him Read More

The Sound of Music

Theaters this week are celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Sound of Music. The film version, starring a then-unknown Julie Andrews and primarily stage performer Christopher Plummer, of the musical first hit theaters in 1965. The stage version first premiered six years earlier in 1959, with Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel, in the title roles. Read More