Broadway Composers: Kern and Hammerstein

Just as Richard Rodgers was part of the Rodgers and Hart collaboration, prior before he joined Oscar Hammerstein, so was Hammerstein part of a writing partnership also. Kern and Hammerstein was a duo that consisted of Jerome Kern as the composer and Oscar Hammerstein II as the lyricist. They are best known for their book Read More

Showboat

The musical theater in the 1920s was comparable to Vaudeville with comedic routines and sideshow attractions. However, Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II had an idea for a revolutionary new approach. Now the daunting task of choosing their work.  They decided on Edna Ferber’s novel, Showboat.  This was a most unconventional topic and she was skeptical 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: Rodgers & Hammerstein

Rodgers and Hammerstein gave us many wonderful songs including, “Shall We Dance,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Oh, What A Beautiful Morning,” and “Younger Than Springtime.”  They also wrote the songs to The Sound of Music, including My Favorite Things and Edelweiss. The team of Rodgers and Hammerstein consist of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, both 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: Mary Martin

The Sound of Music was originally conceived and developed as a project for the popular Broadway actress Mary Martin. So, who was Mary Martin? Mary Virginia Martin was born December 1, 1913, in Weatherford, Texas.  According to her autobiography, her childhood was “happy and secure.”  She was a tomboy and enjoyed keeping her family entertained. Read More