Rodgers Hammerstein - Softcover

Musical theater lovers will rejoice upon discovering Rodgers & Hammerstein, the visually rich, musical-by-musical overview of one of Broadway's most creative duos. Ethan Mordden traces the output of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II from their first musical project together (Oklahoma) to their very last (The Sound of Music). With each of these, readers are given detailed (and sometimes critical) notes on the production processes and behind-the-scenes tidbits. The media backlash against Allegro--due to choreographer Agnes de Mille firing a cast dancer she had conflicts with--is explained, as is the opening night flop of Me and Juliet. And, though less remembered today, Mordden gives us detailed notes and pictures from Pipe Dream, the pair's ill-fated adaptation of John Steinbeck's Cannery Row. The real magic behind Rodgers & Hammerstein, though, isn't in these ephemeral notes but in the book's lavish illustrations. Backdrop designs, cast recording album covers, and production photos tell a story here that words simply cannot. There have been numerous books chronicling the genius of Rodgers & Hammerstein (and, truth be told, many serve as better introductions to the duo), but few capture and illustrate the pair's magic like this one. --Jason Verlinde

Now in paperback, this profusely illustrated volume celebrates the legendary collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Filled with original performance photographs, set and costume designs, backstage candids, and lively anecdotes, the book covers the team's complete works including Oklahoma!, State Fair, Carousel, South Pacific, Flower Drum Song, and The Sound of Music. Ethan Mordden analyzes every one of the shows-detailing the plots, exploring the musical and lyrical ideas, and examining casting and directing choices. Rodgers & Hammerstein is an essential work in the history of American musical theater. 233 illustrations, 67 in full color, 9 11/2 x 1133/4" Ethan Mordden is the author of numerous books and countless magazine articles on theater, opera, and film, as well as several novels. A frequent contributor to the New Yorker, Mordden has received the National Magazine Award for Fiction. He lives and works in New York City.