SOMETHING WONDERFUL Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution

Those with a deep, abiding love for such musicals as OKLAHOMA!, CAROUSEL, SOUTH PACIFIC, and THE KING AND I will find great joy in listening to Purdum's account of the remarkable partnership between composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Circumstance drew the two together, thereby changing the face of American musical theater. Purdum has a smile in his voice as he recounts their extraordinary working relationship, detailing how Hammerstein would write the wonderful lyrics first and then send them to Rodgers, who would add the sparkling tunes. A quick study, Rodgers took only about five hours to compose the entire score of OKLAHOMA! Listeners will want to sing along as Purdum reads the lyrics to some of the world's most beloved melodies. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2018]