Something Wonderful

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution

De: Todd S. Purdum

Narrado por: Todd S. Purdum

A revelatory portrait of the creative partnership that transformed musical theater and provided the soundtrack to the American Century

They stand at the apex of the great age of songwriting, the creators of the classic Broadway musicals Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music, whose songs have never lost their popularity or emotional power. Even before they joined forces, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II had written dozens of Broadway shows, but together they pioneered a new art form: the serious musical play. Their songs and dance numbers served to advance the drama and reveal character, a sharp break from the past and the template on which all future musicals would be built.

Though different in personality and often emotionally distant from each other, Rodgers and Hammerstein presented an unbroken front to the world and forged much more than a songwriting team; their partnership was also one of the most profitable and powerful entertainment businesses of their era. They were cultural powerhouses whose work came to define postwar America on stage, screen, television, and radio. But they also had their failures and flops, and more than once they feared they had lost their touch.

Todd S. Purdum's portrait of these two men, their creative process, and their groundbreaking innovations will captivate lovers of musical theater, lovers of the classic American songbook, and lovers in general. He shows that what Rodgers and Hammerstein wrought was truly something wonderful.

©2018 Todd S. Purdum (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Beautifully researched, written and presented

Very enlightening and engaging. Really bright these two men to life as well as the world they inhabited.

Completely Wonderful

This is a stroll down memory lane, a gift to everyone who has ever had the privilege of exposure to this wonderful genre. Rogers and Hammerstein have left a musical legacy for the ages, and their story is beautifully told in this book my library is extensive but nothing in it surpasses this wonderful story.

A must-read for any musical theatre fan!

The story is infectious and the research well-done. An informative and enjoyable read for any musical theatre fan, especially if they are familiar with Rodgers & Hammerstein.

Loved it

This was a great book about my favorite Broadway musical composers and writers. I was hesitant to get it but was swept up in their story. Great reader also. If your thinking of getting it you won't be disappointed.

Lovely history of two theatrical giants!

Loved the history of Rodgers and Hammerstein's partnership and the wonderful body of work they created which is still feeding our spirits today!