Something Wonderful

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Theatre, Broadway & Musical Revue, Fiction & Literature, Drama, Musicals, Performing Arts
Cover of the book Something Wonderful by Todd S. Purdum, Henry Holt and Co.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Todd S. Purdum ISBN: 9781627798358
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Publication: April 3, 2018
Imprint: Henry Holt and Co. Language: English
Author: Todd S. Purdum
ISBN: 9781627798358
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication: April 3, 2018
Imprint: Henry Holt and Co.
Language: English

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 young lovers wherever they are. He shows that what Rodgers and Hammerstein wrought was truly something wonderful.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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 young lovers wherever they are. He shows that what Rodgers and Hammerstein wrought was truly something wonderful.

More books from Henry Holt and Co.

Cover of the book A Murder Over a Girl by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book When Things Start to Think by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book Squandered Victory by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book The Voyage to Magical North by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book The Kingdom of Infinite Number by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book Dead Connection by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book Every Friday by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book The Birth of Love by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book The Alcatraz Escape by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book Little Universes by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book And Away We Go! by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book I Never Promised You a Rose Garden by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book Construction Kitties by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book Little Horse by Todd S. Purdum
Cover of the book The Road to Whatever by Todd S. Purdum
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy