RODGERS, HART & HAMMERSTEIN

Richard Rodgers–one of the most eminent theatre composers of the 20th century was only 14 when he penned his first song. Over the next six decades, he went on to write music for over 40 musicals, including Babes In Arms, Pal Joey, Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, King and I and The Sound of Music.

His first and longest collaboration was with Lorenz Hart, the lyricist with whom he wrote more than 25 shows. Together they penned songs ranging from the “Lady is a Tramp” to “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered,” reflecting Hart’s urbane, jazzy, quick wit. In the early 1940’s, Rodgers joined forces with Oscar Hammerstein, beginning of one of the most successful partnerships in Broadway musical history.

How are the songs that Rodgers wrote with Hart different from the songs with Hammerstein? How does the carefree “Manhattan” compare with the stirring “Edelweiss?” Bittersweet “Glad to Be Unhappy” with lighthearted “Cockeyed Optimist?” Sardonic “I Wish I Were in Love Again” with passionate “If I Loved You?”

Using song and story, this show by Bobbi Carrey and Will McMillan illuminates the very rich and prolific Richard Rodgers catalog.

I WISH I WERE IN LOVE AGAIN
Lorenz Hart & Richard Rodgers, 1937
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IF I LOVED YOU
Oscar Hammerstein 2nd & Richard Rodgers, 1945
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