“The legacy of the team was more than the sum of their stage successes. By daring to do things differently, they encouraged a whole new generation of writers to do things differently. Many of the most significant figures of the musical theatre readily admit the debt that they owe Rodgers and Hammerstein. It was not only that they dealt with serious subjects within the framework of light entertainment, It was their entire conception of the musical theatre as a place of ideas and even ideals. The fresh winds of Oklahoma! that had come sweeping down the plain had carried writers and audiences into an era of mature, intelligent musical theatre.” —Stanley Green
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II showed leadership in musical theatre and left a legacy with their popular music. Though both Rodgers and Hammerstein are dead, people still watch their shows. Not only were they pioneers of an era of American musical theatre, but the fond memories from their works are alive and well over five decades later. The songs they produced rose quickly in popularity, but did not fade quickly, as many fads do.
While not every partnership works, Rodgers and Hammerstein's partnership thrived. In 16 years working together, they made 11 shows. They created more successful shows together than most famous show writers do in their lifetimes. Rodgers and Hammerstein started their partnership with the wildly popular Oklahoma!, and concluded with The Sound of Music, which recently celebrated it's 50th anniversary.
By the time that Hammerstein died, six months after the Sound of Music opened, they had started to see the effects of their pioneering efforts. Years after their deaths, their musical theatre legacy continues.
While not every partnership works, Rodgers and Hammerstein's partnership thrived. In 16 years working together, they made 11 shows. They created more successful shows together than most famous show writers do in their lifetimes. Rodgers and Hammerstein started their partnership with the wildly popular Oklahoma!, and concluded with The Sound of Music, which recently celebrated it's 50th anniversary.
By the time that Hammerstein died, six months after the Sound of Music opened, they had started to see the effects of their pioneering efforts. Years after their deaths, their musical theatre legacy continues.
“For all his days, Oscar sang with a clear voice about everything that was good and decent and enjoyable. It’s still a clear voice, but now we must do his singing for him.” —Richard Rodgers