Question
Here is the question : WHAT WAS THE FIRST RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN MUSICAL?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Oklahoma!
- The Sound of Music
- South Pacific
- The King & I
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Although Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II both had their own successful Broadway careers prior to the release of the musical Oklahoma! in 1943, the success of that show would eternally link the two of them in the eyes of the public. This was the first of several musicals that fused the humorous style of Rodgers with the operetta of Hammerstein. Green Grow the Lilacs, based on a play by Lynn Riggs, opened to mixed reviews but went on to become a smash hit on Broadway.
Rodgers and Hammerstein are one of the most iconic duos in musical theatre history. They have created timeless classics that are still performed and beloved today. One of their most famous and groundbreaking works is the musical “Oklahoma!” which premiered in 1943.
Before “Oklahoma!”, musical theatre was primarily a series of unrelated songs and dances strung together by a simple plot. However, Rodgers and Hammerstein revolutionized the genre by creating a musical in which the songs and dances were integral to the plot and character development. They also incorporated elements of ballet and modern dance into the choreography, further elevating the art form.
Set in the Oklahoma Territory in the early 1900s, “Oklahoma!” tells the story of a farm girl named Laurey and her relationships with two men, the cowboy Curly and the farmhand Jud. The musical explores themes of love, jealousy, and the struggle for identity in the ever-changing American West.
The score of “Oklahoma!” features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” and “People Will Say We’re in Love.” These songs, along with the intricate dance numbers, helped to establish “Oklahoma!” as a landmark in musical theatre history.
The original production of “Oklahoma!” was directed by Rouben Mamoulian and choreographed by Agnes de Mille. It starred Alfred Drake as Curly, Joan Roberts as Laurey, and Celeste Holm as Ado Annie. The show was an instant hit, running for over 2,200 performances on Broadway and spawning numerous national and international tours.
“Oklahoma!” also had a significant impact on the film industry. In 1955, a film adaptation of the musical was released, starring Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. The film was a critical and commercial success and helped to popularize musicals as a genre in Hollywood.
“Oklahoma!” was a groundbreaking musical that changed the landscape of musical theatre forever. It paved the way for future Rodgers and Hammerstein collaborations, such as “South Pacific,” “The King and I,” and “The Sound of Music.” Today, “Oklahoma!” remains a beloved classic that continues to be performed in theatres around the world.