Something Wonderful

Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution

By: Todd S. Purdum

Narrated by: Todd S. Purdum

Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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.

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.

Given a new perspective, I’m anxiously awaiting my next trip to the theater.

For the devotees of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein, you will listen intently as you soak up the stories behind the shows of these musical theater legends. Their rare ability to make magic over and over again has put them on a pedestal above the rest, but it doesn’t mean their lives were perfect or their achievements came without struggle. Todd Purdum’s research reveals extensive insight into the collaborative writing process, Oscar and Dick’s creative lives before and after their work together, and the evolution of their shows and well-loved songs. Purdum even indulges us with a few of the not-so wonderful lyrics that fortunately did not make the final draft.

For those of us who just love a good musical, Something Wonderful is a delightful experience enhanced by the author as the narrator. Many of my favorite audio books have been read by the book’s author (and a few have been ruined). So fortunate are we as listeners that this gifted writer was blessed with a fantastic voice for narration.

The King and I is playing in my home in the background as I write this and I will be spending the next few weeks revisiting the music of Rogers and Hammerstein until I can make to the theater!

Yes Wonderful

It was so great to understand how these two men worked together to create the magic they created. This book gives so many wonderful details about how they were thinking and what they did to make it all work.

Completely engaging

I saw the author speak at the Tucson Festival of Books in March and was impressed.
The book is a treat for anyone interested in Rogers and Hammerstein or the history of Broadway, Thoroughly researched and engagingly presented (the author is a terrific reader) I couldn't wait to listen to it and binged huge portions.

astounding

beautifully written and a very insightful look at the lives of two men who defined a generation and inspired many more.

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!

Loved this book!

I’ve loved musicals since watching Mary Martin as Peter Pan back in the 50s. Hearing about the details behind some favorite musicals was so interesting. There were lots of tidbits and back stories that were surprising and fun to hear. I really did not want this book to end! I laughed and cried and loved it.

Simply wonderful

Beautifully written. I learned so much about the craft of song writing. And came away feeling like I know these two talented men who continued to strive and bring us simply wonderful music. Delightful narrator.