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Oscar Hammerstein II Headshot

Oscar Hammerstein II

Date of Death: August 23, 1960 (65)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II was an American lyricist, librettist, theatrical producer, and (usually uncredited) director in musical theater for nearly 40 years. He won eight Tony Awards and two Academy Awards for Best Original Song. Many of his songs are standard repertoire for vocalists and jazz musicians. He co-wrote 850 songs.



He is best known for his collaborations with composer Richard Rodgers, as the duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, whose musicals include Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. Described by Stephen Sondheim as an "experimental playwright", Hammerstein helped bring the American musical to new maturity by popularizing musicals that focused on stories and character rather than the lighthearted entertainment that the musical had been known for beforehand.

He also collaborated with Jerome Kern (with whom he wrote Show Boat), Vincent Youmans, Rudolf Friml, Richard A. Whiting, and Sigmund Romberg.

Productions

 
[US Tour, 2020]
Book and Lyrics
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Book and Lyrics
 
[US Tour, 2014]
Original Book
Lyrics
 
[US Tour, 1962]
Producer
 
[West End, 1961]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1961]
Producer
 
[West End, 1960]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1955]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1953]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1953]
Producer
Producer
 
[West End, 1951]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1951]
Director
Director
Book Revisions
 
[Broadway, 1951]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1950]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1949]
Producer
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1948]
Producer
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1947]
Producer
 
[West End, 1947]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1947]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1946]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1946]
Producer
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1946]
Producer
Director
Book Revisions
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1944]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1941]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1939]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1938]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1938]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1938]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 1931]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1931]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1931]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1928]
Director
 
[West End, 1928]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1927]
Director
Director

Writing

Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Source Material
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter

Movies

New Toys
[ 1925 ] writer
The Desert Song
[ 1929 ] writer
New Moon
[ 1930 ] lyrics
Viennese Nights
[ 1930 ] lyrics
Sunny
[ 1930 ] lyrics by
The Song of the Flame
[ 1930 ] writer
Song of the West
[ 1930 ] writer
Music in the Air
[ 1934 ] lyrics by
The Night Is Young
[ 1935 ] librettist
Show Boat
[ 1936 ] lyrics by
Give Us This Night
[ 1936 ] lyrics by
Swing High, Swing Low
[ 1937 ] writer
The Great Waltz
[ 1938 ] lyrics by
Broadway Rhythm
[ 1944 ] writer
Centennial Summer
[ 1946 ] lyricist
Annie Get Your Gun
[ 1950 ] producer
Main Street to Broadway
[ 1953 ] Oscar Hammerstein
The Last Time I Saw Paris
[ 1954 ] lyrics
Carmen Jones
[ 1954 ] lyrics
Rose Marie
[ 1954 ] writer
Oklahoma!
[ 1955 ] book
Carousel
[ 1956 ] lyrics by
The King and I
[ 1956 ] lyrics by
Flower Drum Song
[ 1961 ] lyricist
State Fair
[ 1962 ] lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Oscar Hammerstein II, State Fair

Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, Pipe Dream


winner
Tony Awards - 1952 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, The King and I

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1951 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, The King and I


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1950 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Oscar Hammerstein II , South Pacific


winner
Tony Awards - 1950 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, South Pacific


winner
Tony Awards - 1950 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Oscar Hammerstein II, South Pacific


winner
Tony Awards - 1950 - Producer (Musical)

Oscar Hammerstein II, South Pacific


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1946 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, Carousel

Videos

News


Photos: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at 5-Star Theatricals
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 20, 2024

Check out production photos for The Sound of Music at 5-Star Theatricals here!
Full Cast Set for CAROUSEL " A CONCERT in Sydney and Melbourne This September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 18, 2024

The cast has been revealed, joining Anna O’Byrne and Marina Prior in the lavish concert presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL – A CONCERT in Sydney and Melbourne this September. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Take a Tour of Oscar Hammerstein II's Home in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
by Sidney Paterra - Jul 10, 2024

Looking for a summer excursion to help escape New York City for a weekend? Take in a beautiful mornin' at Doylestown's Oscar Hammerstein Museum, where you can schedule a tour of the lyricist's home at Highland Farm.
Cast Set For Rodgers & Hammerstein's PIPE DREAM at Berkshire Theatre Group
by Stephi Wild - Jul 8, 2024

Berkshire Theatre Group has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Pipe  Dream, a musical tale of love and hope from John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row & Sweet Thursday.
DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? & More Lead Los Angeles's July 2024 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Jul 1, 2024

Los Angeles is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for July 2024 include Boublil and Schönberg’s Do You Hear the People Sing?, tiny father, and more!
Cast and Creative Team Set for CAROUSEL at Music Theatre Works
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 20, 2024

Music Theater Works has revealed the cast and creative team for the second production of its 2024 season, Carousel. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Kelli O'Hara, Alex Newell & More to Star in Lyrics & Lyricists 2024/25 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 20, 2024

The 92nd Street Y, New York has revealed the new Lyrics & Lyricists season and a slate of American Songbook concerts. Learn how to purchase tickets.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Comes to 5-Star Theatricals in July
by Stephi Wild - Jun 18, 2024

5-Star Theatricals has announced the cast and creative team for one of the most beloved family musicals of all time, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.
Single Tickets on Sale for Grand Theatre 2024/25 Season: A Time for Play
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 17, 2024

Single tickets are now on sale for Grand Theatre's 24/25 season. Learn about the season and see how to purchase tickets.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Seattle Rep Layoffs, Pittsburg Fire, and Tony Awards Highlights
by Alex Freeman - Jun 17, 2024

This week, we are connecting the excitement of award season with the realities facing theaters. We'll catch you up on the Tony Awards' memorable moments, including a complete winners list and behind-the-scenes photos. Exclusive essays from producers Jeffrey Richards and Rachel Sussman offer personal insights into their Tony-nominated productions.
Interview: Honoring the Past & Present of a Classic
by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold - Jun 15, 2024

“I feel a responsibility to both past and present,” declares MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark, who also serves, together with Marc Robin as Co-Director for the production which opens MSMT’s 2024 season.
CINDERELLA, KING JAMES & More Set for Syracuse Stage 24/25 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 13, 2024

Syracuse Stage reveals its 2024/2025 season lineup featuring a diverse range of productions including classics, contemporary plays, and family-friendly shows. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Audra McDonald Brings Broadway to PBS
by Team BWW - Jun 10, 2024

Broadway fans in New York and across the country are in luck this spring: They can see six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald featured in Great Performances’ “Broadway’s Best” lineup on New York City's own PBS station, THIRTEEN.
Kelli O'Hara, Paulo Szot & Morę to Lead SOUTH PACIFIC Reunion Concert at Lincoln Center Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 10, 2024

Bartlett Sher will direct a one-night-only reunion concert of LCT’s Tony Award-winning 2008 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacificas part of Lincoln Center Theater's 2024-2025 season. Learn more!
Video: Get A First Look At SOUTH PACIFIC at Maine State Music Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Jun 6, 2024

Get a first look at South Pacific at Maine State Music Theatre! Check out the cast in action in this all-new video.
JUDY GARLAND: A CELEBRATION 3 CD/2 LP Set To Be Released in July
by Blair Ingenthron - Jun 2, 2024

Trapeze Music & Entertainment Limited/Acrobat Music has announced the release on July 5, 2024 of the 3-CD 73 track album Judy Garland: A Celebration, selections of which are included on the first volume of an LP of the same name. C
MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Album is Available Now
by Stephi Wild - May 31, 2024

The 42-track live recording of star-studded My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80thAnniversary Concert is now available on double CD and digital platforms worldwide. Learn more about how to stream or purchase the album, and watch a video of Audra McDonald performing 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain' here!
Steve Schonberg Joins Midland Center for the Arts as Vice President, Marketing & Sales
by Joshua Wright - May 30, 2024

Midland Center for the Arts has announced that Steve Schonberg will join the Center’s executive team on June 10th as Vice President, Marketing & Sales. He will succeed Diane Willcox, who previously announced her retirement scheduled for this summer.
Exclusive: Watch the Cast of RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S 80TH ANNIVERSARY Sing 'Edelweiss'
by Josh Sharpe - May 27, 2024

In December of 2023, Broadway luminaries gathered together to celebrate the historic partnership and songs of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Ahead of the PBS premiere on May 31, check out an exclusive clip from the concert, featuring Aaron Tveit, Michael Ball, Daniel Dae Kim, Maria Friedman, Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, and more singing Edelweiss from The Sound of Music. Watch the video here!
Previews: 2024-2025 Season of Adventurous Musical Theatre at Theater Latte Da
by Joe Sarafolean - May 26, 2024

Theater Latté Da has announced their highly anticipated productions, creative teams, and key casting for their 2024-2025 season.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Oscar Hammerstein II written?

Oscar Hammerstein II has written 61 shows including Cinderella (Bookwriter), The Sound of Music (Lyricist), Always You (Bookwriter), Fly with Me (Lyricist), Tickle Me (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Jimmie (Lyricist), Daffy Dill (Lyricist), Queen O' Hearts (Lyricist), Wildflower (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Mary Jane McKane (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Gypsy Jim (Playwright), New Toys (Playwright), Rose-Marie (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Sunny (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Song of the Flame (Bookwriter/Lyricist), The Wild Rose (Bookwriter), Golden Dawn (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Show Boat (Bookwriter), Good Boy (Bookwriter), Rainbow (Lyricist), Sweet Adeline (Bookwriter/Lyricist), The Gang's All Here (Bookwriter), Free For All (Bookwriter), East Wind (Bookwriter), East Wind (Lyricist), Music in the Air (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Three Sisters (Bookwriter/Lyricist), May Wine (Lyricist), Gentlemen Unafraid (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Hellzapoppin (Lyricist), Very Warm for May (Bookwriter/Lyricist), American Jubilee (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Sunny River (Bookwriter/Lyricist), The New Moon (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Oklahoma! (Bookwriter), Carmen Jones (Bookwriter), Carousel (Bookwriter), The Desert Song (Lyricist), Happy Birthday (Lyricist), Allegro (Bookwriter), South Pacific (Bookwriter), The King and I (Bookwriter), Me And Juliet (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Pipe Dream (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Flower Drum Song (Bookwriter), A Celebration of Richard Rodgers (Lyricist), Dancin' (Lyricist), With Love and Laughter (Material), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Lyricist), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Bookwriter), A Grand Night for Singing (Lyricist), Something Wonderful (Lyricist), State Fair (Source Material), Swing! (Composer/Lyricist), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Lyricist), Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Lyricist), Something Good (Lyricist), Never Gonna Dance (Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), LoveMusik (Lyricist), Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella (Lyricist).

What awards has Oscar Hammerstein II been nominated for?

Oscar Hammerstein II has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "State Fair," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Pipe Dream," "The King and I," and "South Pacific," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The King and I" and "Carousel," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "South Pacific," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "South Pacific," Producer (Musical) at the Tony Awards for "South Pacific," and Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Carousel."

What awards has Oscar Hammerstein II won?

Oscar Hammerstein II has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable achievements include winning the Tony Award for Best Musical for "The King and I" and "South Pacific." He also received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "South Pacific." In addition, Hammerstein won the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for "South Pacific." He was recognized as a producer for the musical "South Pacific" at the Tony Awards. Furthermore, "Carousel," another musical by Hammerstein, was awarded the Best Musical title by the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards.

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