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 ... read more
Howard Lindsay was an actor, director, playwright and producer who made a significant impact on the American theater scene during the first half of the 20th century. Born on March 29, 1889 in Waterford, New York, Lindsay attended Boston Latin School and Harvard University before beginning his career in the theater.
Lindsay made his Broadway debut as an actor in the 1915 production of "The Prince Chap" and went on to appear in several other Broadway shows, including "The Enemy" (1925) and "The Royal Family" (1927). However, it was his work as a playwright and producer that brought him the most ... read more
Richard Rodgers was an American composer of 43 Broadway musicals, leaving a legacy as one of the most significant composers of 20th century American music. He is best known for his songwriting partnerships with the lyricists Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. His compositions have had a significant impact on popular music.
Rodgers was the first person to win an EGOT. In addition, he was awarded a Pulitzer Prize, making him one of only two people to receive all five awards ... read more
George Bernard Shaw was born in Dublin and moved to London in 1876, where he established himself as a leading music and theater critic, novelist and playwright. An ardent socialist, he fought for equal rights for men and women and against the exploitation of the working class. Most of his writings examine these injustices. In addition to Candida, his major plays (he wrote over 50) include The Doctor's Dilemma, You Never Can Tell, Mrs. Warren's Profession, The Devil's Disciple, Caesar and Cleopatra, Misalliance, Man and Superman, Major Barbara, Androcles and the Lion, Pygmalion, Heartbreak House and Saint Joan. Shaw received ... read more