MUSICAL STAGES: An Autobiography

by Richard Rodgers ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 24, 1975

Basically a musical bio of the man who wrote stage (and occasionally film) tunes for Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. From Dearest Enemy to The Sound of Music, he had the longest career (over 50 years and still going) of the great American theatrical composers. Rodgers started out by emulating Jerome Kern (Showboat) and has been credited and blamed for both rejuvenating and destroying the musical by bringing it full circle back to its sentimental origins. But Rodgers says nothing about this; indeed, he says virtually nothing about any of the (few) controversial aspects of his career; the main impression Rodgers' autobiography leaves is that of an incredibly happy and lucky life. He had supportive parents in the lean early years (not so very lean, either), a loving and loved wife, children, money, fame, friends (there are endless lists of dinner parties, guests, and transatlantic crossings), most of all success: A Connecticut Yankee, The Boys From Syracuse, Pal Joey, Oklahoma, South Pacific to name but a few. The main cross apparently was the alcoholic, debauched, and disappearing Hart; Rodgers had to literally lock him up in a room to make him write; his relief is palpable when he turns to Hammerstein. But will the words carry without the music?

Pub Date: Sept. 24, 1975

ISBN: 0306811340

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1975

Categories: NONFICTION