Topic: Hammerstein's work with other composers prior to his partnership with Rodgers

Class Preparation

• The chapters of Todd Purdum's Something Wonderful associated with this class are the Prologue and Chapter 1. If you are a "read it before class" person, this is the assignment. However, I won't assume you have read it (and there will be no pop quiz!).
• Handout of class slides (complete)

Links to videos shown in class

• "People Will Say We're in Love" from the 2019 Broadway revival of Oklahoma!
• "Indian Love Call" from the film of Rose-Marie (Friml & Hammerstein)
• Preview of the film "The New Moon" with selections from the score by Sigmund Romberg & Hammerstein.
• Preview of the 1954 film version of ​Carmen Jones, with score by Georges Bizet and lyrics by Hammerstein.
• Complete 1989 performance of Show Boat from the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey (as broadcast on PBS's Great Performances). Specific songs from this production:
  • "Make Believe"
  • "Ol' Man River"
  • "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man"
• Helen Morgan singing "Bill" from the 1936 film of Show Boat.
• Ella Fitzgerald sings "All the Things You Are" from ​Very Warm for May (Kern & Hammerstein).
• A concert version of "All the Tings You Are" (conducted by John McGlinn) as it might have sounded in the original production of Very Warm for May, with parts for two couples.

 Class Feedback/Evaluation of Today's Class

What worked?

• Class provided context for what's coming in the course.
• Hearing everyone's background with Rodgers and Hammerstein during the introductions.
• Instructor's delivery and humor
• Clips from videos to illustrate points.

What would make it even better?
Find answers to these questions:

• How did Kern & Hammerstein "make the leap" to Show Boat?
• When did Show Boat ​first play in the South?