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debwendler's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
kirkdean547's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Like I said in my update, if I were more familiar/had actually seen more R+H musicals, I would appreciate it more. But, regardless, it was very informative and not at all skimpy on its criticism of both the shows and the men when it was pertinent. A very compelling biography of two men who have brought so much joy to the world through their music and words.
krism's review
4.0
I love musicals! This book provides an interesting look at Rodgers and Hammerstein- who they were as individuals and as a partnership, and the amazing work they did in creating what we consider the the classics of Broadway musicals. The book is written in chronological order and starts with Oklahoma! (are you singing O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A! in your head right now?) and follows the pair until their deaths. It includes their flops (there were a few), and writing for movies and television. I didn't realize they had written Cinderella for TV; I adored it as a young girl and the songs immediately came back to me. A quick and entertaining read that will have you singing!
quietdomino's review
obviously subject matter will not appeal to many, but the history of a creative/combative partnership that also shaped an industry for decades was gripping
mccawlmemaybe's review
5.0
This was an impulsive buy and boy am I glad I got this book. A wonderful look at the ups and downs of their lives before they crossed paths and became the icons of theatre that we know and love today.
rlafleur85's review
5.0
Being a musical theater fan since I was a child, I was automatically drawn to this title. The enchanting music and iconic characters probably shaped my participation and enjoyment of the performing arts.
I listened to the Todd S. Purdum interview on NPR's "Fresh Air" which alerted me about this book. Purdum describes both the ups and downs of this dynamic duo, their relationship with directors, stage actors, how their musicals turned into movies, early drafts of songs, their projects that were flops, and how their legacy still reigns today. If you're a musical theater fan, read this book!
I listened to the Todd S. Purdum interview on NPR's "Fresh Air" which alerted me about this book. Purdum describes both the ups and downs of this dynamic duo, their relationship with directors, stage actors, how their musicals turned into movies, early drafts of songs, their projects that were flops, and how their legacy still reigns today. If you're a musical theater fan, read this book!
susannah_n's review
5.0
This book was fantastic—really well structured with succinct writing and tons of interesting details, showing how each of R&H’s musicals evolved from idea to creation to production. Among their shows, they wrote Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music in just over 15 years. Now all I want to do is listen to the original cast recordings and see the movie adaptations again.
Originally rated four stars on Dec. 9, 2018, I’m increasing to five on Jan. 1, 2019.
Originally rated four stars on Dec. 9, 2018, I’m increasing to five on Jan. 1, 2019.
basicallybacik's review against another edition
5.0
Two things generally help to make a successful biography: 1. The reader’s interest in the subject and 2. The talent of the biographer in crafting a balanced mix of information and prose. Obviously, I may be biased in my appreciation of Rodgers and Hammerstein, so there be 5 stars just based on that. But moving that aside, Todd Purdum managed to construct a highly readable and entertaining portrait that was very difficult to put down at any moment.