Musical Stages: An Autobiography [Paperback]

Richard Rodgers (Author)

Book Description

Release date: April 16, 2002

From Oklahoma! to Carousel, The Sound of Music to The King and I, the sights and sounds of Broadway were dominated by Richard Rodgers for the better part of the twentieth century. "A memoir worthy of one of the great names in the American theater" (Washington Post), it's packed with backstage tales of everyone's favorite musicals, and features new material by his daughter Mary Rodgers and distinguished theater critic John Lahr.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) wrote the scores of more than forty Broadway musicals and collaborated with both Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (April 16, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306811340
• ISBN-13: 978-0306811340
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 0.9 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #401,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUSIC MAKER THAT SOUNDS VERY WELL ALSO IN PRINT April 2, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I was glad to see that this book is still available, so that other people can also enjoy it. I read "Musical Stages" in the early 80's, and my admiration for Mr. Rodgers increased considerably on learning about his personal and professional life in his own words. I was particularly delighted with stories like the one about "Blue Moon", which seemed destined to oblivion, but instead became one of his greatest hits ever. Or the ones about the way he worked with his partners Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, and how he dealt with Broadway and Hollywood people, producers, musicians, fellow composers... Above all, what strikes the reader most is the genuine love Mr. Rodgers always had for the stage. The anxieties, curiosities and goings-on involved in the production and staging of his Broadway works made me quite envious of those who were able to see the premieres of shows such as "On Your Toes", "Pal Joey", "Oklahoma", and so on, which Mr. Rodgers relates in such a vivid way. I was lucky enough, though, to see Yul Brynner in the 1978 revival of "The King and I" at the Uris Theater in New York. It was a magic moment I will treasure forever. Every person of good taste in this world owes a lot to this determined and sensitive man that managed to create a lot of the best music of this century, regardless of national, ideological or whatever boundaries you may think of. And, on top of that, Mr. Rodgers tells us his wonderful life story in a style that echoes the irresistible charm of his immortal melodies. For better enjoyment of this book, I recommend that you read it with your CD player on with, for instance, the soundtracks of Mr. Rodgers' shows and movies, or compilations and/or albums dedicated to his music by the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Bing Crosby, Maurice Chevalier, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Like me, you will thank God for the existence of someone like Mr. Rodgers, and for the legacy he's given us.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars You absolutely must read this book September 1, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is an absolutely essential book for anyone who wants to understand musical comedy. I advise first reading a biography of Oscar Hammerstein and then jumping to this autobiography. I highly, highly recommend the book "Getting to Know Him : A Biography of Oscar Hammerstein II" by Hugh Fordin. The Rodgers auto-biogrophy is of the highest quality. Of course, it is a reflection of the author's upbringing and sense of decorum. Thus, Rodgers never mentions that Larry Hart was a homosexual despite their 20 year collaboration. Rodgers could easily have written an auto-biography that was four times as long, as his life was very full. The best part is the story of his childhood and the incredible persistance and focus he had to have to become a success. I advise, immediately after finishing this book, jumping into the suburb biography of Stephen Soundheim, to whit, "Stephen Sondheim : A Life" by Meryle Secrest

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for musical theatre & film buffs! October 18, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

Thoroughly readable and entertaining, this is one of the most interesting autobiographies in the musical theatre field. Yes, Rodgers can be less than frank about some subjects -- Larry Hart's private life and the questionable way Josh Logan was compensated for co-writing the libretto of SOUTH PACIFIC both get minimal coverage, but that was to be expected. (Could a man of Rodgers' time ever have written openly about Hart's homosexuality?) Otherwise, this is a one-of-a-kind look into the life and mindset of a genuine giant in 20th Century theatre. Rodgers was not afraid to make a few frank observations about people he had worked with, and his insights are still worth reading. If musicals are your thing, don't miss this one!