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Oscar Hammerstein II Headshot

Oscar Hammerstein II

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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BIO

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 maturity by popularizing musicals that focused on stories and character rather than the lighthearted entertainment that the musical had been known for beforehand.

He also collaborated with Jerome Kern (with whom he wrote Show Boat), Vincent Youmans, Rudolf Friml, Richard A. Whiting, and Sigmund Romberg.

Productions

 
[US Tour, 2020]
Book and Lyrics
 
[US Tour, 2015]
Lyrics
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Book and Lyrics
 
[US Tour, 2014]
Original Book
Lyrics
 
[US Tour, 1962]
Producer
 
[West End, 1961]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1961]
Producer
 
[West End, 1960]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1959]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1955]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1953]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1953]
Producer
Producer
 
[West End, 1951]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1951]
Director
Director
Book Revisions
 
[Broadway, 1951]
Producer
 
[US Tour, 1950]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1950]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1949]
Producer
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1948]
Producer
Producer
Director
 
[US Tour, 1947]
Producer
 
[West End, 1947]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1947]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1946]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1946]
Producer
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1946]
Producer
Director
Book Revisions
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1944]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1941]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1939]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1938]
Director
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1938]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1938]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
Director
 
[Broadway, 1931]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1931]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1931]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1928]
Director
 
[West End, 1928]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1927]
Director
Director

Writing

Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Source Material
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter

Movies

New Toys
[ 1925 ] writer
The Desert Song
[ 1929 ] writer
New Moon
[ 1930 ] lyrics
Viennese Nights
[ 1930 ] lyrics
Sunny
[ 1930 ] lyrics by
The Song of the Flame
[ 1930 ] writer
Song of the West
[ 1930 ] writer
Music in the Air
[ 1934 ] lyrics by
The Night Is Young
[ 1935 ] librettist
Show Boat
[ 1936 ] lyrics by
Give Us This Night
[ 1936 ] lyrics by
Swing High, Swing Low
[ 1937 ] writer
The Great Waltz
[ 1938 ] lyrics by
Broadway Rhythm
[ 1944 ] writer
Centennial Summer
[ 1946 ] lyricist
Annie Get Your Gun
[ 1950 ] producer
Main Street to Broadway
[ 1953 ] Oscar Hammerstein
The Last Time I Saw Paris
[ 1954 ] lyrics
Carmen Jones
[ 1954 ] lyrics
Rose Marie
[ 1954 ] writer
Oklahoma!
[ 1955 ] book
Carousel
[ 1956 ] lyrics by
The King and I
[ 1956 ] lyrics by
Flower Drum Song
[ 1961 ] lyricist
State Fair
[ 1962 ] lyricist

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Oscar Hammerstein II, State Fair

Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, Pipe Dream


winner
Tony Awards - 1952 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, The King and I

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1951 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, The King and I


winner
The Pulitzer Prize - 1950 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Oscar Hammerstein II , South Pacific


winner
Tony Awards - 1950 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, South Pacific


winner
Tony Awards - 1950 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Oscar Hammerstein II, South Pacific


winner
Tony Awards - 1950 - Producer (Musical)

Oscar Hammerstein II, South Pacific


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1946 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, Carousel

Videos

News


Photos: THE SOUND OF MUSIC In Rehearsal At Curve Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 7, 2025

Curve Theatre has released photos from inside rehearsal for its 2025 Made at Curve production of The Sound of Music, directed by Artistic Director Nikolai Foster. The production will run from November 22, 2025, through January 17, 2026.
Feature: SEASON FOUR REVEAL - WE, THE PEOPLE: STILL WE DREAM at Actors Theatre Of Little Rock
by Theresa Bertram - Nov 6, 2025

Actors Theatre of Little Rock continues its commitment to bold, socially engaged storytelling, immersive experiences, and reimagined classics that speak directly to the world we live in today. 
Tickets to THE SOUND OF MUSIC National Tour in Cleveland on Sale
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2025

Tickets are on sale today for THE SOUND OF MUSIC, coming to the Playhouse Square. The North American tour honors the 65th anniversary of the musical’s original stage debut.  
Hillbarn Theatre Will Present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA This Holiday Season
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 30, 2025

Hillbarn Theatre will present RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, running December 4–28, 2025, at the Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City, CA. The Tony Award-winning musical will bring a modern sensibility to the beloved fairytale, celebrating kindness, courage, and the power of dreams.
CINDERELLA at Axelrod Performing Arts Center Announces Full Cast
by Gillian Blum - Oct 25, 2025

The Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal Park, New Jersey announced the full cast for its upcoming production of CINDERELLA, running November 6 through 23.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 22, 2025- HAMILTON Tops the Grosses and More
by - Oct 22, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 22, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Skokie Theatre Will Present HAMMERSTEIN TIME In November
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2025

The Skokie Theatre will present Hammerstein Time on November 30, celebrating the 130th birthday of Oscar Hammerstein II. Hosted by Daryl Nitz with music direction by George Howe, the concert will feature songs from Show Boat, Oklahoma!, The King and I, and more.
Tickets to THE SOUND OF MUSIC at The Orpheum to go on Sale This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 13, 2025

Tickets are on sale Friday for THE SOUND OF MUSIC, coming to the Orpheum Theatre. Learn more about the national tour and see how to purchase tickets here!
Tickets on Sale For THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Proctors
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2025

Tickets are on sale for THE SOUND OF MUSIC, coming to Proctors next year. This critically acclaimed North American tour honors the 65th anniversary of the musical’s original stage debut.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Comes to Bass Concert Hall Next Year
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2025

Produced by Concord Theatricals and NETworks Presentations, this critically acclaimed North American tour honors the 65th anniversary of the musical’s original stage debut.
Philip Officer Releases New Single 'I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 3, 2025

CENTER STAGE RECORDS has released the new single from You Fascinate Me So: Phillip Officer Salutes Mabel Mercer. Learn more about the single and listen here!
Tickets to THE SOUND OF MUSIC National Tour at the Citizens Opera House on Sale
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2025

Individual tickets for THE SOUND OF MUSIC in Boston are now on sale. The North American tour honors the 65th anniversary of the musical’s original stage debut. Learn more!
Town Hall Theater Launches THE HOLLYWOOD MUSICAL A Four-Part Class & Movie Experience
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2025

Town Hall Theater in Middlebury will run The Hollywood Musical, a four-part class and movie series led by Doug Anderson, Mondays Oct 27–Nov 24 at 7 p.m. on the Rothrock Mainstage.
Kate Baldwin to Join SOME ENCHANTED EVENING Gala for the Oscar Hammerstein Museum
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2025

The nonprofit Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center will present “Some Enchanted Evening,” an exclusive gala. Learn more and see how to attend!
Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at the Kennedy Center
by David Friscic - Sep 15, 2025

The Sound of Music is a veritable old warhorse of the Broadway musical canon, and it has stood the test of the vicissitudes of time. No amount of changing source material, cynicism, saccharine, or negativity can puncture the universal themes of familial love, romantic love, devotion spirituality, perseverance, forgiveness, and devotion that permeate this beloved musical. These universal themes have resonated with audiences from time immemorial---and are especially pertinent in today’s polarized times. 
The (Mostly) Unknown History of the Ed Sullivan Theatre
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Sep 14, 2025

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has been taped at the Ed Sullivan Theatre located on Broadway between 53rd and 54th Streets since it began in 2015. Before the Broadway-loving Colbert took over The Late Show, the host was David Letterman, who ruled late night from 1993 onward via his perch at 1697 Broadway.
From the Hills to the Stage to the Screen- A Look Back at THE SOUND OF MUSIC
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 12, 2025

It's been 60 years since The Sound of Music initially captured the hearts of audiences on the big screen, and this week, you can experience the breathtaking theatrical presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s iconic musical. To celebrate the release, we're looking back at the beloved musical's history on stage and screen. Let's start at the very beginning...
The MTM Players to Bring SOUTH PACIFIC to The Kelsey Theatre Stage
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 11, 2025

Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific for the first time ever on the Kelsey Theatre stage. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets to the performance here!
Photos: Oscar Hammerstein II’s Iconic Writing Desk Unveiled At The Oscar Hammerstein Museum
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 26, 2025

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center unveiled Oscar Hammerstein II’s iconic standing desk with a joyful celebration on Saturday, August 23. Check out photos of the event.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC is Coming to Princess of Wales Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 15, 2025

THE SOUND OF MUSIC will return to Toronto in Director Jack O’Brien’s acclaimed production this November. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Oscar Hammerstein II written?

Oscar Hammerstein II has written 61 shows including Cinderella (Bookwriter), The Sound of Music (Lyricist), Always You (Bookwriter), Fly with Me (Lyricist), Tickle Me (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Jimmie (Lyricist), Daffy Dill (Lyricist), Queen O' Hearts (Lyricist), Wildflower (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Mary Jane McKane (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Gypsy Jim (Playwright), New Toys (Playwright), Rose-Marie (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Sunny (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Song of the Flame (Bookwriter/Lyricist), The Wild Rose (Bookwriter), Golden Dawn (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Show Boat (Bookwriter), Good Boy (Bookwriter), Rainbow (Lyricist), Sweet Adeline (Bookwriter/Lyricist), The Gang's All Here (Bookwriter), Free For All (Bookwriter), East Wind (Bookwriter), East Wind (Lyricist), Music in the Air (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Three Sisters (Bookwriter/Lyricist), May Wine (Lyricist), Gentlemen Unafraid (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Hellzapoppin (Lyricist), Very Warm for May (Bookwriter/Lyricist), American Jubilee (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Sunny River (Bookwriter/Lyricist), The New Moon (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Oklahoma! (Bookwriter), Carmen Jones (Bookwriter), Carousel (Bookwriter), The Desert Song (Lyricist), Happy Birthday (Lyricist), Allegro (Bookwriter), South Pacific (Bookwriter), The King and I (Bookwriter), Me And Juliet (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Pipe Dream (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Flower Drum Song (Bookwriter), A Celebration of Richard Rodgers (Lyricist), Dancin' (Lyricist), With Love and Laughter (Material), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Lyricist), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Bookwriter), A Grand Night for Singing (Lyricist), Something Wonderful (Lyricist), State Fair (Source Material), Swing! (Composer/Lyricist), Patti LuPone: Matters of the Heart (Lyricist), Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Lyricist), Something Good (Lyricist), Never Gonna Dance (Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), LoveMusik (Lyricist), Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella (Lyricist).

What awards has Oscar Hammerstein II been nominated for?

Oscar Hammerstein II has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "State Fair," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Pipe Dream," "The King and I," and "South Pacific," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The King and I" and "Carousel," The Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "South Pacific," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "South Pacific," Producer (Musical) at the Tony Awards for "South Pacific," and Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Carousel."

What awards has Oscar Hammerstein II won?

Oscar Hammerstein II has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable achievements include winning the Tony Award for Best Musical for "The King and I" and "South Pacific." He also received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "South Pacific." In addition, Hammerstein won the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for "South Pacific." He was recognized as a producer for the musical "South Pacific" at the Tony Awards. Furthermore, "Carousel," another musical by Hammerstein, was awarded the Best Musical title by the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards.

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