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Oscar Hammerstein II Headshot

Oscar Hammerstein II

Date of Death: August 23, 1960 (65)

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
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Playwright
Playwright
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Source Material
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
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 at 5-Star Theatricals

Check out production photos for The Sound of Music at 5-Star Theatricals here!
Full Cast Set for CAROUSEL �" A CONCERT in Sydney and Melbourne This September

The cast has been revealed, joining Anna O’Byrne and Marina Prior in the lavish concert presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CAROUSEL – A CONCERT in Sydney and Melbourne this September. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Take a Tour of Oscar Hammerstein II's Home in Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Looking for a summer excursion to help escape New York City for a weekend? Take in a beautiful mornin' at Doylestown's Oscar Hammerstein Museum, where you can schedule a tour of the lyricist's home at Highland Farm.
Matthew Morrison Will Headline Paramount Theatre's Annual Gala

Triple threat actor, dancer and singer Matthew Morrison, well known for his Golden Globe-nominated role as beloved teacher Mr. Schuester on the hit show Glee, will bring his incredible talents to downtown Aurora, Illinois, one-night-only, Saturday, October 12, to perform live on Paramount Theatre's historic stage.
Cast Set For Rodgers & Hammerstein's PIPE DREAM at Berkshire Theatre Group

Berkshire Theatre Group has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Pipe  Dream, a musical tale of love and hope from John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row & Sweet Thursday.
DO YOU HEAR THE PEOPLE SING? & More Lead Los Angeles's July 2024 Top Theatre Shows

Los Angeles is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for July 2024 include Boublil and Schönberg’s Do You Hear the People Sing?, tiny father, and more!
Music Theater Works Announces Cast And Creative Team For Rodgers And Hammerstein's CAROUSEL

Music Theater Works reveals the cast and creative team for the upcoming production of CAROUSEL, running from August 8 to 18.
The 92nd Street Y, New York Announces 2024/25 Tisch Music Season

The 92nd Street Y, New York has announced its 2024/25 Tisch Music Season, featuring a diverse lineup of world and U.S. premieres, innovative musicians, and multidisciplinary collaborations across various genres.
Cast and Creative Team Set for CAROUSEL at Music Theatre Works

Music Theater Works has revealed the cast and creative team for the second production of its 2024 season, Carousel. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Kelli O'Hara, Alex Newell & More to Star in Lyrics & Lyricists 2024/25 Season

The 92nd Street Y, New York has revealed the new Lyrics & Lyricists season and a slate of American Songbook concerts. Learn how to purchase tickets.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC Comes to 5-Star Theatricals in July

5-Star Theatricals has announced the cast and creative team for one of the most beloved family musicals of all time, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse.
Single Tickets on Sale for Grand Theatre 2024/25 Season: A Time for Play

Single tickets are now on sale for Grand Theatre's 24/25 season. Learn about the season and see how to purchase tickets.
Industry Pro Newsletter: Seattle Rep Layoffs, Pittsburg Fire, and Tony Awards Highlights

This week, we are connecting the excitement of award season with the realities facing theaters. We'll catch you up on the Tony Awards' memorable moments, including a complete winners list and behind-the-scenes photos. Exclusive essays from producers Jeffrey Richards and Rachel Sussman offer personal insights into their Tony-nominated productions.
Interview: Honoring the Past & Present of a Classic

“I feel a responsibility to both past and present,” declares MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark, who also serves, together with Marc Robin as Co-Director for the production which opens MSMT’s 2024 season.
CINDERELLA, KING JAMES & More Set for Syracuse Stage 24/25 Season

Syracuse Stage reveals its 2024/2025 season lineup featuring a diverse range of productions including classics, contemporary plays, and family-friendly shows. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Kelli O'Hara, Paulo Szot & Morę to Lead SOUTH PACIFIC Reunion Concert at Lincoln Center Theater

Bartlett Sher will direct a one-night-only reunion concert of LCT’s Tony Award-winning 2008 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacificas part of Lincoln Center Theater's 2024-2025 season. Learn more!
Review: MY FAIR LADY, Leeds Playhouse

Two terrific leads will delight audiences, but the source material's misogyny proves too much to simply sweep aside
Review: SOUTH PACIFIC at 75: Prescient, Powerful, and Entirely Enchanting

Respectful of the show’s legacy and sensitive to contemporary context, Maine State Music Theatre has mounted a stunning revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, SOUTH PACIFIC.  Marshalling the company’s considerable artistic resources, this 75th anniversary production is musically glorious, visually lush, and packed with emotion and talent.
Video: Get A First Look At SOUTH PACIFIC at Maine State Music Theatre

Get a first look at South Pacific at Maine State Music Theatre! Check out the cast in action in this all-new video.
Audra McDonald Brings Broadway to PBS

Broadway fans in New York and across the country are in luck this spring: They can see six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald featured in Great Performances’ “Broadway’s Best” lineup on New York City's own PBS station, THIRTEEN.

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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