Oscar Hammerstein II Headshot

Oscar Hammerstein II

Date of Birth: July 12, 1895

Date of Death: August 23, 1960 (65)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Oscar Hammerstein II 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.

Oscar Hammerstein II STAGE CREDITS

Oscar Hammerstein II 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

Oscar Hammerstein II Movies

[1925]New Toys writer

[1929]The Desert Song writer

[1930]New Moon lyrics

[1930]Song of the West writer

[1930]Viennese Nights lyrics

[1930]Sunny lyrics by

[1930]The Song of the Flame writer

[1934]Music in the Air lyrics by

[1935]The Night Is Young librettist

[1936]Show Boat lyrics by

[1936]Give Us This Night lyrics by

[1937]Swing High, Swing Low writer

[1938]The Great Waltz lyrics by

[1944]Broadway Rhythm writer

[1946]Centennial Summer lyricist

[1950]Annie Get Your Gun producer

[1953]Main Street to Broadway Oscar Hammerstein

[1954]Rose Marie writer

[1954]Carmen Jones lyrics

[1954]The Last Time I Saw Paris lyrics

[1955]Oklahoma! book

[1956]The King and I lyrics by

[1956]Carousel lyrics by

[1961]Flower Drum Song lyricist

[1962]State Fair lyricist

Oscar Hammerstein II Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1956 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, Pipe Dream

Tony Awards - 1952 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, The King and I

The Pulitzer Prize - 1950 - The Pulitzer Prize for Drama

Oscar Hammerstein II , South Pacific

Tony Awards - 1950 - Best Musical

Oscar Hammerstein II, South Pacific

Tony Awards - 1950 - Producer (Musical)

Oscar Hammerstein II, South Pacific

Oscar Hammerstein II Videos

Oscar Hammerstein II News

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Comes to Ogunquit Playhouse in November

The Music Hall will be alive with The Sound of Music this holiday season when the Ogunquit Playhouse presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical, November 29-December 17, at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

Hammerstein Museum & Theatre Education Center Launches $500,000 Matching Gift Challenge

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center announced a $500,000 matching gift challenge to raise the funds necessary for the nonprofit to secure Highland Farm, Hammerstein’s family home and creative epicenter in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, by August 1, 2023.

1998 Production of OKLAHOMA! Starring Hugh Jackman is Coming to Cinemas This Summer

The National Theatre’s acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is headed to cinemas worldwide this summer. Starring then-newcomer Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) as Curly, this riveting stage revival was filmed following its record-breaking 1998 run in London.

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA To Open At Four County Players This Week

As the magical finale of their 50th Anniversary Season in Barboursville, Four County Players will present RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA, opening May 12 on the Mainstage.

John Pizzarelli To Celebrate New Album At Scullers Jazz Club, June 2

Acclaimed guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli celebrates his new album Stage & Screen with album release concert on Friday, June 2 at Scullers Jazz Club.

Reagle Music Theatre Of Greater Boston Announces THE LITTLE MERMAID And OKLAHOMA! For Summer Season

Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston continues its mission to fuse education and audience entertainment through musical theatre in its 54th Season, bringing two timeless and timely classics, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! (June 23 - July 2, 2023) and Disney's TheLittle Mermaid (July 28 - August 6, 2023) to life on stage this summer.

Duluth Playhouse Reveals 2023-2024 Main Stage Season

Duluth Playhouse has announced their 2023-2024 Main Stage season, a thrilling combination of beloved classics and remarkable new productions. Through the power of live theatre, audiences will be transported to another time and place as they laugh, share a tender moment, and create new memories that will last a lifetime.

Photos: John Pizzarelli Debuts New Album 'Stage & Screen' at Birdland

Acclaimed guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his debut album with a collection of classic songs from Broadway and Hollywood, Stage & Screen, with a new album via Palmetto Records. It features songs spanning nearly a century, given new life by Pizzarelli, bassist Mike Karn and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson.  Pizzarelli is celebrating with performances at Birdland this week.

Photos: First Look at La Mirada Theatre's THE KING AND I

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT is presenting Paul Nakauchi as the “King,” Anastasia Barzee as “Anna,” and Joan Almedilla as “Lady Thiang,” along with a cast of 41, coupled with the recent Broadway revival’s lavish sets and costumes, in a sumptuous new production of the Tony Award-winning musical THE KING AND I. Check out photos here!

Review: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA at The Premiere Playhouse

What did our critic think of RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA at The Premiere Playhouse?

BEETLEJUICE, LES MISERABLES, and More Set For Overture Center's 2023/24 Season

Using a famous line from Broadway's “Moulin Rouge, The Musical,” Overture Center revealed its “spectacular” 2023/24 season at a live, in-person event in Overture Hall Main Lobby this evening, showcasing an array of diverse artistic expressions, cultures and personalities. Learn more about the lineup here!

Previews: RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA at SUNY Buffalo Drama Theatre

A classic American musical is headed to SUNY Buffalo with Rodgers and Hammerstein's CINDERELLA. This long held audience favorite was written for television audiences in 1957, where over 100 million people tuned in to get their first glimpse of a young Julie Andrews singing a score by the esteemed Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

Wake Up With BWW 4/13: FAT HAM Reviews, JOSEPH... Film, Plus a Message From Danny Burstein!

Top stories: Read reviews for Fat Ham, a new film adaptation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is in the works, plus watch a video message from Danny Burstein in honor of BroadwayWorld's anniversary!

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Family Help Oscar Hammerstein Museum in Efforts to Save Highland Farm

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center (OHMTEC) announced a major gift from the Miranda Family Fund in support of the nonprofit's effort to purchase, restore and preserve Oscar Hammerstein II's former home and creative epicenter at Highland Farm, and create a multifaceted and dynamic museum experience with a strong theatre education component.

Applications Open for OHMTEC's Third Annual Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest

Registration has begun for The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center’s (OHMTEC) third annual Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest.

Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at CM Performing Arts Center

What did our critic think of THE SOUND OF MUSIC at CM Performing Arts Center? When it comes to legendary pieces, the goal (and the massive challenge) is always to achieve storytelling justice. The Sound of Music is certainly no exception, and the cast and crew of the production currently running at the CM Performing Arts Center directed by Jordan Hue are valiant in their efforts to execute this beloved and timeless icon. While everyone in the cast holds their own, Maria (Katie Ferretti) and the adorable, equally talented and lively von Trapp children truly breathe life into this take on the seminal classic.

Paul Nakauchi, Anastasia Barzee & More to Star in THE KING AND I at La Mirada Theatre

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT invite you to experience “Something Wonderful” as it announces Paul Nakauchi as the “King,” Anastasia Barzee as “Anna,” and Joan Almedilla as “Lady Thiang,” along with a cast of 41.

Schmackary's to Launch Limited-Edition Cookie for OKLAHOMA!'s 80th Anniversary

The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization is partnering with Schmackary’s to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL and More Set For Baltimore Center Stage 2023/2024 Mainstage Season

Baltimore Center Stage has announced the complete 2023/24 Season, the final season programmed by Stephanie Ybarra in her tenure as Artistic Director. Memberships for the 23/24 Season go on sale on May 18, 2023, and single ticket sales will go on sale in the summer. Learn more about the full lineup here!

THE KING AND I Directed by Glenn Casale to be Presented at La Mirada Theatre This Spring

LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS & McCOY RIGBY ENTERTAINMENT invite you to experience “Something Wonderful” as it presents The King and I!

Oscar Hammerstein II FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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).

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for State Fair , Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Pipe Dream , Best Musical (Tony Awards) for The King and I , Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for The King and I , The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for South Pacific , Best Musical (Tony Awards) for South Pacific , Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for South Pacific Producer (Musical) (Tony Awards) for South Pacific and Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Carousel .

Best Musical (Tony Awards) for The King and I, The Pulitzer Prize for Drama (The Pulitzer Prize) for South Pacific, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for South Pacific, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for South Pacific Producer (Musical) (Tony Awards) for South Pacificand Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Carousel.

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