Oscar Hammerstein II
Oscar Hammerstein II is today considered
the most important figure in the history of
American musical theatre for he was probably
the best "book writer" in Broadway history.
His most successful collaboration came when
he teamed up with Richard Rodgers to write a
musical adaptation of the play Green Grow the
Lilacs. The result was Oklahoma a show which
revolutionized the American musical theatre

It also began a partnership which would pro-
duce such classic Broadway musicals as
Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I,
Flower Drum Song, and The Sound of Music
as well as the musical film State Fair and
the television musical Cinderella.

Hammerstein also produced the book and
lyrics for Carmen Jones, an adaptation of
Geoges Bizet's opera Carmen with an all black
cast.
Richard Rodgers
Richard Rodgers' contributions to the musical theatre of his day were extra- ordinary, and his influence on the musical theatre of today and tomorrow legendary.
His career spanned more than sixty years, and his hits ranged from the silver screens of Hollywood to the bright lights of Broadway, London and beyond.

He was the recipient of countless awards, including Pulitzers, Tonys, Oscars, Grammys and Emmys.

He wrote more than 900 published songs, and forty Broadway musicals.

If I Loved You

Words & music by:-
Oscar Hammerstein II & Richard Rodgers

If I loved you,
Time and again
I would try to say
All I'd want you to know
If I loved you,
Words wouldn't come in an easy way
'Round in circles I'd go
Longin' to tell you
But afraid and shy
I'd let my golden chances
Pass me by

Soon you'd leave me,
Off you would go in the mist of day
Never, never to know
How I'd love you
If I loved you

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