Oscar Hammerstein II Headshot

Oscar Hammerstein II

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 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]
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[Broadway, 1938]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1932]
Director
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[Broadway, 1932]
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[Broadway, 1931]
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[Broadway, 1931]
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[Broadway, 1931]
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[Broadway, 1928]
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[West End, 1928]
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[Broadway, 1927]
Director
Director

Writing

Bookwriter
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Lyricist
Lyricist
Playwright
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Bookwriter/Lyricist
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Bookwriter
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Lyricist
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Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
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Lyricist
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Lyricist
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Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
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Lyricist
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Bookwriter/Lyricist
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Source Material
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
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Lyricist
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Composer/Lyricist
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Oscar Hammerstein II Movies

New Toys
[ 1925 ] writer
The Desert Song
[ 1929 ] writer
New Moon
[ 1930 ] lyrics
Song of the West
[ 1930 ] writer
Viennese Nights
[ 1930 ] lyrics
Sunny
[ 1930 ] lyrics by
The Song of the Flame
[ 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
Rose Marie
[ 1954 ] writer
Carmen Jones
[ 1954 ] lyrics
The Last Time I Saw Paris
[ 1954 ] lyrics
Oklahoma!
[ 1955 ] book
The King and I
[ 1956 ] lyrics by
Carousel
[ 1956 ] lyrics by
Flower Drum Song
[ 1961 ] lyricist
State Fair
[ 1962 ] lyricist

Oscar Hammerstein II 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

Oscar Hammerstein II Videos

Oscar Hammerstein II News


MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Album Will Be Released Next Month


The 42-track live recording of My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert will be released on double CD and digital platforms worldwide on Friday, May 31 from Concord Theatricals Recordings.

Review: All-Star Cast Shines in A BROADWAY BIRTHDAY Celebrating Sondheim and Lloyd Webber


A talented collection of Broadway vets led by Tony winner Betty Buckley gathered together for a one-night-only concert 'A BROADWAY BIRTHDAY: SONDHEIM, LLOYD WEBBER, AND FRIENDS' at Segerstrom Concert Hall on March 28, 2024 to celebrate the legacy—and coincidental same birthdate—of musical theater royalty Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim.

Rodgers And Hammerstein's SOUTH PACIFIC Opens This Month at the Fulton Theatre


The Fulton Theatre has announced the cast of its upcoming production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific. Since its debut in 1949, South Pacific quickly captured the hearts of theatergoers worldwide, earning critical acclaim and many prestigious awards, including seventeen Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Review: Patti LuPone Splendidly Sings of A LIFE IN NOTES


In the past few years, Patti LuPone has resigned from Actor’s Equity Association and suspended her legendary Broadway career, but as she proved with her Celebrity Series of Boston performance at Symphony Hall on April 2, the three-time Tony Award winner can still command a concert stage.

Houston Grand Opera to Open THE SOUND OF MUSIC This Month


On April 26, 2024, Houston Grand Opera will open classic, family-friendly musical The Sound of Music, with the company’s own chorus director, Richard Bado, at the podium. Learn how to purchase tickets.

OKLAHOMA! Opened on Broadway on this Day in 1943


Oklahoma! opened at the St. James Theatre on March 31st, 1943. The musical, with music by Richard Rodgers and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, was based on Lynn Rigg's 1930 play 'Green Grow the Lilacs.'

MATILDA, WAITRESS, and More Set For the Grand Theatre's 2024/25 Season


The lineup  includes six beloved and blockbuster titles, three locally conceptualized and constructed London Proud productions that will go on to shine across the country, four Ontario premieres, and the always sold-out Jeans ‘n Classics concert series. Learn more about the full season here!

THE SOUND OF MUSIC & More Set for Redhouse 2024-25 Season


Redhouse Arts Center has revealed its 24/25 season and new ticket packages with special pricing (available through March 29, 2024). See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.

Review: CHRISTINE ANDREAS Brings Paris to 54 Below


This reviewer was overwhelmed by Christine Andreas’s magical and bewitching voice. C’est magnifique!!

Rodgers & Hammerstein Concert MY FAVORITE THINGS Will Be Available to Stream in the US


My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert will be available to stream on-demand in North America from Sunday, March 24 through Sunday, March 31, 2024. We have all of the details on how you can watch from home!

MY FAVORITE THINGS: THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN 80th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Will Screen in Cinemas in Australia and New Zealand


The star-studded My Favorite Things: The Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert, filmed last December, will be screened in more than 100 cinemas across Australia and New Zealand from 21st March 2024.

CAROUSEL to be Presented at The Wick Theatre Beginning This Month


The classic musical Carousel is set to ope at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton. See performance dates and learn how to purchase tickets.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC Comes to the Citadel Theatre Next Month


Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music opens in early March on the Shoctor Theatre stage.

Video: CINDERELLA Director Chris Stewart Talks Children's Theatre Company's New Production


Break out the glass slippers! The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati's RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA: YOUTH EDITION opens at the Taft Theatre February 17 - 26, 2024. See director Chris Stewart discuss the production in the video below!

Rodgers and Hammerstein's A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING to Open Valentine's Day At Bridgetown Black Box


Rodgers and Hammerstein's A Grand Night for Singing will open on Valentine's Day at the Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre's Black Box.

PURLIE VICTORIOUS Stage Film to Premiere on PBS This May; Great Performances Sets New 'Broadway's Best' Lineup


The live capture of the recent Broadway revival of Purlie Victorious is premiering on PBS this May. Starring Leslie Odom Jr., the Kenny Leon-directed production was filmed before it closed on Broadway earlier this year. The lineup also includes the Audra McDonald concert, Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary, Hamlet, and more!

GREAT PERFORMANCES to Air Audra McDonald Concert, Public Theatre's HAMLET & More This Spring


Audra McDonald's London Palladium Concert, The Public Theater’s production of Hamlet, Elton John And Bernie Taupin: The Library Of Congress Gershwin Prize For Popular Song concert special and a star-studded Rogers & Hammerstein celebration are coming to PBS. The specials will feature Ato Blankson-Wood, Aaron Tveit, Marisha Wallace, and more.

Nicholas Rodriguez Brings SINCERELY SONDHEIM to Aventura


The City of Aventura presents Sincerely, Sondheim: A Musical Love Letter to Stephen Sondheim on Sunday, February 4 at 7 p.m. featuring Nicholas Rodriguez, direct from his performance in the Tony Award-winning revival of Sondheim’s Company. 

Single Tickets On Sale Tomorrow For Music Theater Works 2024 Season


Music Theater Works has announced single tickets for its 2024 season of productions at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd. go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 12 p.m.

OKLAHOMA! Showing On the Main Stage of The Lake Worth Playhouse


Lake Worth Playhouse announces the production of Oklahoma! on the Main Stage as part of our 71st Season.

Oscar Hammerstein II 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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