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 You absolutely must read this book September 1, 2000
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
This book is an absolutely essential book for anyone who wants to understand musical comedy. I advise first reading a biography of Oscar Hammerstein and then jumping to this autobiography. I highly, highly recommend the book "Getting to Know Him : A Biography of Oscar Hammerstein II" by Hugh Fordin. The Rodgers auto-biogrophy is of the highest quality. Of course, it is a reflection of the author's upbringing and sense of decorum. Thus, Rodgers never mentions that Larry Hart was a homosexual despite their 20 year collaboration. Rodgers could easily have written an auto-biography that was four times as long, as his life was very full. The best part is the story of his childhood and the incredible persistance and focus he had to have to become a success. I advise, immediately after finishing this book, jumping into the suburb biography of Stephen Soundheim, to whit, "Stephen Sondheim : A Life" by Meryle Secrest
Essential reading for musical theatre & film buffs! October 19, 1999
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
Thoroughly readable and entertaining, this is one of the most interesting autobiographies in the musical theatre field. Yes, Rodgers can be less than frank about some subjects -- Larry Hart's private life and the questionable way Josh Logan was compensated for co-writing the libretto of SOUTH PACIFIC both get minimal coverage, but that was to be expected. (Could a man of Rodgers' time ever have written openly about Hart's homosexuality?) Otherwise, this is a one-of-a-kind look into the life and mindset of a genuine giant in 20th Century theatre. Rodgers was not afraid to make a few frank observations about people he had worked with, and his insights are still worth reading. If musicals are your thing, don't miss this one!
 indispensable for those contemplating a career in theatre July 13, 1999
We could have been spared the biography of Richard Rodger's grandfather, and we didn't really need to know how much the Rodgers's resented their house sitters (tenants), but overall this is enjoyable to read. Rodger's portrait of Hart is amusing. There are nuggets of wisdom along the way for those contemplating a career in musical theatre. Probably, in fact, this book is indispensable for those contemplating a career in musical theatre. Also recommended: PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.
A MUSIC MAKER THAT SOUNDS VERY WELL ALSO IN PRINT April 3, 1999
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I was glad to see that this book is still available, so that other people can also enjoy it. I read "Musical Stages" in the early 80's, and my admiration for Mr. Rodgers increased considerably on learning about his personal and professional life in his own words. I was particularly delighted with stories like the one about "Blue Moon", which seemed destined to oblivion, but instead became one of his greatest hits ever. Or the ones about the way he worked with his partners Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, and how he dealt with Broadway and Hollywood people, producers, musicians, fellow composers... Above all, what strikes the reader most is the genuine love Mr. Rodgers always had for the stage. The anxieties, curiosities and goings-on involved in the production and staging of his Broadway works made me quite envious of those who were able to see the premieres of shows such as "On Your Toes", "Pal Joey", "Oklahoma", and so on, which Mr. Rodgers relates in such a vivid way. I was lucky enough, though, to see Yul Brynner in the 1978 revival of "The King and I" at the Uris Theater in New York. It was a magic moment I will treasure forever. Every person of good taste in this world owes a lot to this determined and sensitive man that managed to create a lot of the best music of this century, regardless of national, ideological or whatever boundaries you may think of. And, on top of that, Mr. Rodgers tells us his wonderful life story in a style that echoes the irresistible charm of his immortal melodies. For better enjoyment of this book, I recommend that you read it with your CD player on with, for instance, the soundtracks of Mr. Rodgers' shows and movies, or compilations and/or albums dedicated to his music by the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Bing Crosby, Maurice Chevalier, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Like me, you will thank God for the existence of someone like Mr. Rodgers, and for the legacy he's given us.
A must for theater fans! November 26, 1998
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
The autobiography of composer/lyricist Richard Rodgers. Very good reading; filled with anecdotes of his long career, including, of course, his work with Lorenz Hart and later, Oscar Hammerstein II. Also, his solo work as composer and lyricist. Along the way, you will meet Mary Martin, Gertrude Lawrence, and others. One caveat: Take what he says with a grain of salt. If you believe everything he says, you'll think he was Mr. Nice Guy and it was everyone else who had a problem.
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