Oscar Hammerstein II—Out of My Dreams

This compelling and extremely informative documentary profiles the man who changed American musical theater forever, Oscar Hammerstein II, legendary lyricist for over 1,000 songs and librettist for forty-five works. Writer/director/producer JoAnn Young has selected the most exemplary clips from Hammerstein’s iconic musicals, including two film versions of Show Boat; the rarely seen film Lady Be Good; and archival footage of the two original stars of Carousel, Jan Clayton and John Raitt. Young also has conducted new interviews with Stephen Sondheim, who considers Hammerstein as a musical and surrogate father; director/producer Harold Prince; two stars of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, Shirley Jones and Mitzi Gaynor, Hammerstein family members and others. This PBS film also considers Hammerstein’s work as a humanitarian and political activist.

After the screening Ted Chapin will examine the legacy of the master lyricist with his master protégé, Stephen Sondheim.

Members-Only champagne reception following the event.