Something Wonderful

Reviews

“A revelatory portrait…detailed and sharp.”

“The milieu and circumstances that contributed to the creation of some of the musical theater’s greatest and most enduring treasures.”

“A neatly proportioned study…of the Rodgers and Hammerstein partnership…[whose music] ventured sprawlingly across the planet, all day and deep into the night.”

“Strips away the accretions of time and reputation to retrieve the craft and dynamism with which his subjects created a new kind of musical.”

“[A] lively, evocative joint biography…Rodgers and Hammerstein’s personal relationship was not especially close, but each man’s individual history had more than enough color.”

“[An] affectionate tribute to the team that rewrote the rules for American musical theater…thoroughly researched and briskly written.”

“Purdum gives the pair far more complexity and feeling than they are generally credited for.”

“Delightful…The most elaborate and entertaining exploration of that magic they’re ever likely to read.”

“Purdum has a smile in his voice as he recounts their extraordinary working relationship, detailing how Hammerstein would write the wonderful lyrics first and then send them to Rodgers, who would add the sparkling tunes…[for] some of the world’s most beloved melodies.”

“With warm enthusiasm, Purdum reads his engaging…fast-paced account..[and] hooks the listener with lively anecdotes…This look at how Rodgers and Hammerstein’s shows endure despite changing times deserves sustained applause at the curtain call.”

“Something Wonderful is a scrupulously researched and infinitely fascinating history of the collaboration of Rodgers and Hammerstein—two giants who propelled the musical theater to uncharted heights.”

“Readers will learn the stories behind the music and how this most successful of writing duos crafted some of the finest musicals to grace the American stage…Something wonderful, indeed.”

“This lively book will appeal to anyone who loves theater, songwriting, or biography.”

“Come backstage in Todd S. Purdum’s Something Wonderful as he introduces the musical stars and up-and-comers of the day…Live the drama of opening nights, when anything could happen—and often did…Purdum has produced something wonderful indeed.”

“Purdum’s anecdote-filled account is a sterling primer on the influential duo, both for newcomers to their work and to those looking to rekindle an old flame.”

“Joyous, brisk, and gossipy…An exuberant celebration of musical genius.”

“I love the intimacy of the stories Todd Purdum tells—he shows himself to be especially sensitive to Oscar Hammerstein’s special connection with Richard Rodgers.”

“Todd Purdum’s book is a piece of American history you should devour, as nothing tells us about our times and ourselves quite like our songs.”

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