Two good writers of American musical theatre, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, had a single thought in common. They wanted to present to the American public a new and revolutionary musical that would stand out above the rest. They wanted to make an effect on the societies of the era. They wanted to be creative and do one thing that was considered rebellious. When they lastly combined their ideas together they designed an American masterpiece in musical theatre: Oklahoma!. It was the initial Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration, beginning the most productive creative partnership in the history of American musical theatre.
According to Joseph Swain in his book The Broadway Musical: A Critical and Musical Survey, there are a number of reasons why a distinct operate of art could possibly be thought of a milestone in the history in its genre. It could introduce innovations of technique and style so convincing that they may grow to be particularly influential. It might attract such wide acclaim that it can’t be ignored by the artists who come after, even if the acclaimed fame eventually fades with time. It could stand as the initial operate of an critical series. Or perhaps, it sets a new typical of artistry. (73) For what ever things that influenced the writers to produce the functions they did, they created some of the most prosperous and extremely influential performs of musical theatre in their time.
In the years prior to Oklahoma! was produced, Broadway was dying. New and refreshing musicals were a uncommon occasion and when an artist tried to produce some thing that he hoped his audience would like, he was sadly disappointed. Broadway was suffering from a lack of what it was revered for: astounding plays and musicals. Its time of glamour and glitz was almost forgotten, and was in have to have of becoming saved. That is why Oklahoma! is viewed as a rebirth of the American musical theatre at the time. It brought Broadway back to life, filling theatre seats with enthusiastic audiences who embraced the alterations of this new theatre musical with open arms and produced it a legend. Oklahoma! set new standards for classic American theatre by introducing new methods of presenting the musical to the audience, introducing a new genre of music into the theatre, and strayed away from the usual classic form and structure of a musical that audiences had grown utilised to. It was a time of modify, a time of excitement,…