Rating: 
Summary: Rodgers is the greatest
Review: There are a handful of composers of American popular music whose body of work is revered generation after generation. Kern, Arlen, Gershwin, and Loewe come to mind. But at the top of the list is Richard Rodgers.In my opinion, Rodgers is the greatest songwriter in the history of Broadway and popular music. His range was simply astonishing. He could write jubilant, folksy music as in "Oklahoma" or jazzy sophisticated tunes as found in "Pal Joey". He could create soaringly romantic melodies such as those in "The King and I" or inspirational and spiritual ballads as presented in "Carousel". Many of his songs have become popular standards as well. Rodgers adapted brilliantly to a variety of subject matter. And the longevity of his illustrious career is enviable. "Musical Stages" not only chronicles Rodgers' life and work, but it is also an overview of the development and maturation of American musical theater to which Rodgers contributed mightily. In this autobiography, you will get to know some of the true giants of American popular music in particular Rodgers' two lyricists: the impish, undisciplined, yet lovable genius Lorenz Hart and the wise and idealistic Oscar Hammerstein II. Both of these men wrote many of the best lyrics ever composed for Broadway or popular music. You'll also meet acting luminaries such as Yul Brynner, Gertrude Lawrence, and Mary Martin among others. "Musical Stages" is a rich addition to any theater and popular music buff's library. Read it with delight!
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Summary: You absolutely must read this book
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: Essential reading for musical theatre & film buffs!
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: indispensable for those contemplating a career in theatre
Review: 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.
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