Richard Rodgers (1902–1979)

Was an American composer who worked primarily in musical theater. With 43 Broadway musicals and over 900 songs to his credit, Rodgers was one of the most important American composers of the 20th century, and his compositions had a significant influence on popular music.

He met Lorenz Hart in 1918 who was to write lyrics for Richard for the next 25 years. The produced many successful songs and musicals such as ‘Pal Joey’ and 'The Boys From Syracuse’. In 1943 Richard teamed up with Oscar Hammerstein to make a musical version of the play 'How Green Was Your Valley’ which became 'Oklahoma’ Richard also provided the music for 'Carousel’, 'South Pacific’. The king and I’ and 'The Sound of Music’.

Wrote over 1,500 songs (at least 85 regarded as standards) and 42 musicals, 19 of which were transferred to film.

I’m beginning to think musical relationships like Tony and Maria from West Side Story and Laurey and Curly from Oklahoma! Might actually be why I have ridiculously high standards.

The Sound of Music (1965)
Baroness Elsa von Schraeder

How many of you remember these two American Girl books?

The first of these, Oops!: The Manners Guide for Girls, was one of my favorites as a kid. This was the page about introductions.

Notice the whimsical names. Squidge Mealy. Daisy Dogdish. Mr. Butterball.

But that’s not why I’ve gathered you all here today.

The book was reprinted several years later under the title A Smart Girl’s Guide to Manners.

This was the introductions page. It might look benign. But take a closer look.

Kander? Fred(dy) Ebb?

Lynn Fontanne? Al Lunt?

Sarah Vaugh(a)n? Ro(d)gers? Hart?

Gilbert? Art Sullivan?

Okay…WHO LET THE THEATER NERDS OUT?!

(Oh, yes, and there’s Roy Rogers, a Ms. Evans, Loretta, and Lynn too.)