Hammersteins: A Musical Theatre Family

by Oscar Andrew Hammerstein

The remarkable, unprecedented biography of the Hammersteins, Broadway's greatest and most influential family, as told by Oscar Andrew Hammerstein

The Hammersteins is the story of one of Broadway's most creative and productive families. It is a story that begins in 1864 when Oscar Hammerstein I emigrates to America, establishes himself as a successful cigar merchant and turns his attention to the business of music and theaters. He builds many theaters including New York's most majestic opera house. He turns Times Square (then Longacre Square) into the theater capital of the world. His sons, Willie and Arthur carry on the tradition and nurture such talents as Will Rogers, W.C. Fields, Al Jolson, Houdini, and Charlie Chaplin. Willie's son Oscar II becomes the most successful lyricist of all time, writing the story and words to the Broadway shows Showboat , Oklahoma , South Pacific , Carousel , The King and I , and The Sound of Music . The accomplishments of this family are monumental. Their tale is enchanting.

Genres: Nonfiction, Theatre, Biography, Music

232 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 2010

About the author

Also goes by Oscar Andrew Hammerstein III.
Grandson of Oscar Hammerstein II.
He is a painter, writer, lecturer, and family historian. He has devoted much of his life to studying and preserving his family's heritage and their contribution to American culture. He lectures frequently at universities, institutes, and theatrical and civic organizations on the Hammerstein family's pivotal role in shaping the development of musical theater and popular entertainment in this country from the 1860's to the present. He is an adjunct professor at Columbia University, teaching graduate level New York City theater history.

Reviews

[Hugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I was expecting when I checked it out. I didn't realize that it was written by a Hammerstein as well, but that was definitely a plus, as there were anecdotes included that you would miss out on in a biography by a stranger.
I think sometime I will definitely check out a more in depth book about Oscar the 2nd since that's what I'm more interested in. But the amount of theatre history and time covered in this book is wonderful. A nice easy read, and not boring non fiction. A few typos here and there, but that's on the editor haha.

[Rae V · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cool read! I know a fair amount about the Hammersteins as a theater/musical fan, but I loved getting an inside look to both personal and professional life.

Part of me had a hard time getting to it at first because it felt like the same format as some of my high school history books. And as much as I love reading, I did not enjoy reading those :P This was a much better experience as I’m actually deeply interested in the topic!

4⭐️ loved it, will read again!
Happy reading ♥️📚

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this look at a famous Theatre family as Oscar II lived in the area where I grew up and local society just bought his home to turn into a museum.

The book has lots of historical tidbits, family lore and pictures. It was a fun, easy read if you're interested in musical theatre history.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read! I enjoyed the family history and the photos of historic NYC theaters.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book disappointed me. The idea is wonderful: the Hammersteins were a powerful force in American theater for 80 years (much longer if you consider Stephen Sondheim an honorary Hammerstein), and a family biography could have traced the evolution of musical theater in New York from its vaudevillian origins to its present semi-operatic state. But Andy Hammerstein's intent was apparently much less ambitious. He gives us what is essentially an annotated scrapbook of family photos and press clippings. Much more information about Oscar Hammerstein I (a 19th century theatrical entrepreneur and grandfather of the famous lyricist) can be found in Hugh Fordin's excellent biography of Oscar II, Getting to Know Him (which is unfortunately out of print). His account of his grandfather's career rehashes information that can be found in many other books. The quality of writing is poor, and the book does not appear to have been proofread, let alone edited. Musical theater buffs can save their money and consult other books.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

First line: "The impact three generations of Hammersteins had on the development of the American musical theatre has no historic equal."

Oscar Hammerstein III presents an interesting but brief history of his family. I learned a bit here and there and enjoyed the photos from the Hammerstein archive. This book is a good general over view of their careers. However, it does not delve into anything truly personal. It reads more like a blow-by-blow list of productions and activities of these men. By the end we don't really know either of the Oscars, who are the main focus of the story. We are mostly presented with their public personas. The more gritty parts of their lives are mentioned but not really delved into. In other words, they remained larger-than-life public figures rather than becoming real people with real emotions. Overall, I found this largely unsatisfying because I just wanted to know so much more.

[Kristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Rodgers & Hammerstein are arguably the best musical partners ever, and I really enjoyed reading about the Hammerstein family and how Oscar Hammerstein came to be part of the Broadway scene. I loved the pictures of the old theaters in NYC from the late 1890s through the 1950s, so gorgeous! I also had no idea that Stephen Sondheim was Hammersteins protege, that was really fun to read about. I would recommend this to anyone interested in musicals or theater! :)

[Pamela Okano · Rating 2 out of 5]

You have to be a real Broadway musical afficianado to like this book. Lots of detail about pre-Oklahoma musicals you've never heard of and for good reason. The first Oscar Hammerstein was quite a personality, but you have to wade through all the shows he put on to find out about it. Not enough detail about the second Oscar Hammerstein. Perhaps this book would have been better had it been written by a non-family member.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting! The pictures, programs, cartoons, etc. really add to the flavor of the book and the stories of Oscar I and his grandson, Oscar II. This book is written by Oscar II's grandson, Oscar III.

[Marilyn]

Enjoyable, but I would've liked more on Oscar II. I found the first part, about Oscar I, to be the most engaging because it also involved a history of Times Square and the burgeoning theatre district--where I spent a lot of my time watching plays.

[Trav S.D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://travsd.wordpress.com/2011/01/0...

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesxting biography/chronology of Oscar Hammerstein I, Arthur, and Oscar II. great pictures and anecdotes.