Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II joined forces to create the most consistently successful partnership in the American theater. Included among the apparently endless list of their work are legendary functions such as for example Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The King & I, The Audio of Music and so many more.

In the initial part of this two-part series exploring their groundbreaking career, Wink Martindale speaks with the duo to explore the early days of their partnership. Many of their contemporaries provide thoughts and debate within the pair’s work and the enduring effect they had on the world of theater.