Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Carousel and South Pacific: Imported Americana

This chapter explores the production history, cultural reception, and commercial impact of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s productions at Drury Lane, which included their first three London productions: Oklahoma! (1947), Carousel (1949), and South Pacific (1951). The critical reception of these productions illustrates the ways in which their work shaped the tastes of postwar theatregoers in significant ways. The high profile of Rodgers and Hammerstein in the press was a direct result of successful marketing strategies, rather than a reflection of their artistic triumphs. As this chapter demonstrates, Rodgers and Hammerstein established their reputation in London through their skilful navigation of both the pre- and post-World War II social world and political climate, allowing them to establish what one critic called their “dynasty” at Drury Lane.