George Bizet's opera Carmen reset in a parachute factory in the wartime South. Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and produced by Billy Rose. These images are from the opening night performance.
The musical that redefined what a musical could be for Broadway. A love triangle storyline and classic songs such as "The Surrey with the Fringe On Top" and "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'" all led to a staggering 2,212 performance phenomenon. Richard Rodgers music, Oscar Hammerstein II lyrics, Agnes de Mille choreographer, Alfred Drake and Joan Roberts star, and directed by Rouben Mamoulian at the St. James Theatre.
From the rehearsal of the Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical that premiered in 1949 and ran for 1,925 performances. This series of images shows the two working out songs at the piano in 1951.