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[0:00] Paul Lazarus: Hi, this is Paul Lazarus. In the 1980s I produced and hosted a radio series called Anything Goes, a celebration of the American musical theater. Now the Broadway Podcast Network is bringing back these shows. This is the first of a three-part tribute to Richard Rodgers, who famously collaborated both with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II. This program originally aired in 1984. Rodgers is perhaps best known as the composer for such shows as Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, and Carousel.

[4:28] Paul Lazarus: Welcome to Anything Goes. You're listening to Richard Rodgers conducting the New York Philharmonic in the Carousel Waltz from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein show Carousel, and that's with an arrangement by Robert Russell Bennett. Today I'm very pleased to present a tribute to great composer Richard Rodgers, who died five years ago, exactly today, December 30th in 1979. And I'm particularly indebted to both Richard Lewine and Ira Weitzman for providing a great deal of the material for today's program. I've chosen, in an informal way, to pay tribute to Rodgers by avoiding the standards that we all know and love today and feature more of Rodgers' rarities and fresh versions of standards that you know.

So you'll be hearing, I hope, songs for the first time and songs that you know and love in new ways today. We'll start with a brand new recording of Rodgers' first big hit, Manhattan, with his partner Lorenz Hart. This from a new record on Book of the Month Club Records called Songs of New York, and it features singing both Kim Criswell and Steve Ross, and all four choruses of this classic song by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, Manhattan.

[6:25] ♪ Musical number: "Manhattan" — performed by Kim Criswell and Steve Ross ♪

[10:09] ♪ Musical number: "Manhattan" — performed by Kim Creswell and Steve Ross ♪

[13:38] Paul Lazarus: Two songs from the Garrick 80s. Manhattan, performed by Kim Creswell and Steve Ross from the first Garrick 80s in 1925. And that's the first time I think I've ever played all four choruses. And then George Olson and his music, a period recording, performing What's the Use of Talking? from the second Garrick 80s in 1926. Both of those, by the way, featured Sterling Holloway originally. What's the Use of Talking? He sang with Betty Starbuck in 1926 and Manhattan with June Cochran in 1925. And you are listening to a tribute to Richard Rogers, here on Anything Goes. I'm your host, Paul Lazarus. Just wanted to say that when Rogers died five years ago on this day, he left an astonishing legacy of songs that I, for one, adore.

And just to give you some notion of the extent of that legacy, he wrote something like 1,500 songs. At least 85 of them, according to the New York Times, are considered standards. And they range all the way from Manhattan in 25 to I Remember Mama. And we'll be covering, hopefully, that amount of career in today's program. You are listening to Anything Goes with Paul Lazarus. Today, a tribute to the late, great Richard Rogers. I thought it appropriate to take a little sidestep here today on this tribute to Richard Rogers and feature the work of some young writers. Rogers was very fond of promoting the careers of younger writers, and so I thought he would appreciate this as part of his tribute.

This is from a new show called The Gifts of the Magi. It's based on the classic O. Henry story. In 1984, when this program was first broadcast, the show was running at the Lambs Theater in Midtown Manhattan. The Gifts of the Magi was written by Randy Kortz and Mark St. Germain. Mark provided the book, Randy the music, and together they worked on the lyrics. You'll be hearing three songs from the score. First, the title song, featuring Eddie Corbich with Scott Wara, Donna Bullock, Walter Charles, Sarah Knapp, and Gordon Stanley. The singers are accompanied by music director Steve Alper on the piano and Dave Nyberg on percussion. The arrangements are by Doug Besterman. Here's the title song from The Gifts of the Magi.

[15:58] ♪ Musical number: "The Gifts of the Magi" — performed by Eddie Corbich and ensemble ♪

[20:19] Paul Lazarus: Welcome to Anything Goes. Today, we’re celebrating the legendary composer Richard Rodgers, known for his incredible contributions to musical theatre, including classics like "Oklahoma!" and "The Sound of Music."

[20:47] Paul Lazarus: This is the first of a three-part series dedicated to his work, and we’ll be exploring his collaborations with the brilliant lyricists Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II.

[21:18] Paul Lazarus: We’ll also be featuring some rarely-heard songs and performances that highlight the depth of his career.

[21:24] Paul Lazarus: To kick things off, let’s dive into the 1920s with both editions of "The Garrick Gaieties."

[21:32] Paul Lazarus: This was a significant work for Rodgers, showcasing his early talent alongside Lorenz Hart.

[22:02] Paul Lazarus: Now, let’s listen to a song from that era.

[22:32] ♪ Musical number: "The Carousel Waltz" — performed by Richard Rodgers ♪

[23:02] Paul Lazarus: That was "The Carousel Waltz," a beautiful piece that captures the essence of Rodgers' musical style.

[23:32] Paul Lazarus: Next, we’ll hear another classic from the same period.

[24:02] ♪ Musical number: "Manhattan" — performed by Richard Rodgers ♪

[24:32] Paul Lazarus: "Manhattan" is such a timeless song, reflecting the charm of the city and the era.

[24:53] Paul Lazarus: Now, let’s shift gears and explore some of Rodgers' work from a more contemporary show.

[25:02] Paul Lazarus: We’ll be featuring songs from "The Gifts of the Magi," a musical by Mark St. Germain and Randy Courts.

[25:32] Paul Lazarus: This show brings a fresh perspective to Rodgers' influence in musical theatre.

[26:02] ♪ Musical number: "The Gifts of the Magi" — performed by the cast of The Gifts of the Magi ♪

[26:32] Paul Lazarus: That was "The Gifts of the Magi," showcasing the beautiful storytelling that musical theatre can achieve.

[27:02] Paul Lazarus: Next, we’ll hear another song that highlights the unique style of Rodgers.

[27:33] ♪ Musical number: "Bum Luck" — performed by the cast of The Gifts of the Magi ♪

[27:45] Paul Lazarus: "Bum Luck" is a great example of how Rodgers could blend humor and emotion in his music.

[27:52] Paul Lazarus: Now, let’s listen to one more piece from this contemporary show.

[28:22] ♪ Musical number: "Pockets" — performed by the cast of The Gifts of the Magi ♪

[28:52] Paul Lazarus: That was "Pockets," another delightful number that showcases the charm of the musical.

[29:22] Paul Lazarus: As we wrap up this segment, I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of Richard Rodgers' work.

[29:52] Paul Lazarus: Join us next time as we continue to delve into his remarkable career and the songs that have defined musical theatre.

[30:22] Paul Lazarus: Thank you for listening to Anything Goes.