Theatre History

Some of our favorite musicals first began as groundbreaking plays. Explore these plays that inspired musicals in the Concord Theatricals catalog.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel, a shining example of sophisticated dramatic storytelling through music and words, nearly flopped in tryouts. How did the Carousel we know come to be?

25 years ago, Hugh Jackman starred in the National Theatre’s revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, now screening in cinemas worldwide. To celebrate, we’ve compiled 25 fun facts about the production!

From uproarious comedies to harrowing dramas, these Concord Theatricals plays and musicals address the depth and breadth of human experience in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Theatre historian Bert Fink recounts the birth of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s landmark “concept musical,” an experimental work that broke new ground on Broadway.

Patrick Barlow’s hilarious and fast-paced whodunit is a theatrical treat. But before it was a hit play, The 39 Steps was a bestselling novel and several hit films. Here’s a look at The 39 Steps, from page to screen to stage.

In celebration of Pride Month, here’s a timeline of influential and groundbreaking LGBTQ-themed plays and musicals, placed in the context of queer history.

Ted Chapin, former President and Chief Creative Officer of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, recounts the colorful history of Irving Berlin’s smash musical.

Pal Joey, Rodgers & Hart’s penultimate collaboration, features a roguish antihero and a slew of knockout songs. Theatre historian Bert Fink recounts the show’s colorful history.

David Ives, librettist of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, recalls an instructive breakthrough during rehearsals for the musical’s premiere production.

Call Me Madam continues to wow audiences 70 years after its celebrated Broadway opening. Theatre historian Robert Kimball recounts the development of the crowd-pleasing tuner.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella has graced many a stage – and many a screen – since it first premiered in 1957. R&H President Ted Chapin delves into the history of the perennial musical gem.

Ted Chapin, President and Chief Creative Officer of the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization, looks back on the development of the groundbreaking musical.