Martin Charnin is perhaps best known for conceiving, directing, and writing the lyrics for the hit Broadway musical Annie.
Charnin began his career as an actor, playing the role of "Big Deal" in the original production of West Side Story, both on Broadway and on tour.
He then began writing music and lyrics for Off-Broadway and cabaret revues, as well as nightclub performances for the likes of Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson, Leslie Uggams, and more.
His first time writing lyrics for a Broadway musical was Hot Spot in 1963, which starred Judy Holliday.
In the 1970s, Charnin worked in television where he conceived, produced, ... read more
Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II was an American lyricist, librettist, theatrical producer, and (usually uncredited) director in musical theater for nearly 40 years. He won eight Tony Awards and two Academy Awards for Best Original Song. Many of his songs are standard repertoire for vocalists and jazz musicians. He co-wrote 850 songs.
He is best known for his collaborations with composer Richard Rodgers, as the duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, whose musicals include Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. Described by Stephen Sondheim as an "experimental playwright", Hammerstein helped bring the American musical to new ... read more
