“Blue Moon” takes us back behind the scenes of a universe which remains, it must be noted, very little known to the French-speaking public: that of musicals, Broadway musicals. The action of the film takes place very precisely on 31 mars 1943; It’s a premiere night for a show that will become one of the most popular in the history of the music hall: “Oklahoma!”.
Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. In the bar next to the auditorium, a man drowns his sadness in alcohol. This man is Lorenz Hast, 47 years old, genius lyricist, who wrote hundreds of songs with his partner Richard Rodgers including the hit “Blue Moon”. A fan of cynical and disenchanted humor, Hart hated the blue flower universe of “Oklahoma” and refused to work on the adaptation of this play into a musical. Disappointed, Richard Rogers then decided to work with a new collaborator, Oscar Hammerstein. Lorenz Hart takes it as a betrayal, and has difficulty welcoming the triumph of “Oklahoma!”.
NEW YORK, March 31, 1943 — A shadow hung over the celebratory premiere of “Oklahoma!” on Broadway, as lyricist Lorenz Hart grappled with a professional heartbreak that fueled his despair. The new film, “Blue Moon,” revisits this pivotal night in musical theater history, revealing the complex emotions behind one of Broadway’s most enduring successes.
A Bitter Toast to Triumph
The film explores the creative rift between Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, leading to the iconic partnership of Rodgers and Hammerstein.
- “Oklahoma!” premiered on March 31, 1943, and quickly became a landmark musical.
- Lorenz Hart, 47, co-wrote hundreds of songs with Richard Rodgers, including “Blue Moon.”
- Hart’s refusal to adapt “Oklahoma!” led Rodgers to collaborate with Oscar Hammerstein.
- The film portrays Hart’s reaction to the success of “Oklahoma!” as a personal betrayal.
Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart had already penned numerous hits together, including the timeless ballad “Blue Moon.” However, Hart, known for his cynical wit, found himself unable to connect with the optimistic and idyllic world of “Oklahoma!” He outright refused to work on the musical’s adaptation, a decision that profoundly impacted his career and relationship with Rodgers.
What was the core of the conflict between Rodgers and Hart? Hart’s aversion to the perceived naiveté of “Oklahoma!” clashed with his preference for darker, more cynical themes, ultimately leading him to decline participation in the project.
Disappointed by Hart’s refusal, Rodgers made the bold move to partner with Oscar Hammerstein. This collaboration proved to be a resounding success, with “Oklahoma!” becoming one of the most beloved and influential musicals in history. For Hart, however, the triumph of “Oklahoma!” felt like a personal defeat, a stinging reminder of a lost opportunity and a fractured partnership. The film delves into the emotional turmoil Hart experienced as he watched Hammerstein and Rodgers achieve success without him, finding solace only in the bottom of a glass at the bar next to the auditorium.
“Blue Moon” offers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of Broadway, exploring the personal sacrifices and creative tensions that often accompany artistic innovation. It’s a story of ambition, betrayal, and the enduring power of music.
Did you know? Lorenz Hart’s lyrical genius, despite his personal struggles, left an indelible mark on the American songbook, with his work continuing to resonate with audiences today.
