From “Oklahoma” (1943) to “The Sound of Music” (1959), composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, popularly know as Rodgers and Hammerstein, were arguably the largest contributors to what is known as “The Great American Songbook.”

Five of their musicals were major hits. Their work has been described as groundbreaking. Revivals and regional productions of their shows continue to this day. “South Pacific” recently ended a Broadway run, and “Oklahoma” was a big hit at the Sacramento Music Circus last summer. They won numerous awards, including Tonys, Oscars and Grammys.

Richard Rodgers rt. Oscar Hammerstein II photo: http://www.morethings.com

What sets Rodgers and Hammerstein apart is how enduring their songs are. Over half a century after they produced their last song, folks still hum, sing and otherwise enjoy the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Sometimes people don’t even realize the song they are enjoying was written by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

The Cosmopolitan Cabaret’s current production of “A Grand Night for Singing” is a wonderful opportunity to re-experience how great Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music is for those of us who know or think they know their music. And for those who are somehow not familiar, this show is a great introduction to some of the best songs ever written.

Many of the arrangements are the same as, or very close, to the originals. There are some amazing new arrangements that show just how versatile this music can be. Who would have thought that the mother superior and the nuns of the convent’s query “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” could come from a lovesick male? (Everything’s up to date in) “Kansas City” from “Oklahoma” becomes a jazzy, almost “Manhattan Transfer”-like song.

The two men and three women in the cast have great voices and backgrounds for singing songs from the musical-theater genre.

Image by: CMT

Ryan Drummond has performed roles such as Corny Collins in “Hairspray,” Ozzie in “On the Town” and Leo Bloom in “The Producers,” and he has been in several productions of “Forever Plaid” around the country and many other musical productions. He has also appeared in film, television and video games (as the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog).

Justin Michael Duval originated the role of Potsie for the national tour of “Happy Days: A New Musical.” Duval has performed in some 15 shows preparing him to sing Rodgers and Hammerstein, especially shows such as “My Fair Lady,” “Brigadoon” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Lisa Ferris last performed in Sacramento in “Funny Girl” at Music Circus last summer. She has also performed in “Fiddler on the Roof” and a great deal of Shakespeare plays.

Jill Van Velzer has also performed in some 15 productions, including lead roles in Rogers and Hammerstein musicals “The King and I,” “Camelot,” “Carousel,” “Oklahoma!” and “The Sound of Music.”

Melissa Wolfklain just finished playing Cindy in the last Cosmopolitan Cabaret production, “Suds.” While she has not performed in another Rogers and Hammerstein musical, she has a strong musical-theater background with leads “Crazy for You,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “42nd Street.”

They are accompanied by Chris Schlagel, who is also the musical director of the show. Schlagel is a beloved accompanist at many theaters in Sacramento, including Cosmo Cabaret (“Forever Plaid,” “My Way”), Sacramento Theatre Company (“A Christmas Carol,” “Five Course Love”), B Street Theatre (“The Big Bang,” “The Last Five Years”) and Music Circus.

Chri Schlagel from facebook

Even though the songs are plucked from their original productions, each one is a little story in itself. Director and Broadway veteran Mindy Cooper has created very nice choreography to accompany the songs, helping tell their stories and transition from piece to piece. Her 25 years of choreographing and directing on Broadway, regionally and around the world comes though in her staging of these great songs.

Cooper also has a great set design by Jamie Kumpf to work with. Cooper stages the songs all over the set, adding interest to the story the music is telling. The set has terraces on different levels and several pillars. The design is quite sophisticated, as is appropriate for a Rodgers and Hammerstein production.

Lighting design by Sally Slocum enhances the design and action. The look of the pillars and other design elements change with changes in lighting, giving a nice effect.

Everything in this Cosmo Cabaret production of “A Grand Night for Singing” comes together to showcase what is central to this show: the music of Richard Rodgers and the lyrics of Oscar Hammerstein II. The nearly 30 songs from 11 musicals are beautifully presented in a lovely setting.

One would be hard pressed to find a more lovely, romantic time than spending a couple of hours enjoying “A Grand Night for Singing” at the Cosmopolitan Cabaret.