Group of three TLSs, each signed "Dick," totaling five pages, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, dated 1944-1964. Rodgers offers outstanding insight into his work in these three letters. The first, addressed to songwriter Johnny Green at MGM, May 12, 1944, in part: "I'll have to be content with a dash out to Milwaukee to see A Connecticut Yankee and a dash to Chicago from there to see Oklahoma. This is by no means a complaint. Things are going very well hereabouts. The Pulitzer people made us pretty happy and the Yankee is doing very well on tour. About Oklahoma there is nothing new whatsoever."
The second, to publisher Angus Cameron, April 25, 1945, in part: "In case the news hasn't reached you, I am happy to report that Carousel has turned out to be a walloping success. The demand for tickets is greater than for any other show in New York and even the critical reception is quite wonderful considering the experimental nature of the piece."
The third, to Broadway columnist Louis Sobol, November 17, 1964, in part: "The question of 'names' in a musical show has never been one that was capable of a solution. I think, however, that you and your 'theatrical biggie' leave out the tremendously important element concerning the use of a star. He makes a contribution during the construction of the play, during its rehearsals and during the try-outs that is invaluable. In other words, he helps 'create' the part. Every actor who follows him is in his debt for having carved out the path with the director and authors. This is equally true of people who are not stars, but stars are inclined to be more experienced and therefore their contribution is likely to have greater value." In overall fine condition.
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