In this inaugural episode, John and Adam kick off Something Wonderful by revisiting the golden age of American musical theater through the legacy of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Blending scholarship, humor, and music history, they trace how the duo revolutionized Broadway by integrating story and song—transforming “musical comedy” into true “musical theater.”

From Oklahoma! and Carousel to South Pacific, the hosts explore how early hits like “People Will Say We’re in Love” and “If I Loved You” once topped the charts, and why later masterpieces like “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Getting to Know You” didn’t. Along the way, they contrast Rodgers and Hammerstein’s lush orchestration with the rise of rock ’n’ roll, discussing cultural shifts that left show tunes behind even as their melodies endured.

Featuring classic recordings by Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Fred Astaire, plus witty banter and musical trivia, this episode offers a lively deep dive into the evolution of American popular taste—and the enduring brilliance of the Great American Songbook.