In a splendid celebration of musical history, the West End showcased a star-studded cast at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane in the concert "My Favorite Things." This ritzy affair, paying homage to the legendary duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, marked the 80th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of their iconic musical "Oklahoma!" However, amid the glamour and musical finesse, the event left lingering questions about the nature of Rodgers and Hammerstein's legacy.

While the concert sought to honor the duo behind masterpieces like "Carousel," "Oklahoma!," and "South Pacific," it also sparked debate about whether their work embodied a simplistic "theme-park Americana" or genuinely revolutionized the landscape of American musicals. The format, presenting a parade of hit songs performed by a stellar cast, now appears somewhat antiquated. This sentiment is particularly evident after the mesmerizingly dark and innovative production of "Oklahoma!" by Daniel Fish in London last year, which introduced bluegrass elements and challenged traditional renditions.

Despite the inclusion of socially significant songs like "You’ve Got to Be Taught" addressing racial bigotry from "South Pacific," the overall tone of the evening tends toward unbridled romanticism when the songs are divorced from their dramatic contexts. In comparison to the dynamic and theatrical Sondheim tribute, "Old Friends," where each number resembles a one-act play, "My Favorite Things" comes across as a collection of beloved classics.

Yet, individual performers, under the adept direction and choreography of Christopher Gattelli, managed to leave a distinctive mark on the timeless numbers. Audra McDonald infused genuine warmth into the title song, Marisha Wallace embodied sass with flair, and Maria Friedman passionately reminded the audience of love's complexities. Julian Ovenden and Michael Ball, through powerful renditions of "This Nearly Was Mine" and "Some Enchanted Evening," added fervor to the evening, evoking emotions without the aggressive militarism seen in previous productions.

In essence, while "My Favorite Things" showcased the enduring appeal of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classics, it also hinted at the evolving expectations of contemporary audiences, leaving room for exploration and innovation in future tributes to these musical maestros.

As the enchanting evening unfolds, the crescendo comes in the form of a surprise appearance by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who takes the stage to reaffirm his belief that "My Favorite Things" stands as one of the greatest songs in the history of musicals. In an unexpected turn, Lloyd Webber delves into the origins of "Oklahoma!", revealing that its initial title was "Away We Go" and recounting the precarious journey it faced before reaching the illustrious Broadway stage.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue, the audience is treated to the presence of Rita Moreno, the renowned actress who portrayed Tuptim in the film adaptation of "The King and I." In a startling revelation, Moreno shares an amusing yet audacious anecdote about Yul Brynner, her co-star, who affectionately addressed her as "Tough Tit." With vengeful glee, she regales the audience with tales of Brynner's barefoot misfortunes, relishing in the howls of pain whenever he encountered a stray nail.

This evening, crafted for devoted Rodgers and Hammerstein aficionados, leaves a nuanced impression, especially for those with mixed feelings toward some of the duo's works. While the admiration for the brilliance of "Oklahoma!," "Carousel," and "South Pacific" is apparent, there's a lingering sense of formulaic simplicity in "The King and I" and "The Sound of Music" for some attendees.

The experience prompts reflection on the internal contradictions within Rodgers and Hammerstein's body of work and their unique ability to seamlessly blend radical themes with comforting reassurance. As the evening draws to a close, the sentiment is clear: any future anthology of their work must grapple with these complexities to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their enduring legacy.

For those eager to relish in the magic of "My Favorite Things," the experience extends beyond the live performance, with the opportunity to catch it in 400 cinemas across the UK and Ireland on February 14 and 18.

In conclusion, the Rodgers and Hammerstein tribute, as depicted in the My Favorite Things concert, unfolds as a captivating evening for devoted aficionados of the iconic musical duo. The surprise appearances of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Rita Moreno add unexpected layers to the celebration, with Lloyd Webber emphasizing the historical journey of "Oklahoma!" and Moreno sharing audacious tales from the set of "The King and I."

Yet, for admirers of Rodgers and Hammerstein's repertoire, the experience evokes mixed feelings, particularly for those who find "The King and I" and "The Sound of Music" formulaic in comparison to the brilliance of "Oklahoma!," "Carousel," and "South Pacific." The evening prompts reflection on the duo's internal contradictions and their unique ability to balance radicalism with reassurance in their work.

As the curtain falls on this musical celebration, the lingering sentiment is a call for future anthologies to delve deeper into these complexities, providing a more nuanced understanding of Rodgers and Hammerstein's enduring legacy. Whether relishing the live performance or catching it in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on February 14 and 18, audiences are left with a rich tapestry of musical history, contemplating the intricate interplay of innovation and tradition within the timeless creations of this legendary duo.