Grandson of Theater Legend to present “The Hammersteins:  A Musical Theatre Family” at The McAuley in West Hartford’s Mercy Community.

Oscar Andrew Hammerstein. Submitted photo

Submitted

The Mercy Community, West Hartford’s premier continuing care retirement community, is pleased to announce that author, painter, lecturer, and family historian Oscar Andrew Hammerstein will present “The Hammersteins:  A Musical Theatre Family” on Monday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The event will be free of charge, open to the public, and held in The McAuley Auditorium at 275 Steele Rd. on The Mercy Community campus. It is part of the community’s “Mercy Week” celebration.

During this informative and moving presentation, Hammerstein will cover the pivotal role his family had in shaping the development of musical theatre and popular entertainment in America from the 1860s to today.

Hammerstein recently published a book about his family, also entitled, “THE HAMMERSTEINS – A Musical Theatre Family” which tells the story of one of Broadway’s most creative and productive families. During his 40-plus years in show business, Oscar Hammerstein II not only helped turn Times Square in New York into what we know it as today, but also became the most successful lyricist of all time. Hammerstein went on to write the story and words to such hit Broadway shows as, Showboat, Oklahoma, South Pacific, Carousel, The King and I, and The Sound of Music.

“Not only do the great works of Oscar Hammerstein II continue to provide us with entertainment and joy to this day, but they also have taken a rightful place in the history of theatre,” said William J. Fiocchetta, President and CEO, The Mercy Community. “We are simply thrilled to welcome Oscar Andrew Hammerstein to our campus during this 50^th anniversary of The Sound of Music’s release, and hope folks from across the state will join us for what promises to be an unforgettable conversation and Q & A session that evening.”

The event at The Mercy Community is Hammerstein’s only scheduled stop in greater Hartford this year, and will be one not to miss for any fan of history or theater. Mr. Hammerstein will sign copies of his book following a Q & A session that evening.

Seat reservations will be granted on a first come, first served basis until capacity is reached. To reserve a seat, please call 860-570-8301. To learn more about The Mercy Community or to see the full schedule of Mercy Week events, please visit www.TheMercyCommunity.org.