No more enchanted evenings - appreciation of the American musical play

National Review, March 29, 1993 by Anthony Lejeune

The effects of this transformation extend far beyond Broadway, just as the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein went far beyond Broadway. The great days of the Broadway musical, like the great days of Hollywood, exerted a political influence deeper and wider than any propaganda could have achieved. They showed the world and showed Americans themselves much that was best about America.

The shadows have lengthened now, the air has grown chilly: but, for at least a little while, not so long ago, there really was a bright golden haze on the meadow.