Kimball Farms Life Care hosts lecture by Oscar A. Hammerstein III on Aug. 17

Kimball Farms Life Care in Lenox will host a lecture by Oscar A. Hammerstein III, grandson of famed lyricist Oscar Hammerstein, on Wednesday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. at Kimball Farms. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP to 413-637-7000 by Wednesday, Aug. 10.

Mr. Hammerstein’s talk, entitled “The Hammersteins: A Musical Theatre Family,” covers the century-long story of one of Broadway’s most creative and productive families beginning with Oscar Hammerstein I, described as a “successful cigar and real estate mogul” who funded his theatre-building ambitions. The talk follows the family’s accomplishments through to Oscar Hammerstein II, who co-wrote the stories and words to such Broadway shows as Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Carousel, and The Sound of Music.

Mr. Hammerstein is a painter, writer, lecturer and family historian who has devoted much of his life to studying and preserving his family’s heritage and their contribution to American culture. He lectures frequently at universities, institutes, and theatrical and civic organizations on his family’s role in shaping the development of musical theatre and popular entertainment from the 1860’s to the present.