The musical team of Rodgers and Hammerstein has long been regarded as one of greatest pairings in the history of American musical theater. When one looks back at their vast output of successful shows, you'd think they simply had the ability to write one hit show after another. Their fame had already been solidified when Carousel opened on Broadway in 1945. The show was an immediate hit and was particularly famous for pushing the theatrical envelope with its dark subject matter. Many years later, it is still a benchmark of the musical theater repertoire. The show has been revived many times over the years and Time Magazine named it one of the best musicals of the 20th century. Rodgers and Hammerstein even claimed that out of all of the shows they wrote together over their long and esteemed career, Carousel was their favorite.