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Proposed Oscar Hammerstein Museum On Highland Farm Gets Green Light

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) -- The grandson of legendary songwriter Oscar Hammerstein gets the okay to build a museum on the Bucks County farm where some of the most famous lyrics of the 20th century were penned.

Oscar Hammerstein's grandson, Will Hammerstein, had originally asked for permission for a museum and a theater on Highland Farm property, but he says they now have an agreement for just the museum on the property in Doylestown Township.

"The overall concept is a full immersive experience, the visitor will learn about the life of a great American pioneer," he said. "Oscar Hammerstein changed the entire landscape of musical theater."

Hammerstein wrote Sound of Music, The King and I, and South Pacific while living at Highland Farm.

His grandson says they'll offer house tours, and renovate the barn into the museum. He says they still plan a theater dedicated to his grandfather's work, but he says it will be off-site, at a yet-to-be-determined location.

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