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Hammerstein Museum Celebrates Oscar's Birthday with a Weekend of Song at Highland Farm

Reported Friday, June 27, 2025.

Pictured Above: Highland Farm when it was originally home to Oscar Hammerstein II. in Doylestown, PA.  Photo Credit:  Contributed.

NEWSROOM POST:  DOYLESTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

Performers include local favorites Meredith Beck and Keith Spencer and Cabaret Icon Meg Flather

Doylestown, PA – The Oscar Hammerstein Museum & Theatre Education Center will celebrate the 130th birthday of Oscar Hammerstein II with concerts of his songs during tours of Highland Farm on July 12 & 13, 2025. On Saturday, July 12, museum visitors for the 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM tours will be treated to a performance by Doylestown native Meredith Beck. Visitors on the 1:00 and 3:00 PM tour will hear songs from area performer Keith Spencer. On Sunday, July 13 New York City-based cabaret icon Meg Flather will perform for tours at 12:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 5:00 PM. Tickets for the combined tour and concert are $35. Saturday’s performances are sponsored by On Demand Programs and Events. Sunday’s shows are sponsored by Eiseman Exterior Experts. Sweet Treats will be provided by Le Macaron French Pastries of Doylestown.

Pictured Above: Performer Meredith Beck will perform in celebration of Oscar Hammerstein II’s Birthday at Highland Farm in Doylestown, PA.  Photo Credit:  Contributed.

Meredith Beck is a versatile theater artist whose work spans performing, writing, directing, and even stage management. She has appeared with Bristol Riverside Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, 11th Hour Theatre, Cape May Stage, and more. Recent credits include Elvis! A Musical
Revolution (Walnut Street Theatre), Sweet Charity (Montgomery Theater), and Merman & Martin; Together Off-Broadway!—a touring show celebrating Mary Martin and Ethel Merman. A Barrymore Award winner for LIZZIE, Meredith’s favorite roles include Nellie in South Pacific and Sally Bowles in Cabaret. She also performs with her Irish band The Galway Girls and serves on the National Council of Actors’ Equity.

Keith Spencer is a nationally recognized stage and concert performer known for standout roles in classic American musicals. His portrayal of Billy in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel and Joe
in Show Boat highlight his deep connection to Hammerstein’s legacy. He has toured nationally
with Music of the Night alongside Betty Buckley and Melissa Manchester, and recently performed as a featured soloist in Porgy and Bess with the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey. Through his company, Enspire Productions, Keith creates concerts that celebrate the African American experience and support education and community causes.

Pictured Above: Performer Keith Spencer.  Photo Credit: Contributed.

Meg Flather brings a fresh, contemporary perspective to the Rodgers & Hammerstein Songbook, reinterpreting their iconic works through the lens of a modern female singer/songwriter. In her acclaimed show Rodgers & Hammerstein 2021+, Meg explores the enduring relevance of their music—highlighting themes of social justice, gender roles, and global awareness. The performance earned her a MAC Award nomination for Major Female Artist of the Year. A celebrated cabaret artist, Meg is a multiple MAC and Bistro Award winner and has performed at Lincoln Center’s Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention.

Pictured Above: Performer Meg Flather.  Photo Credit:  Contributed.

Public tours of Highland Farm are offered Fridays-Mondays through the fall. Private and group tours can be arranged by appointment. Advance tickets are required for all tours. Information and tickets for the Hammerstein Birthday Celebration weekend can be found at hammersteinmuseum.org/oscar- s-130th-birthday-celebration

Pictured Above: Oscar Hammerstein II in his study, Doylestown, PA.  Photo Credit: Contributed.

ABOUT THE OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN MUSEUM AND THEATRE EDUCATION CENTER:

The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center is a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of Oscar Hammerstein II’s Doylestown home and telling the story of his legacy as a librettist, lyricist, humanitarian, and mentor. The Hammerstein family resided at Highland Farm from 1940-1960. Hammerstein composed the lyrics to his best-loved musicals while in residence at the farm, including “The Sound of Music,” “Oklahoma!” “South Pacific” (inspired by Doylestown’s James Michener’s novel Tales of the South Pacific), and others. A friendly neighbor, Hammerstein was known to fly a flag when local children could come to use his swimming pool or play tennis. He also met and mentored a young Stephen Sondheim while living at Highland Farm. Hammerstein’s role as a mentor and humanitarian will play a large role in the planned theatre education center at Hammerstein Museum.

 

The nonprofit is currently raising funds for the restoration and preservation of Highland Farm, and to

build the theatre education center on the site of the historic barn on the property. Individuals and entities interested in helping to Create Hammerstein Museum can contribute online at https://www.hammersteinmuseum.org/donate. Contributions of any amount can also be made by check, credit card or appreciated securities. Naming opportunities are available for rooms and spaces in the house and barn. Persons or institutions who have an object to donate for consideration in the museum’s collection may visit https://www.hammersteinmuseum.org/contact-us for instructions. For more information email hammersteinmuseum@gmail.com.