27 JULY 2002, Page 33

Facing the music

From Mr Sheridan Morley

Sir: 'Oklahoma! was the first ever musical to combine dialogue, music, lyrics, choreography, scenery and costumes in one seamless whole,' says Toby Young (Arts, 20 July).

Well, yes, it certainly would have been if Show Boat had not opened 16 years earlier, and if the Richard Rodgers who composed Oklahoma! in 1943 had not also composed Pal Joey in 1940.

Sheridan Morley.

London SW 11