The convergence of the two masters reached its creative and popular pinnacle in 1939 with the beloved film "The Wizard of Oz." The best known among them, "Over the Rainbow," is now widely accepted as nothing less than "the greatest song of the twentieth century." Beyond the music for that film of all films, Arlen and Harburg created dozens of blockbuster hits and masterpieces of Broadway and popular songs.
Having a deep love and affinity for both of these songwriters, in her Harburg show the New York Times stated she has "impeccable pop style," "musical intelligence" and "delicately voluptuous phrasing." Rex Reed called her performance "thrilling," and still another New York critic called it "one of the greatest musical events of the year." On the other side of the rainbow, the mutually created masterpieces include "Last Night When We Were Young," "Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe," "Down With Love," and of course Groucho Marx's "Lydia the Tattooed Lady," among many other gems. In the show, Oberlin explores some of their songs before they had joined forces, and what helped make the magic between them. Their songs burst with humor, beauty and intelligence, not to mention the songwriters' mutual devotion to making the world a better, more beautiful place. Their body of work is quite unlike any before or since, and Oberlin brings their best moments to radiant life.
"Impeccable pop style... In Ms. Oberlin’s tribute show, she skillfully balances the two sides of Harburg’s sensibility. In the show’s perfect moment, the little known ballad 'Here’s to Your Illusions,' Ms. Oberlin’s beautifully shaped reading in the classic pop tradition was one that (Doris) Day in her prime might well have envied."
- Stephen Holden, The New York Times
"Warm intimacy, pitch perfect, funny, poignant, mellow, sexy and spirited (with) a sophisticated sense of phrasing... Oberlin presented songs of wit, wisdom and passion in a tightly assembled and entertaining flow. Her lush vocal tone and intelligent flair held the point of the story. Few of today's singers elicit the sense of rapture as naturally and intimately as Karen Oberlin."
- Elizabeth Ahlfors, Cabaret Scenes