In 2002, the Music and Theatre Programs presented the world premier revival of  “REX,” a musical drama about the life of King Henry VIII by Richard Rodgers, Sheldon Harnick, and Sherman Yellen. Dr. Micheal F. Anders, Music Program director, worked closely with Harnick and Yellen, as well as the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization, to revise and revive the musical.  The result was the world premiere revival production on the UF campus, and a lecture concert of musical outtakes featuring the commentary of Pulitzer Prize-winning lyricist Sheldon Harnick.

This culminated in the first-time publication of a collection of songs from the show. Sheldon Harnick wrote in a foreword to the new score: “When the new 'REX' was unveiled in the spring of 2001, it was (finally!) the show we had originally envisioned."

"REX" was presented as part of a Richard Rodgers centennial tribute at The University of Findlay, with a large cast, regal sets, magnificent costumes and full orchestra.  Mr. Harnick said at the time, "Oh, how I wish Dick Rodgers had been there to hear the response his music elicited from our enthusiastic audiences.  Well, maybe he was there, smiling down at us from Songwriter’s Heaven, saying 'See! I told you it was a good show!'”