Betty Comden

Date of Death: November 23, 2006 (87)

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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Betty Comden BIO

Betty Comden, born in Brooklyn in 1917, was an American lyricist, screenwriter, and actress. She is best known for her work with Adolph Green, with whom she collaborated on numerous musicals and films.

Comden and Green met in 1938 while both were studying at New York University, and began writing together shortly thereafter. Their first Broadway credit was for On the Town, a musical about three sailors on a 24-hour leave in New York City. The show premiered in 1944 and was a huge success, cementing Comden and Green's place in the world of musical theater.

Comden and Green went on to write the books and lyrics for several other successful Broadway shows, including Wonderful Town (1953), Bells Are Ringing (1956), and On the Twentieth Century (1978). They also wrote the screenplay for the classic film Singin' in the Rain (1952), which starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor.

In addition to her work in the theater and film industries, Comden also had a successful career as an actress. She appeared in several Broadway shows, including On the Town and A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green. She also had a recurring role on the television series The Cosby Show in the 1980s.

Comden and Green were known for their witty and clever lyrics, as well as their ability to craft memorable characters and stories. Their work was often characterized by its lightheartedness and humor, but also had a depth and complexity that set it apart from other musicals of the time.

Comden continued to work in the theater and film industries until her death in 2006 at the age of 89. Her most recent work included the 2001 Broadway revival of Follies, for which she wrote additional lyrics, and the 2003 film adaptation of the musical The Last 5 Years.

Throughout her career, Comden received numerous accolades for her work, including four Tony Awards, two Academy Awards, and a Kennedy Center Honor. She was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980.

Comden's legacy as a lyricist and writer continues to influence the world of musical theater today. Her work with Adolph Green helped to shape the genre and set a standard for the kind of clever, witty, and heartfelt storytelling that audiences have come to expect from Broadway shows.

Betty Comden Photos

Betty Comden STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
London Concert Revival, 1992
Narrators

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 1985
Emily Whitman

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Tasha Blumberg

[Off-Broadway]
1983
Tasha Blumberg

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Letitia Primrose [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1977
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1958
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1944
Claire DeLoone

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1938
Performer

Betty Comden Productions

 
[Broadway, 2015]
Book and Lyrics
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
From Screenplay By
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Book and Lyrics
 
[West End, 2004]
Adaptation
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 1994]
Adaptation
 
[West End, 1983]
Adaptation

Writing

Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Book and Lyrics
Book and Lyrics
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Sketches/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Betty Comden Movies

[1947]Good News writer

[1949]The Barkleys of Broadway writer

[1952]Singin' in the Rain writer

[1953]The Band Wagon writer

[1955]It's Always Fair Weather songs

[1958]Auntie Mame writer

[1960]Bells Are Ringing lyricist, lyricist

[1964]What a Way to Go! writer

[1989]Slaves of New York Mrs. Wheeler

Betty Comden Videos

Betty Comden News


Review: STANDARD TIME WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN Honors NYC Songs at Carnegie Hall

The beloved concert series STANDARD TIME WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN continued on February 28th at Carnegie Hall’s intimate Zankel Hall stage. Whether you want a chance to hear American Songbook standards performed live by a true master, or you’re looking to dive deeper and learn more, Feinstein is marvelous to watch. He returns to Carnegie on March 27th.

Review: BROADWAY BOUND - PART SIX Is a Treasurer-Hunter's Dream

Just because the show never got to Broadway doesn't mean it didn't have good songs. Proof of this is in the hearing. And they get a fair hearing at 54 Below with the BROADWAY BOUND series. Even if a project might crash and burn, there can be things worth salvaging from the ashes. Read about 'em in our write-ups on 'Broadway Bound' --- a dream, a live show series, a podcast, a pleasure.

Production Teams Set for The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company 2024 Season

The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company has revealed the production teams for its 2024 season. Learn more about the season!

Closure of The Theatre Museum Marks the End of an Era

After almost 30 years of preserving, celebrating, and championing the rich history of theater, The Theatre Museum, originally established as The Broadway Theatre Institute in 1995, announces the difficult decision to cease operations in 2024.

Christopher Durang to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Dramatists Guild Awards

Playwright Christopher Durang is the recipient of The Dramatists Guild's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more about Durang and about the award!

Interview: Audra McDonald talks about AN EVENING WITH AUDRA MCDONALD, her role in 'Rustin' and more

When it comes to concerts, Audra McDonald says she’s learned to choose a song list that really appeals to her. And she’s done just that for her current tour, which will bring her to Symphony Hall for her eighth appearance with the Celebrity Series of Boston, this time with an orchestra of local musicians, on February 27.

A PARTY WITH BETTY COMDEN AND ADOLPH GREEN Starring Mallory Portnoy and Nick Blaemire to Play Cafe Carlyle

A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green starring Mallory Portnoy and Nick Blaemire will play its first exclusive New York engagement at the Café Carlyle. Learn how to purchase tickets!

NTPA Plano to Present SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Next Month

NTPA Plano will present the children's show Singin' in the Rain this February at The Courtyard Theatre in Plano. Learn more about the production here!

Photos/Video: First Look At The New PETER PAN National Tour!

See first look photos and video of the new national tour of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN!

Blank Theatre Company Announces Their 2024 Season & New Company Members

Blank Theatre Company announces their 2024 season featuring two full-length productions and new additions to the company.

Musical Theatre Melodies Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of Carol Channing in LORELEI With Lee Roy Reams

Musical Theatre Melodies, hosted by Rob Morrison, will mark the 50th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of Carol Channing in Lorelei (based on Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) by Jule Styne, Leo Robin, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, featuring an interview with original cast member, Tony Award nominee Lee Roy Reams, on 96.5 FM on Tuesday, January 30th,

Review: ON THE TOWN at Arizona Broadway Theatre

BroadwayWorld Guest Contributor, David Appleford, reviews Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of ON THE TOWN and applauds it as an “undeniable triumph.” Runs through February 24th.

A Guide to the Broadway Actors in MAESTRO; Who Michael Urie, Jordan Dobson & More Play in Bradley Cooper's Leonard Bernstein Film

Bradley Cooper's Maestro is now streaming on Netflix, following the life of composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. The film delves into the life of the composer, who wrote Broadway classics like West Side Story, On the Town, and Candide. Check out a guide to Broadway stars in Maestro, including Michael Urie, Matt Bomer, Jordan Dobson, and more!

Plays, Playwrights & Casts Set for Barrington Stage Company's 10X10 New Play Festival

Barrington Stage Company presents the Award-Winning 10X10 New Play Festival this winter. Learn how to purchase tickets!

TO LIFE 4: THAT'S (JEWISH) ENTERTAINMENT Comes to The Willow Theatre In Boca Raton in January

To Life 4, That's Jewish Entertainment! Stories & Music Celebrating Some of the Greatest Jewish Entertainers the popular series developed by producer Hy Juter   will run from January 19th through February 4th at The Willow Theatre in Boca Raton's Sugar Sand Park.

Video: Newly Imagined PETER PAN Releases 'This Way to Neverland' Series

The newly imagined production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN has released two videos of a three-part  series, entitled “This Way to Neverland'. Watch here!

Tickets to PETER PAN National Tour at the Aronoff Center to go On Sale This Week

Get your tickets for the newly-imagined national tour of Peter Pan, directed by Lonny Price and featuring choreography by Lorin Latarro. Don't miss out on this high-flying musical, premiering in Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center from March 12 - 24.

Frank Sinatra's 'Platinum' Out Today Celebrating 70th Anniversary of Sinatra's Capitol Recordings

The  44-track set features a cross-section of his most beloved songs and sought-after rarities. From the swinging “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and ebullient “Come Fly With Me” to the breathtaking “Moonlight in Vermont” and torch song “Only The Lonely,” the set also includes previously unreleased tracks culled from the Capitol vaults.

Photos & Video: Full Cast Set for PETER PAN National Tour

Get an exclusive look at the full cast of the PETER PAN National Tour. Meet the talented actors who will be bringing the beloved story of Peter Pan and Neverland to life on stage.

Have There Been Many Two-Person Broadway Musicals Before GUTENBERG?

This time, the reader question was: Have there been many Broadway musicals starring only two actors, before Gutenberg! The Musical!?

Betty Comden FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Betty Comden has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.

Betty Comden has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

Betty Comden's first West End show was On the Town which opened in 1992

Betty Comden has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. Some of her notable nominations include Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "The Will Rogers Follies," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for "The Will Rogers Follies" and "A Doll's Life," Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for "Wonderful Town!," Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for "Singin' in the Rain," "A Doll's Life," and "On The 20th Century," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for "On the Twentieth Century" and "Hallelujah, Baby!," Best Musical (Tony Awards) for "Applause," "Wonderful Town," and "On the Town," and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for "On the Town."

Betty Comden has won several awards throughout her career. Some of her notable awards include: - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "The Will Rogers Follies" - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for "The Will Rogers Follies" - Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for "On the Twentieth Century" - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for "On the Twentieth Century" - Best Musical (Tony Awards) for "Applause" - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for "Hallelujah, Baby!" - Best Musical (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for "Wonderful Town" - Best Musical (Tony Awards) for "Wonderful Town" - Performance (Theatre World Awards) for "On the Town".

Betty Comden has written 31 shows including The Revuers (Sketches/Composer/Lyricist), On the Town (Book and Lyrics), Billion Dollar Baby (Bookwriter), Bonanza Bound (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Two on the Aisle (Sketches/Lyricist), Wonderful Town (Lyricist), Peter Pan (Lyricist), Bells Are Ringing (Bookwriter), Say, Darling (Lyricist), A Party with Betty Comden & Adolph Green (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Do Re Mi (Lyricist), Subways Are for Sleeping (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Fade Out - Fade In (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Hallelujah, Baby! (Lyricist), Applause (Bookwriter), Lorelei (Lyricist), Straws in the Wind (Lyricist), By Bernstein (Bookwriter), On the Twentieth Century (Bookwriter), The Madwoman of Central Park West (Lyricist), A Doll's Life (Bookwriter), Singin' in the Rain (Bookwriter), Diamonds (Lyricist), On the 20th Century (Bookwriter), Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre (Lyricist), Jerome Robbins' Broadway (Bookwriter), The Will Rogers Follies (Lyricist), Elaine Stritch At Liberty (Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Lyricist), Stairway to Paradise (Sketches/Composer/Lyricist), The Skin of Our Teeth (Bookwriter/Lyricist).

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