Betty Comden
Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Latest News on Betty Comden:
Review: LINDA PURL: TUNES & TALES: ADVENTURES IN SURVIVAL at The Green Room 42 (Nov 14, 2025)
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION (Oct 28, 2025)
Review: NORM LEWIS at Feinstein's At The Nikko (Oct 3, 2025)
Review: LINDA PURL: TUNES & TALES: ADVENTURES IN SURVIVAL at The Green Room 42 (Nov 14, 2025)
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION (Oct 28, 2025)
Review: NORM LEWIS at Feinstein's At The Nikko (Oct 3, 2025)
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.
Photos
Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Al Pacino, Jerry Herman, Burgess Meredith, Susan Strassberg, Angela lansbury, Lillian Gish, Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Princess Grace Kelly and Ellen Burstyn attend the Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards held on March 28, 1982 at t
Date:
01/21/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Inside the 1982 Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards
Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Al Pacino, Jerry Herman, Burgess Meredith, Susan Strassberg, Angela lansbury, Lillian Gish, Carol Channing, Ethel Merman, Princess Grace Kelly and Ellen Burstyn at the Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards held on March 28, 1982 at the U
Date:
01/21/2019
From: Photo Flashback: Inside the 1982 Theatre Hall Of Fame Awards
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Letitia Primrose [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Productions
Writing
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Book and Lyrics
Book and Lyrics
Book and Lyrics
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Sketches/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Movies
Good News
[ 1947 ] writer
[ 1947 ] writer
The Barkleys of Broadway
[ 1949 ] writer
[ 1949 ] writer
Singin' in the Rain
[ 1952 ] writer
[ 1952 ] writer
The Band Wagon
[ 1953 ] writer
[ 1953 ] writer
It's Always Fair Weather
[ 1955 ] songs
[ 1955 ] songs
Auntie Mame
[ 1958 ] writer
[ 1958 ] writer
Bells Are Ringing
[ 1960 ] lyricist, lyricist
[ 1960 ] lyricist, lyricist
What a Way to Go!
[ 1964 ] writer
[ 1964 ] writer
Slaves of New York
[ 1989 ] Mrs. Wheeler
[ 1989 ] Mrs. Wheeler
Awards and Nominations
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Musical
Betty Comden, The Will Rogers Follies
winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Betty Comden, The Will Rogers Follies
Olivier Awards - 1986 - Musical of the Year
Betty Comden Wonderful Town!
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Book of a Musical
Betty Comden , Singin' in the Rain
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Book of a Musical
Betty Comden, A Doll's Life
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Betty Comden , A Doll's Life
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Musical of the Year
Betty ComdenOn The 2th Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Book of a Musical
Betty Comden, On the Twentieth Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Betty Comden , On the Twentieth Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Musical
Betty Comden, Applause
winner
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Betty Comden, Hallelujah, Baby!
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1953 - Best Musical
Betty Comden, Wonderful Town
winner
Tony Awards - 1953 - Best Musical
Betty Comden, Wonderful Town
winner
Theatre World Awards - 1945 - Performance
Betty Comden, On the Town
Videos
Video: Aisha Jackson Sings 'A Little Bit in Love' In Encores! WONDERFUL TOWN
by A.A. Cristi - 2025-05-04 12:41:09
Video: Inside the First WONDERFUL TOWN Rehearsal With the Encores! Orchestra
by Michael Major - 2025-04-08 09:22:39
VIDEO: FOREVER PLAID Alumni Sing 'Never Met a Man I Didn't Like' in the Valley Villagers Virtual Choir
by Stephi Wild - 2021-02-27 10:18:58
Video Flashback: The Creators of APPLAUSE Take Part in a Humanities Symposium
by Stephi Wild - 2020-04-17 09:30:02
Broadway Rewind: Marin Mazzie, Douglas Sills & More Take on ON THE 20TH CENTURY for the Actors' Fund in 2005!
by Nicole Rosky - 2020-03-26 16:01:00
VIDEO: On This Day, October 11- Happy Birthday, Jerome Robbins!
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-10-11 16:22:45
VIDEO: Corbin Bleu And Company Perform 'Good Morning' From SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at The Muny
by Alan Henry - 2018-06-29 11:05:34
VIDEO: Get A First Look At Corbin Bleu in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at The Muny
by Alan Henry - 2018-06-28 15:01:23
VIDEO: The Muny Preps for Heavy Weather! See Rehearsals for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
by A.A. Cristi - 2018-06-26 19:45:21
Exclusive: Get A First Look At THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES at Goodspeed Musicals
by Alan Henry - 2018-04-19 14:40:32
VIDEO: Cast and Creative Talk THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES at Goodspeed
by Alan Henry - 2018-04-03 09:32:41
Theater Talk: Tony Shalhoub, Katrina Lenk and John Cariani Discuss THE BAND'S VISIT
by Theater Talk - 2018-03-19 09:43:52
TV Exclusive: Watch Harvey Schmidt & Tom Jones on Stage Together One Last Time
by Nicole Rosky - 2018-03-01 15:01:48
VIDEO: On This Day, August 25: Happy Birthday, Leonard Bernstein!
by A.A. Cristi - 2017-08-25 00:01:00
VIDEO: Broadway Stars Recreate Iconic 'Good Morning' Number in Tribute to Debbie Reynolds
by Caryn Robbins - 2017-01-13 09:50:16
News
Review: LINDA PURL: TUNES & TALES: ADVENTURES IN SURVIVAL at The Green Room 42
by Andrew Poretz - Nov 14, 2025
Musical theater, television, and cabaret star Linda Purl presented her newest show, Tunes & Tales: Adventures in Survival. Purl was backed by musical director and pianist Tedd Firth, bassist David Finck and drummer Ray Marchica.
by Andrew Poretz - Nov 14, 2025
Musical theater, television, and cabaret star Linda Purl presented her newest show, Tunes & Tales: Adventures in Survival. Purl was backed by musical director and pianist Tedd Firth, bassist David Finck and drummer Ray Marchica.
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 28, 2025
As the fight for women to have equal rights and opportunities has evolved, so has the presence of plays telling these stories. When I wrote my book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers, I researched many musicals that are in this genre as well.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 28, 2025
As the fight for women to have equal rights and opportunities has evolved, so has the presence of plays telling these stories. When I wrote my book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers, I researched many musicals that are in this genre as well.
Review: NORM LEWIS at Feinstein's At The Nikko
by Steve Murray - Oct 3, 2025
It was family night at the intimate Feinstein’s as Broadway stage star Norm Lewis asked us to think of his show as a cozy living room affair with friends. The sold-out audience certainly acted like friends, singing along when required and eating up his often-humorous anecdotes about his storied career.
by Steve Murray - Oct 3, 2025
It was family night at the intimate Feinstein’s as Broadway stage star Norm Lewis asked us to think of his show as a cozy living room affair with friends. The sold-out audience certainly acted like friends, singing along when required and eating up his often-humorous anecdotes about his storied career.
Review: SINGIN' THE RAIN at The Granbury Theater
by Pati Buehler - Sep 3, 2025
This 'feel good' gem of a 1950's movie musical directed & choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, starring Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds, featuring Jean Hagen & Rita Moreno & Cyd Charisse, to name a few icons.
by Pati Buehler - Sep 3, 2025
This 'feel good' gem of a 1950's movie musical directed & choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, starring Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds, featuring Jean Hagen & Rita Moreno & Cyd Charisse, to name a few icons.
The History of the Mark Hellinger Theatre and the Attempts to Bring It Back
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 17, 2025
The Times Square Church, located on 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, is an extremely storied New York City spot. While it may not be apparent to those who unknowingly pass by the church, the venue across from the Gershwin’s stage door was once a glorious Broadway theater… and could potentially be one again someday.
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Aug 17, 2025
The Times Square Church, located on 51st Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, is an extremely storied New York City spot. While it may not be apparent to those who unknowingly pass by the church, the venue across from the Gershwin’s stage door was once a glorious Broadway theater… and could potentially be one again someday.
Review: Camp Broadway Indonesia's Mainstage Soars with Peter Pan Jr.
by Rakaputra Paputungan - Aug 7, 2025
From June 23 to June 28, Camp Broadway Indonesia (CBI) returns with their summer program, Mainstage. The 6-day program had the campers learn material from Peter Pan Jr. which they performed on the final day at the Beacon Academy Theatre.
by Rakaputra Paputungan - Aug 7, 2025
From June 23 to June 28, Camp Broadway Indonesia (CBI) returns with their summer program, Mainstage. The 6-day program had the campers learn material from Peter Pan Jr. which they performed on the final day at the Beacon Academy Theatre.
Beverly Theatre Guild to Hold Auditions for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 29, 2025
The Beverly Theatre Guild will hold auditions for its 63rd season opener, Singin' in the Rain. This beloved classic is scheduled to be performed on October 17, 18 and 19, 2025, at the Baer Theater at Morgan Park Academy, home of BTG.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 29, 2025
The Beverly Theatre Guild will hold auditions for its 63rd season opener, Singin' in the Rain. This beloved classic is scheduled to be performed on October 17, 18 and 19, 2025, at the Baer Theater at Morgan Park Academy, home of BTG.
15 Broadway Musicals with Multiple Movie Adaptations
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 19, 2025
For years, Broadway musicals have spawned multiple film adaptations, from the early days of cinema to Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story. Take a look at our list of 15 musicals that have danced their way to the screen more than once!
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 19, 2025
For years, Broadway musicals have spawned multiple film adaptations, from the early days of cinema to Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story. Take a look at our list of 15 musicals that have danced their way to the screen more than once!
Review: Jane Monheit Opens Five-Night Residency at SMOKE Jazz Club
by Andrew Poretz - Jul 18, 2025
At SMOKE, a swanky Upper West Side jazz supper club and bar, jazz star Jane Monheit is celebrating 25 years since her first album. With six sets remaining, this show is a good bet.
by Andrew Poretz - Jul 18, 2025
At SMOKE, a swanky Upper West Side jazz supper club and bar, jazz star Jane Monheit is celebrating 25 years since her first album. With six sets remaining, this show is a good bet.
Cast Set for SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN at Playhouse on Park
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 23, 2025
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, Screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, will run at Playhouse on Park. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 23, 2025
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, Screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, will run at Playhouse on Park. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Greg Reiner Named as The New Managing Director of Barrington Stage Company
by Joshua Wright - Jun 20, 2025
Greg Reiner will be the new Managing Director of Barrington Stage Company. Reiner, who most recently served as Director of Theater and Musical Theater at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), joins BSC as of August 4, 2025.
by Joshua Wright - Jun 20, 2025
Greg Reiner will be the new Managing Director of Barrington Stage Company. Reiner, who most recently served as Director of Theater and Musical Theater at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), joins BSC as of August 4, 2025.
Video: Aisha Jackson Sings 'A Little Bit in Love' In Encores! WONDERFUL TOWN
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2025
Check out new video from Wonderful Town at City Center Encores! as Aisha Jackson croons the sweet solo, 'A Little Bit in Love.' This musical love letter to New York City runs through May 11 at New York City Center.
by A.A. Cristi - May 4, 2025
Check out new video from Wonderful Town at City Center Encores! as Aisha Jackson croons the sweet solo, 'A Little Bit in Love.' This musical love letter to New York City runs through May 11 at New York City Center.
Video: Aisha Jackson & Anika Noni Rose Sing 'Ohio' in WONDERFUL TOWN
by Nicole Rosky - May 2, 2025
The moment we’ve all been waiting for: stars Anika Noni Rose and Aisha Jackson singing the heartfelt sister duet “Ohio”. Leonard Bernstein’s beloved score gets a new life on the City Center stage for a limited two week run. Watch in this video!
by Nicole Rosky - May 2, 2025
The moment we’ve all been waiting for: stars Anika Noni Rose and Aisha Jackson singing the heartfelt sister duet “Ohio”. Leonard Bernstein’s beloved score gets a new life on the City Center stage for a limited two week run. Watch in this video!
Photos: Dramatists Guild Awards Honor David Henry Hwang, Shaina Taub and More
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025
Last night, the Dramatists Guild of America honored the recipients of their 2025 Awards with a ceremony at Green Fig at which playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists celebrated their fellow theatre writers. Check out photos here!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 30, 2025
Last night, the Dramatists Guild of America honored the recipients of their 2025 Awards with a ceremony at Green Fig at which playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists celebrated their fellow theatre writers. Check out photos here!
Videos: Inside Encores! WONDERFUL TOWN Rehearsal With Anika Noni Rose & Aisha Jackson
by Michael Major - Apr 22, 2025
Get a first look inside rehearsals for Wonderful Town at Encores! City Center. The videos feature a first look at Aisha Jackson and Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose as sisters Eileen and Ruth in the musical.
by Michael Major - Apr 22, 2025
Get a first look inside rehearsals for Wonderful Town at Encores! City Center. The videos feature a first look at Aisha Jackson and Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose as sisters Eileen and Ruth in the musical.
Video: Inside the First WONDERFUL TOWN Rehearsal With the Encores! Orchestra
by Michael Major - Apr 8, 2025
Get a first listen to the 28-piece Encores! Orchestra rehearsing for Wonderful Town, which features songs like “Ohio” and 'Swing.' Music Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell will take audiences inside Leonard Bernstein’s score in this video.
by Michael Major - Apr 8, 2025
Get a first listen to the 28-piece Encores! Orchestra rehearsing for Wonderful Town, which features songs like “Ohio” and 'Swing.' Music Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell will take audiences inside Leonard Bernstein’s score in this video.
David Henry Hwang To Receive Dramatist Guild Lifetime Achievement Award
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 2, 2025
The Dramatists Guild of America has announced that the recipient of its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award is playwright David Henry Hwang. The award will be presented at the Guild’s annual awards ceremony on Monday, April 28.
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 2, 2025
The Dramatists Guild of America has announced that the recipient of its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award is playwright David Henry Hwang. The award will be presented at the Guild’s annual awards ceremony on Monday, April 28.
Etai Benson, Javier Muñoz and More Complete the WONDERFUL TOWN Cast at Encores!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025
The complete cast has been revealed for Encores! Wonderful Town, starring Aisha Jackson and Anika Noni Rose. See who else is starring in the production, and learn how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025
The complete cast has been revealed for Encores! Wonderful Town, starring Aisha Jackson and Anika Noni Rose. See who else is starring in the production, and learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: BBC MUSICALS NIGHT, BBC Four and iPlayer
by Gary Naylor - Mar 24, 2025
Some diamonds in the rough, but why can't we choose for ourselves from the BBC archive?
by Gary Naylor - Mar 24, 2025
Some diamonds in the rough, but why can't we choose for ourselves from the BBC archive?
PETER PAN Comes to the Ed Mirvish Theatre in May
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2025
The all-new production of the hit Broadway musical PETER PAN directed by Lonny Price, with additional book by Larissa Fasthorse and choreography by Lorin Latarro is flying over to Toronto this Spring.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 24, 2025
The all-new production of the hit Broadway musical PETER PAN directed by Lonny Price, with additional book by Larissa Fasthorse and choreography by Lorin Latarro is flying over to Toronto this Spring.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Betty Comden been in?
Betty Comden has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.
How many West End shows has Betty Comden been in?
Betty Comden has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
What was Betty Comden's first West End show?
Betty Comden's first West End show was On the Town which opened in 1992
What awards has Betty Comden been nominated for?
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."
What awards has Betty Comden won?
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".
How many shows has Betty Comden written?
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).
Videos