Adolph Green
Birth Place: Bronx, NY, USA
Latest News on Adolph Green:
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
Adolph Green was an American lyricist and playwright who was born on December 2, 1914, in the Bronx, New York. He was the son of Hungarian Jewish immigrants. Green's father was a successful businessman, and his mother was a homemaker. Green attended New York University, where he studied English and drama.
Green began his career in show business as a performer in the late 1930s. He appeared in several Broadway productions, including "The New Yorkers" and "Two for the Show." However, it was his work as a lyricist that would make him famous.
Green's first major success as a lyricist came in 1944 with the musical "On the Town." The show, which was written by Green and his longtime collaborator Betty Comden, follows the adventures of three sailors on leave in New York City. The show was a hit and was later adapted into a successful film.
Green and Comden went on to write several more successful musicals, including "Wonderful Town," "Bells Are Ringing," and "Applause." They also wrote the screenplays for several classic Hollywood films, including "Singin' in the Rain" and "The Band Wagon."
In addition to his work as a lyricist and playwright, Green was also an actor. He appeared in several films, including "My Favorite Year" and "It's Always Fair Weather." He also made guest appearances on several TV shows, including "The Love Boat" and "Murder, She Wrote."
Green's contributions to the world of musical theater were recognized with several awards and honors. He and Comden were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980. In 1991, they received the Kennedy Center Honors for their contributions to American culture.
Green continued to work in show business until his death in 2002. His last Broadway credit was as a co-writer of the musical "The Will Rogers Follies," which premiered in 1991. Green died on October 23, 2002, at the age of 87.
Adolph Green was a prolific and talented lyricist and playwright who made significant contributions to the world of musical theater. His collaborations with Betty Comden produced some of the most beloved musicals of the 20th century, and his work as a screenwriter helped to define the golden age of Hollywood. Green's legacy continues to be celebrated by theater fans and performers around the world.
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
Productions
Writing
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Book and Lyrics
Book and Lyrics
Book and Lyrics
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Sketches/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Awards and Nominations
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Musical
Adolph Green, The Will Rogers Follies
winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Adolph Green, The Will Rogers Follies
Olivier Awards - 1986 - Musical of the Year
Adolph GreenWonderful Town!
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Book of a Musical
Adolph Green, Singin' in the Rain
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Book of a Musical
Adolph Green, A Doll's Life
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Adolph Green, A Doll's Life
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Musical of the Year
Adolph GreenOn The 2th Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Book of a Musical
Adolph Green, On the Twentieth Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Adolph Green, On the Twentieth Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Musical
Adolph Green, Applause
winner
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Adolph Green, Hallelujah, Baby!
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1953 - Best Musical
Adolph Green, Wonderful Town
winner
Tony Awards - 1953 - Best Musical
Adolph Green, Wonderful 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.
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN to Close Out Derby Dinner Playhouse's 50th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2025
Derby Dinner Playhouse will present the classic musical comedy, 'Singin' in the Rain' this spring. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 1, 2025
Derby Dinner Playhouse will present the classic musical comedy, 'Singin' in the Rain' this spring. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
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?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Adolph Green been in?
Adolph Green has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.
How many West End shows has Adolph Green been in?
Adolph Green has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
What was Adolph Green's first West End show?
Adolph Green's first West End show was On the Town which opened in 1992
What awards has Adolph Green been nominated for?
Adolph Green has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. These include Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The Will Rogers Follies," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "The Will Rogers Follies," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Wonderful Town!," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for both "Singin' in the Rain" and "A Doll's Life," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "A Doll's Life," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "On The 20th Century," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "On the Twentieth Century," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "On the Twentieth Century," Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Applause," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "Hallelujah, Baby!," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "Wonderful Town," and Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "Wonderful Town."
What awards has Adolph Green won?
Adolph Green has won several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable wins include the Best Musical award from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The Will Rogers Follies" and "Wonderful Town." He also received the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre for "The Will Rogers Follies," "On the Twentieth Century," and "Hallelujah, Baby!" Additionally, Green won the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for "On the Twentieth Century" and the Tony Award for Best Musical for "Applause" and "Wonderful Town."
How many shows has Adolph Green written?
Adolph Green 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