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


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.

Review: LITTLE BY LITTLE, CUT TOO SHORT, & BROADWAY BOUND Bring Some Pleasures To 54 Below

These three evenings at 54 Below celebrated what some might cavalierly dismiss as missable musical theatre “also-rans,” but they’d be missing out

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!?

Review: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at Shedley Theatre

The audience was enthusiastic in its laughter and applause,

Tickets For PETER PAN in Baltimore Go on Sale Today

Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN will go on sale Friday, Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. EST for its Baltimore engagement at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.

Review: Tony Winner Kelli O'Hara Performs Exquisite Concert at Irvine Barclay

Tony Award-winning Broadway star Kelli O'Hara has established herself as true theater royalty, one of a handful of go-to leading ladies that have amassed a rabid, fanatic following that can elicit frequent deafening kudos from audiences and critics alike. She brings undeniable evidence of this in her recent return engagement to the O.C.

Becca Kidwell Goes Noir With IF YOU HADN'T…BUT YOU DID at Don't Tell Mama

Becca Kidwell explores dark paths in IF YOU HADN’T…BUT YOU DID at Don’t Tell Mama on November 4th & 12th

BWW Q&A: Jeff Calhoun of ELVIS - A MUSICAL REVOLUTION at Walnut Street Theatre

BroadwayWorld sat down with Jeff Calhoun, who is currently directing Elvis - A Musical Revolution at Walnut Street Theatre. The new musical Elvis – A Musical Revolution will make its Philadelphia premiere at the Walnut Street Theatre. Directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award nominated director Jeff Calhoun, the production begins previews October 3, and opens October 11.

Frank Sinatra 'Platinum' Out Next Month to Celebrate 70th Anniversary Of Capitol Recordings

Available on 4LP, 2CD, and digital formats, the 44-track collection features a cross-section of Sinatra’s 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 unreleased tracks.

Listen: A COLLECTIVE CY: JEFF HARNAR SINGS CY COLEMAN Out Now

Discover the latest album release from JEFF HARNAR, 'CY COLEMAN.' Immerse yourself in the timeless melodies and unforgettable performances of this must-listen project. Get your copy today and experience the magic of CY COLEMAN's music brought to life by JEFF HARNAR and his extraordinary musical guests.

Jeff Harnar's New Cy Coleman Album 'A COLLECTIVE CY' is Now Available for Pre-Order

PS CLASSICS, the label dedicated to the heritage of Broadway and American Popular Song, has announced that the new album from multi-award-winning concert artist JEFF HARNAR – A Collective Cy: Jeff Harnar Sings Cy Coleman – is now available for pre-order on iTunes.

Video: Meet The Stars of The New PETER PAN National Tour

NETworks Presentations announced casting of ‘Peter Pan’, ‘Captain Hook’, ‘Wendy’ and ‘Tiger Lily’ for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN.  Meet the cast in the video!

Christine Ebersole, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells & More to Headline York Theatre Company Gala

Get all the details on the star-studded lineup for York Theatre Company's 31st Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, including Christine Ebersole, Norm Lewis, Andrew Rannells, and more. Find out when and where the event will take place.

Howell PAL Theater Company to Present PETER PAN in September

Join Howell PAL Theater Company as they present the iconic Tony Award-winning musical, PETER PAN: Broadway's Timeless Musical. Experience the adventure of a lifetime as Peter, Wendy, and the Darling children soar to Neverland. Don't miss this enchanting production from September 8-9, 2023. Get your tickets now!

Jeff Harnar to Celebrate New Album 'A COLLECTIVE CY: JEFF HARNAR SINGS CY COLEMAN' with Concert Tour

PS CLASSICS, the label dedicated to the heritage of Broadway and American Popular Song, will present the new album from multi-award-winning concert artist JEFF HARNAR – A Collective Cy: Jeff Harnar Sings Cy Coleman – on CD and digital formats on Friday, September 8.

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Comes to Aspire Community Theatre in August

Aspire, with its volunteer staff and board, is closing their 6th season with the show-stopper, Singin' in the Rain. Performances run August 4-13.

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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