Michael Colby

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Michael Colby BIO

MICHAEL COLBY is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as CHARLOTTE SWEET (Drama Desk Award nomination), TALES OF TINSELTOWN, NORTH ATLANTIC (Show Business Award), SLAY IT WITH MUSIC (off-Broadway & London), MRS. McTHING, THEY CHOSE ME!, and LUDLOW LADD. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company, and has been a frequent writer for The NY Festival of Song as well as the Theatre By the Blind.

He wrote continuity for two benefits at the 92nd Street Y: STANDING OVATIONS (starring Carol Channing, Nell Carter, Elaine Stritch, Leslie Uggams, and other great ladies of the theatre) and THE LONGEST RUNNING SHOW ON BROADWAY (a tribute to Maurice Levine, hosted by Angela Lansbury). He also wrote STEPHEN SCHWARTZ: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION, a benefit for the Directors Company, starring Betty Buckley, Paul Shaffer, Kathy Najimi, et al.

He created special material for ANIMAL CRACKERS (PaperMill Playhouse/Goodspeed), lyrics for MEESTER AMERIKA (The Garage Theatre, NJ) and THE HUMAN HEART (at Marymount Manhattan College), and the narration for THE MAYOR MUSICALS, a benefit for Musicals In Concert hosted by Sheldon Harnick. Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are: Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Shaffer, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Jack Gilford, Andrea Marcovicci, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Cliff Robertson, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Eric Stoltz, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Mary Cleere Haran, Stephanie Pope, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson.

Movie credits include writing the title song for the film HEART OF THE BEHOLDER.

A member of BMI and the Dramatists Guild, he lives in Metuchen, NJ with his wife Andrea and son Steven.

Michael Colby Photos

Michael Colby Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Lyrics

Michael Colby, Charlotte Sweet

Michael Colby Videos

Michael Colby News


Jessica Fontana to Release Debut Solo Album EVERY DAY SPECIAL

Broadway actress, writer, and podcaster Jessica Fontana is releasing her debut solo album: Every Day Special.

Photos: Go Inside the Launch Party for Stephen Cole's New Novel MARY & ETHEL...AND MIKEY WHO?

On January 16, 2024, Moreclacke Publishers (Robert Armin, President) released the hardcover, Kindle and audio version (performed by the great Anita Gillette) of MARY & ETHEL...and Mikey Who? by Stephen Cole. Check out photos from the launch party here!

Reviews: Catching Up on Shows Is a Whirlwind .... at Urban Stages & 54 Below

Dear Santa: Thanks for the gifts called music in NYC, letting us 'wrap' our ears around a touch of Oklahoma-bred sense and sensibility, lots of holiday cheer, and musical theatre projects that have a connection to a famous hotel ....all part of a week in the winter wonderland of Manhattan's live presentations.

Review: NIGHTS AT THE ALGONQUIN Opens Winter Rhythms Series with Class & Fun & Memories

It's all about music and memories and variety with different shows every day or night on West 30th Street for Urban Stages, with the opening program a good harbinger of more good entertainment to come.

Bridgetown Conservatory Unveils Cast Of LUDLOW LADD: The Poor Little Orphan Boy

Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre announces the cast of the world premier of the revised/rewritten Off-Broadway holiday musical 'LUDLOW LADD: The Poor Little Orphan Boy.' Aidan Pulito will portray Ludlow Ladd, Camille Hildebrant as Prudence Grimble, and Jack Solari as Prescott Grimble, among others.

Urban Stages to Present 15th Annual WINTER RHYTHMS Featuring 22 Shows and Over 100 Performers

Join Urban Stages for the 15th Annual WINTER RHYTHMS 2023, featuring 22 shows, over 11 days, and more than 100 performers. From cabaret to jazz and everything in between, this award-winning series is a must-see event for music and performance lovers. Don't miss out on this spectacular showcase!

Winter Rhythms 2023 @ Urban Stages Will Present Two "Algonquin" Themed Events Hosted By Michael Colby

Winter Rhythms @ Urban Stages has announced two very special upcoming events as part of its “2023 Winter Rhythms” series, the award-winning music festival at Urban Stages Theater.

Bridgetown Conservatory Unveils 2024 Season Of Musicals Featuring a World Premiere & More

Discover the exciting 2024 season of musicals at Bridgetown Conservatory, featuring the world premiere of 'Ludlow Ladd: The Poor Little Orphan Boy' and a lineup of acclaimed shows. Don't miss out on this musical theatre extravaganza!

Listen: BAND GEEKS Studio Cast Recording Featuring Lindsay Mendez, Ruthie Ann Miles, Patti Murin & More Out Now

Band Geeks: Original Studio Cast Recording has been released in digital and streaming formats! Listen now!

Bridgetown Conservatory to Present Premiere Production of LUDLOW LADD: The Poor Little Orphan Boy

After 44 years, Bridgetown Conservatory is finally bringing Michael Colby's 'LUDLOW LADD: The Poor Little Orphan Boy' to the stage in a fully realized new version. Find out when and where you can witness this unforgettable performance.

Off Broadway Cast Recording Of THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO HEATHER To Be Released On JAY Records

Raise Your Hands! The Off Broadway cast recording of The Gospel According to Heather, a new musical with a book, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon. will be released on JAY Records. Produced by John Yap, the recording will feature the original cast of the Off Broadway production who gathered this week at Manhattan Studios to lay down the tracks.

Original Off Broadway Cast Recording Of OTHER LIVES: The Story Songs Of Michael Colby Will Be Released This Month

The original Off Broadway cast recording of “Other Lives: The Story Songs of Michael Colby” (Jay Records), a cycle of story songs by lyricist Michael Colby (Charlotte Sweet, Ludlow Ladd), with music by a variety of composers, including Alex Rybeck, Larry Hochman, Joseph Thalken, Steven Silverstein, will be officially released on CD and all digital music platforms on Friday, June 16th.

MADAME CLICQUOT: A REVOLUTIONARY MUSICAL Studio Cast Recording Out Now

MADAME CLICQUOT: A Revolutionary Musical – Studio Cast Recording, which features highlights from the sweeping and romantic new stage musical, is available in streaming and digital formats now.

Exclusive: First Listen to New Single 'Life on the Edge' From CLICQUOT: A REVOLUTIONARY MUSICAL

BRAINSTORM RECORDS, YELLOW SOUND LABEL and 35th PARALLEL PRODUCTIONS have announced that the second single from CLICQUOT: A Revolutionary Musical – Studio Cast Recording, which features highlights from the sweeping and romantic new stage musical, will be available on all streaming services on Monday, March 13. Get an exclusive first listen here!

Paolo Montalban, Victoria Frings & More to be Featured on CLICQUOT: A REVOLUTIONARY MUSICAL Studio Cast Recording

CLICQUOT: A Revolutionary Musical – Studio Cast Recording, which features highlights from the sweeping and romantic new stage musical, will be released on Friday, April 14.

Album Review: Maureen Taylor Brings Her Cabaret Show To All By Recording Her COSMIC CONNECTIONS

A lovely, high-lyric soprano that is never overstated or underplayed, Taylor uses all of her voice when she sings, sometimes in the space of a single number.

Photos: Go Inside Rehearsals For OTHER LIVES: THE STORY SONGS OF MICHAEL COLBY

See photos in rehearsals for 'OTHER LIVES: The Story Songs of Michael Colby' part of Urban Stages 'Winter Rhythms 2022.'

Emily McNamara Joins Andrew Zachary Cohen For Return Engagement of DON'T ASK THE LADY at The Green Room 42

Following two acclaimed performances of the show at 54Below, he’s ready to make his mark at The Green Room 42 in this special Birthday Bash Holiday Edition.  It’s the days between Christmas and New Year’s and the last two or so hours Andrew will still be in his 30s.  Putting his stamp on some of the theatre’s most famous female roles and many lesser-known gems, he explores his journey from suburbia to NYC through his earliest influences that created his deep love (or is it unhealthy obsession?) for the musical theatre.

News: WINTER RHYTHMS at Urban Stages Releases Full Lineup

URBAN STAGE's annual Winter Rhythms cabaret series has announced the full run-down of shows and acts to play in the 2022 season

WINTER RHYTHMS Returns To Urban Stages This December

Urban Stages has had great luck with their Winter Rhythms shows in the past and the calendar for 2022 is looking good. So is their Black Friday sale code.

Michael Colby FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Michael Colby has written 10 shows including Second Chance (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Lyres (Lyricist), North Atlantic (Bookwriter), Another Time (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Ludlow Ladd (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Charlotte Sweet (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Mrs. McThing (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Tales of Tinseltown (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Happy Haunting (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Delphi or Bust (Bookwriter/Lyricist).

Michael Colby has been nominated for Outstanding Lyrics at the Drama Desk Awards for the show Charlotte Sweet.

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