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Gretchen Cryer Headshot

Gretchen Cryer

Gretchen Cryer is an actor, bookwriter/lyricist, lyricist whose BroadwayWorld credits include To Whom It May Concern, I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It On the Road, and 1776. Awards include Drama Desk Awards for The Last Sweet Days of Isaac (1970).

Date of Birth: October 17, 1935 (90)

Birth Place: Indianapolis, IN, USA

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1985
Fay
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1978
Heather, Heather [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1969
Abigail Adams (Understudy), Martha Jefferson (Understudy)
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1967
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1963
Townsperson
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1962
Ms. Kepplewhite, Singer

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Writer
 
[Off-Broadway, 2021]
Director

Writing

Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

See how many degrees separate Gretchen Cryer from another Broadway star or creative.

Gretchen Cryer

Gretchen Cryer

Awards and Nominations


winner
- 1991 - Most promising musical theatre librettist

Gretchen Cryer

Drama Desk Awards - 1979 - Outstanding Lyrics

Gretchen Cryer, I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It On the Road


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1970 - Most Promising Playwright

Gretchen Cryer, The Last Sweet Days of Isaac


winner
Obie Awards - 1970 - Best Musical

Gretchen Cryer, The Last Sweet Days of Isaac

Videos

News

Review: THE AMERICAN SONG ASSOCIATION GALA Honors Maltby & Shire at Kaufman Music Center
by Andrew Poretz - Oct 12, 2026

A stellar cast celebrates 70 years of Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire's remarkable songwriting partnership at the American Songbook Association's gala, with dazzling performances, historic reunions, and an unforgettable emotional highlight.
Theatre Now's Industry Nights to Return with Anna K Jacobs
by Stephi Wild - Oct 5, 2026

Theatre Now New York will present a Master Class with composer Anna K Jacobs, followed by songs from four writing teams and a reception at their ongoing Industry Nights series.
Cabaret Roundup: Oct. 5-11 – Deborah Cox, Maltby & Shire & More in NYC
by Rebecca Kaplan - Oct 5, 2026

Here are a few top picks to consider in NYC this week including the New York Pops annual benefit featuring Deborah Cox, a Jerry Herman tribute, and more.
Best Cabaret in October 2026: Ariana DeBose, Deborah Cox, Patty Smyth & More in NYC
by Rebecca Kaplan - Oct 1, 2026

See some of the biggest names performing at cabaret venues this month - at a range of budget points. Tickets to these shows are limited and they are likely to sell out, so make sure to check this list when you plan out your month!
Jenn Colella, Santino Fontana, Liz Callaway and More Set for Maltby & Shire Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 17, 2026

Jenn Colella, Santino Fontana, Liz Callaway, Judy Collins and more will perform at the American Songbook Association's October 5 gala honoring Richard Maltby, Jr., David Shire, Marty Granoff and Perry Granoff.
Liz Callaway, Jen Colella, Judy Collins, and More Join AMERICAN SONGBOOK ASSOCIATION Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 8, 2026

American Songbook Association and Cabaret Scenes will present their sixth annual gala honoring songwriters Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire at New York's Merkin Hall at Kaufman Music Center.
Best Cabaret in Fall 2026: Kelli O’Hara, Leslie Odom Jr., Lea Salonga & More
by Rebecca Kaplan - Aug 30, 2026

See some of the biggest names performing at cabaret venues in NYC this fall, at a range of budget points, including an immersive cemetery performance, original Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr, a holiday show from Broadway legend Kelli O’Hara, and more
American Songbook Association Gala to Host Sixth Gala Honoring Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 4, 2026

American Songbook Association and Cabaret Scenes will present their sixth annual gala “Maltby & Shire: Our Story Goes On” – honoring the multi-award-winning songwriting team of Richard Maltby. Jr. and David Shire.
Review: AMERICAN POPULAR SONG SOCIETY PRESENTS SIDNEY MYER at The Cutting Room
by Andrew Poretz - Jun 18, 2026

Sidney Myer was feted by Marilyn Maye, Charles Busch, Nicolas King and dozens more at a joyous sold-out American Popular Song Society Lifetime Achievement Award gala on June 15.
BroadwayWorld Classifieds 6/18/2026; Jobs In Stage Management, Research, and More
by - Jun 18, 2026

This Week's New Classified Listings on BroadwayWorld for 6/18/2026 include new jobs for those looking to work in the theatre industry.
Gretchen Cryer to Offer Master Class Through Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 17, 2026

Award-winning playwright and lyricist Gretchen Cryer, known for I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER AND TAKING IT ON THE ROAD, will lead a master class as part of Theatre Now New York's Industry Nights series in Midtown Manhattan.
ROM COM IRL Will Come to Sid Gold's Request Room
by Stephi Wild - May 19, 2026

The Reckless Romantics will present ROM COM IRL, a musical improv dating show at Sid Gold's Request Room in NYC, where a real-life single contestant meets potential love interests in a fully improvised rom-com shaped by the audience.
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 18, 2026

The best of the New York City theatre community gathered at Town Hall for the 70th Annual Drama Desk Awards. Stars in attendance included John Lithgow, Norbert Leo Butz, Alex Brightman, Beth Leavel, Donna McKechnie, and more. Check out photos here!
Review: J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Co. Lights Up the Stage With Musicals & Events at AMT Theater
by Rob Lester - May 6, 2026

Don't think that the words 'Lecture Series' means something dry or preachy. J2 Spotlight's 'Behind the Spotlight' series emphasizes fun facts and insiders' perspectives. These go along with the mood of the varied post-show events after the bows at most performances of fully staged full-length musicals, with Carnival! playing now, followed by The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
A History of Musicals About Friendship
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 10, 2026

Friendship is nearly always a side element in musicals. From the comic sidekick of the leading character to the backup pals who provide background vocals, friends are part of the fabric of many shows—but rarely are they the main event. 
FACE TO FACE, HOUSE ON FIRE, and RASHOMON Readings Will Be Performed at the York Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2026

The York Theatre announced three staged readings this April: FACE TO FACE (April 8-9), HOUSE ON FIRE (April 16-17), and RASHOMON (April 26-27). Tickets are by invitation only.
Elizabeth Barkan’s BIKE SHOP THE MUSICAL to be Presented Off-Broadway This Spring
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2026

Elizabeth Barkan’s Bike Shop The Musical, with book and lyrics by Barkan and Caroline Murphy, will be presented Off-Broadway at Theater for the New City.
Kait Kerrigan To Lead Master Class For Theatre Now Industry Nights
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 16, 2026

Kait Kerrigan will lead a master class for Theatre Now New York’s Industry Nights series. The event will feature presentations from Musical Writers Lab participants.
ROM COM IRL Will Come to Sid Gold's Request Room This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2026

The Reckless Romantics present ROM COM IRL, a rom-com musical improv dating show where a real-life single contestant meets a cast of potential love interests– and the audience helps shape their love story in real time.
Photos: Darius de Haas and More in Maltby & Shire's ABOUT TIME Off-Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2026

The new Maltby & Shire musical revue About Time, with music by Academy Award and Grammy Award winner David Shire and lyrics by Tony Award winner Richard Maltby, Jr., opened officially at the historic Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater. See photos!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Gretchen Cryer been in?

Gretchen Cryer has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Gretchen Cryer been in?

Gretchen Cryer has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Gretchen Cryer been nominated for?

Most promising musical theatre librettist (), Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It On the Road, Most Promising Playwright (Drama Desk Awards) for The Last Sweet Days of Isaac and Best Musical (Obie Awards) for The Last Sweet Days of Isaac.

What awards has Gretchen Cryer won?

Gretchen Cryer has received recognition for her work in musical theatre, including Most Promising Musical Theatre Librettist, Most Promising Playwright at the Drama Desk Awards for The Last Sweet Days of Isaac, and Best Musical at the Obie Awards, also for The Last Sweet Days of Isaac.

How many shows has Gretchen Cryer written?

Gretchen Cryer has written 7 shows including Booth is Back in Town (Lyricist), Now Is the Time for All Good Men (Bookwriter/Lyricist), The Last Sweet Days of Isaac (Bookwriter/Lyricist), The Wedding of Iphigenia (Lyricist), Shelter (Bookwriter/Lyricist), I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It On the Road (Bookwriter/Lyricist), Hats! (Composer/Lyricist).

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