Adolph Green

Date of Death: October 23, 2002 (86)

Birth Place: Bronx, NY, USA

Get Adolph Green Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Adolph Green 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.

Adolph Green Photos

Adolph Green STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
London Concert Revival, 1992
Narrators

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 1985
Theodore Whitman

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1977
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1958
Performer

[Broadway]
Closed on the road, 1947
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1944
Ozzie

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1938
Performer

Adolph Green 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
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Book and Lyrics
Book and Lyrics
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Sketches/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Adolph Green 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

Adolph Green Videos

Adolph Green News


Full Cast & Creative Team Set For ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY At Blank Theatre Company

Blank Theatre Company has announced the cast and creative team for the first show of their 2024 season, ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, music by Cy Coleman, book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.

J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company Announces THE 2024 LAGNIAPPE SERIES

Discover the 2024 Lagniappe Series by the J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company.

Review: BROADWAY BOUND - PART SIX Is a Treasurer-Hunter's Dream

Just because the show never got to Broadway doesn't mean it didn't have good songs. Proof of this is in the hearing. And they get a fair hearing at 54 Below with the BROADWAY BOUND series. Even if a project might crash and burn, there can be things worth salvaging from the ashes. Read about 'em in our write-ups on 'Broadway Bound' --- a dream, a live show series, a podcast, a pleasure.

Production Teams Set for The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company 2024 Season

The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company has revealed the production teams for its 2024 season. Learn more about the season!

Christopher Durang to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Dramatists Guild Awards

Playwright Christopher Durang is the recipient of The Dramatists Guild's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award. Learn more about Durang and about the award!

Interview: Audra McDonald talks about AN EVENING WITH AUDRA MCDONALD, her role in 'Rustin' and more

When it comes to concerts, Audra McDonald says she’s learned to choose a song list that really appeals to her. And she’s done just that for her current tour, which will bring her to Symphony Hall for her eighth appearance with the Celebrity Series of Boston, this time with an orchestra of local musicians, on February 27.

A PARTY WITH BETTY COMDEN AND ADOLPH GREEN Starring Mallory Portnoy and Nick Blaemire to Play Cafe Carlyle

A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green starring Mallory Portnoy and Nick Blaemire will play its first exclusive New York engagement at the Café Carlyle. Learn how to purchase tickets!

New Block Of Tickets On Sale For GLORY DAYS Benefit Concert Starring George Salazar, Colton Ryan and More

Keen Company announces new block of tickets for GLORY DAYS benefit concert featuring Jordan Dobson, Derek Klena, Colton Ryan, and George Salazar. One-night-only event at Symphony Space.

NTPA Plano to Present SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Next Month

NTPA Plano will present the children's show Singin' in the Rain this February at The Courtyard Theatre in Plano. Learn more about the production here!

Photos/Video: First Look At The New PETER PAN National Tour!

See first look photos and video of the new national tour of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN!

Blank Theatre Company Announces Their 2024 Season & New Company Members

Blank Theatre Company announces their 2024 season featuring two full-length productions and new additions to the company.

Musical Theatre Melodies Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of Carol Channing in LORELEI With Lee Roy Reams

Musical Theatre Melodies, hosted by Rob Morrison, will mark the 50th anniversary of the Broadway premiere of Carol Channing in Lorelei (based on Gentlemen Prefer Blondes) by Jule Styne, Leo Robin, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, featuring an interview with original cast member, Tony Award nominee Lee Roy Reams, on 96.5 FM on Tuesday, January 30th,

Review: ON THE TOWN at Arizona Broadway Theatre

BroadwayWorld Guest Contributor, David Appleford, reviews Arizona Broadway Theatre's production of ON THE TOWN and applauds it as an “undeniable triumph.” Runs through February 24th.

Jordan Dobson and George Salazar Join Keen Company's GLORY DAYS Benefit Concert

Complete casting has been announced for Keen Company's upcoming benefit concert of Glory Days by Nick Blaemire and James Gardiner. Find out who is joining the cast here!

A Guide to the Broadway Actors in MAESTRO; Who Michael Urie, Jordan Dobson & More Play in Bradley Cooper's Leonard Bernstein Film

Bradley Cooper's Maestro is now streaming on Netflix, following the life of composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein. The film delves into the life of the composer, who wrote Broadway classics like West Side Story, On the Town, and Candide. Check out a guide to Broadway stars in Maestro, including Michael Urie, Matt Bomer, Jordan Dobson, and more!

Plays, Playwrights & Casts Set for Barrington Stage Company's 10X10 New Play Festival

Barrington Stage Company presents the Award-Winning 10X10 New Play Festival this winter. Learn how to purchase tickets!

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.

Adolph Green 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).

Get Adolph Green Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos