Betty Comden
Date of Death: November 23, 2006 (87)
Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Latest News on Betty Comden:
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup – April 22 to April 28 (Apr 22, 2024)
Adam Guettel, Austin Pendleton and More Will Be Honored with Dramatists Guild Awards (Apr 19, 2024)
BEAUTIFUL, MYSTIC PIZZA, and More Set For Riverside Theatre's 2024-25 Season (Apr 19, 2024)
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup – April 22 to April 28 (Apr 22, 2024)
Adam Guettel, Austin Pendleton and More Will Be Honored with Dramatists Guild Awards (Apr 19, 2024)
BEAUTIFUL, MYSTIC PIZZA, and More Set For Riverside Theatre's 2024-25 Season (Apr 19, 2024)
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
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
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
Betty Comden STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Letitia Primrose [Replacement]
Betty Comden Productions
Writing
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Book and Lyrics
Book and Lyrics
Book and Lyrics
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Sketches/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Lyricist
Betty Comden Movies
Good News
[ 1947 ] writer
[ 1947 ] writer
The Barkleys of Broadway
[ 1949 ] writer
[ 1949 ] writer
Singin' in the Rain
[ 1952 ] writer
[ 1952 ] writer
The Band Wagon
[ 1953 ] writer
[ 1953 ] writer
It's Always Fair Weather
[ 1955 ] songs
[ 1955 ] songs
Auntie Mame
[ 1958 ] writer
[ 1958 ] writer
Bells Are Ringing
[ 1960 ] lyricist, lyricist
[ 1960 ] lyricist, lyricist
What a Way to Go!
[ 1964 ] writer
[ 1964 ] writer
Slaves of New York
[ 1989 ] Mrs. Wheeler
[ 1989 ] Mrs. Wheeler
Betty Comden Awards and Nominations
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Musical
Betty Comden, The Will Rogers Follies
winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Betty Comden, The Will Rogers Follies
Olivier Awards - 1986 - Musical of the Year
Betty Comden Wonderful Town!
Tony Awards - 1986 - Best Book of a Musical
Betty Comden , Singin' in the Rain
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Book of a Musical
Betty Comden, A Doll's Life
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Betty Comden , A Doll's Life
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Musical of the Year
Betty ComdenOn The 2th Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Book of a Musical
Betty Comden, On the Twentieth Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Betty Comden , On the Twentieth Century
winner
Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Musical
Betty Comden, Applause
winner
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Betty Comden, Hallelujah, Baby!
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1953 - Best Musical
Betty Comden, Wonderful Town
winner
Tony Awards - 1953 - Best Musical
Betty Comden, Wonderful Town
winner
Theatre World Awards - 1945 - Performance
Betty Comden, On the Town
Betty Comden Videos
VIDEO: FOREVER PLAID Alumni Sing 'Never Met a Man I Didn't Like' in the Valley Villagers Virtual Choir
by Stephi Wild - Feb 27, 2021
Video Flashback: The Creators of APPLAUSE Take Part in a Humanities Symposium
by Stephi Wild - Apr 17, 2020
Broadway Rewind: Marin Mazzie, Douglas Sills & More Take on ON THE 20TH CENTURY for the Actors' Fund in 2005!
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 26, 2020
VIDEO: Corbin Bleu And Company Perform 'Good Morning' From SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at The Muny
by Alan Henry - Jun 29, 2018
VIDEO: Get A First Look At Corbin Bleu in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at The Muny
by Alan Henry - Jun 28, 2018
VIDEO: The Muny Preps for Heavy Weather! See Rehearsals for SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 26, 2018
Exclusive: Get A First Look At THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES at Goodspeed Musicals
by Alan Henry - Apr 19, 2018
Theater Talk: Tony Shalhoub, Katrina Lenk and John Cariani Discuss THE BAND'S VISIT
by Theater Talk - Mar 19, 2018
TV Exclusive: Watch Harvey Schmidt & Tom Jones on Stage Together One Last Time
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 1, 2018
VIDEO: Broadway Stars Recreate Iconic 'Good Morning' Number in Tribute to Debbie Reynolds
by Caryn Robbins - Jan 13, 2017
STAGE TUBE: Watch New Clips of Goodman Theatre's WONDERFUL TOWN, Starring Lauren Molina, Bri Sudia and More!
by Christina Mancuso - Oct 3, 2016
STAGE TUBE: Watch Highlights of WONDERFUL TOWN Starring Lauren Molina, Bri Sudia and More!
by Christina Mancuso - Sep 15, 2016
Betty Comden News
Feature: BroadwayWorld Cabaret Upcoming Show Roundup �" April 22 to April 28
Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week.
Adam Guettel, Austin Pendleton and More Will Be Honored with Dramatists Guild Awards
The Dramatists Guild previously announced that playwright Christopher Durang will receive a Lifetime Achievement award at this year’s ceremony. He will be joined by two additional recipients, George C. Wolfe and Emily Mann.
BEAUTIFUL, MYSTIC PIZZA, and More Set For Riverside Theatre's 2024-25 Season
Riverside Theatre has announced its 2024-2025 Season of productions. Learn more about the season lineup here!
Amy Spanger, Todd Buonopane, and More Will Lead MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY: The Songs of Comden, Green, and Styne
The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company has announced the all-star cast of the first of its two cabaret evenings this spring at AMT.
PETER PAN Comes to Miami in May
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and Broadway Across America will continue the 2023-2024 Broadway in Miami series with the South Florida premiere of PETER PAN or a limited engagement from May 7-12, 2024.
Cast Set for DO RE MI at J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company
The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company has revealed the cast for its revival of the hit 1960 musical Do Re Mi. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
PETER PAN is Now Playing at Broadway In Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre
The Tony Award-winning Broadway Classic, PETER PAN has taken flight at Broadway In Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets!
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: STANDARD TIME WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN Honors NYC Songs at Carnegie Hall
The beloved concert series STANDARD TIME WITH MICHAEL FEINSTEIN continued on February 28th at Carnegie Hall’s intimate Zankel Hall stage. Whether you want a chance to hear American Songbook standards performed live by a true master, or you’re looking to dive deeper and learn more, Feinstein is marvelous to watch. He returns to Carnegie on March 27th.
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!
Closure of The Theatre Museum Marks the End of an Era
After almost 30 years of preserving, celebrating, and championing the rich history of theater, The Theatre Museum, originally established as The Broadway Theatre Institute in 1995, announces the difficult decision to cease operations in 2024.
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!
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,
Betty Comden FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Betty Comden been in?
Betty Comden has appeared on Broadway in 4 shows.
How many West End shows has Betty Comden been in?
Betty Comden has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
What was Betty Comden's first West End show?
Betty Comden's first West End show was On the Town which opened in 1992
What awards has Betty Comden been nominated for?
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."
What awards has Betty Comden won?
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".
How many shows has Betty Comden written?
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).
Videos
