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Adolph Green

Date of Death: October 23, 2002 (86)

Birth Place: Bronx, NY, USA

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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.

Photos

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

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

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

Videos

News


PETER PAN To Play The Fox Theatre; Tickets On Sale Today
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 22, 2025

Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN are on sale now for a limited one-week premiere engagement at the Fox Theatre from April 29 – May 4.
Kruz Maldonado Will Take Over Title Role in PETER PAN Tour
by Stephi Wild - Feb 19, 2025

Kruz Maldonado will join the cast of the national tour of the all-new production of PETER PAN, as the tour continues into its second year. Learn more about where to catch the show here!
Cast Set for THE IRISH... AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY at Playhouse on Park
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2025

THE IRISH… AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY is an irreverent history of the Irish through the tumultuous 20th and 21st centuries through the eyes Frank McCourt, coming to Playhouse on Park. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Anika Noni Rose and Aisha Jackson to Star in WONDERFUL TOWN at Encores!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 12, 2025

Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose and Aisha Jackson will lead New York City Center Encores! Wonderful Town. Learn more about the upcoming performance and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: JUST IN TIME FOR JULE STYNE at Dizzy's Is More Than Fine
by Rob Lester - Feb 8, 2025

JUST IN TIME FOR JULE STYNE at Dizzy's was another 'Songbook Sundays' soiree celebrating a Great American Songbook writer. A night of Jule Styne's music curated by Deborah Grace Winer 'makes someone happy.'
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Comes to Riverside Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 6, 2025

Riverside Theatre has announced the Golden Era film turned stage musical Singin’ in the Rain as the next production of the 2024-2025 season on the Stark Stage.
Interview: Jeff Harnar Honors NYC With CONFESSIONS OF A NEW YORKER at Birdland
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 28, 2025

On Monday 2/3, Jeff Harnar returns to Birdland with “Confessions of a New Yorker,” an early musical Valentine to NYC featuring the songs of of Cy Coleman, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, Rodgers & Hart, Comden & Green and more.
Newly Imagined Production of PETER PAN Comes to Toronto in May
by Stephi Wild - Jan 28, 2025

The all-new production of the hit Broadway musical PETER PAN directed by Lonny Price, with additional book by Larissa Fasthorse and choreography by Lorin Latarro is flying over to Toronto's CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre.
Review: Re-Imagined PETER PAN Takes Flight at Citizens Opera House
by R. Scott Reedy - Jan 24, 2025

Theater fans have a long and affectionate history with the musical “Peter Pan,” and the J.M. Barrie play, “Peter Pan; or the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up,” and subsequent novelization, “Peter and Wendy,” of the classic story of the little boy who can fly that inspired it.
Three-Show Subscriptions Now on Sale for Playhouse on Park’s 16th Main Stage Season
by Stephi Wild - Jan 19, 2025

There are three Main Stage shows remaining in Playhouse on Park's 16th Season, and subscribers save 20% off individual ticket prices. Learn more about the season here!
PETER PAN Will Fly Into The Bushnell In February
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2025

Tickets for the premiere Hartford engagement of the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN are on sale now. This eight-performance run February 4 through 9, 2025 at The Bushnell is part of a major national tour. 
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN JR. Comes to Missoula Children's Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Dec 27, 2024

Singin’ in the Rain JR. is coming to Missoula Children's Theatre in February. Learn more about this upcoming musical and find out how to get tickets to a performance here!
20 Great Audition Songs for Altos
by Sarah Lasko - Dec 18, 2024

If you’re looking for audition songs suitable for an alto range, we’ve compiled a list of classic and contemporary options for you. These 20 audition songs offer a variety of stories and styles, so you can choose the right ones for your voice and type. 
Review: PETER PAN at Bass Concert Hall
by Sabrina Wallace - Dec 13, 2024

Peter Pan dazzles with stunning sets, magical flying effects, and catchy new songs. This Peter Pan may never want to grow up, but it certainly deserves to be part of the conversation on how we tell timeless stories for modern audiences.
WONDERFUL TOWN to Replace THE WILD PARTY in 2025 Encores! Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 13, 2024

New York City Center has revealed that the final production of the 2025 Encores! Series will be Wonderful Town, replacing the previously announced The Wild Party. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
Review: PETER PAN is Revitalized at the Eccles Theater
by Tyler Hinton - Nov 6, 2024

The national tour of PETER PAN, currently playing at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, is a refreshingly refreshed iteration of a beloved musical that can sometimes feel a bit stodgy in its original form.  Set in modern America with a male teenager playing the title role and more agency for the Indigenous characters, the show has been revitalized for a new generation.
ON THE TOWN to be Presented at The University of Texas at Arlington
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 5, 2024

The University of Texas at Arlington's Theatre Arts and Dance Department will present a production of ON THE TOWN, a musical comedy about three sailors exploring New York City during World War II. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: PETER PAN at Golden Gate Theatre
by Steve Murray - Oct 30, 2024

Peter Pan flies into the Golden Gate Theatre with its fantastical message of the joys of childhood, innocence, and freedom. For over 70 years J.M. Barrie’s story has been told and retold, becoming a beloved childhood adventure. This newly imagined production plays on that familiarity and will bring a new generation of children into the fold with its eye-popping images, fairytale characters, swashbuckling adventure, and simplistic themes of good versus evil.
PETER PAN Tickets On Sale At Kravis Center This Friday
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 28, 2024

Tickets for PETER PAN at the Kravis Center will be available starting Friday, November 1 at 10 AM. Find out who's in the cast and how to get tickets.

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).

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