Betty Comden
Date of Death: November 23, 2006 (87)
Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Latest News on Betty Comden:
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN JR. Comes to Missoula Children's Theatre (Dec 27, 2024)
Review: PETER PAN at Bass Concert Hall (Dec 12, 2024)
WONDERFUL TOWN to Replace THE WILD PARTY in 2025 Encores! Series (Nov 13, 2024)
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN JR. Comes to Missoula Children's Theatre (Dec 27, 2024)
Review: PETER PAN at Bass Concert Hall (Dec 12, 2024)
WONDERFUL TOWN to Replace THE WILD PARTY in 2025 Encores! Series (Nov 13, 2024)
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.
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
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Letitia Primrose [Replacement]
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
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
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
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
News
SINGIN' IN THE RAIN JR. Comes to Missoula Children's Theatre
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!
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!
Review: PETER PAN at Bass Concert Hall
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 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
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.
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.
Michael Urie to Host The York Theatre Company Gala; Andrew Rannells & More Join
The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
The York Theatre Company has revealed the roster of performers for a concert celebration at the 32nd Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala, which will honor musical theater legend Bernadette Peters and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
PETER PAN Now On Sale At Playhouse Square
Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN are now on sale. for its premiere Cleveland engagement at Playhouse Square April 9- April 13, 2025, as part of a major national tour.
Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN are now on sale. for its premiere Cleveland engagement at Playhouse Square April 9- April 13, 2025, as part of a major national tour.
PETER PAN Comes To The Fabulous Fox This November
PETER PAN will be performed at The Fabulous Fox from November 13-24. The production will feature a new cast, with details available in the full release.
PETER PAN will be performed at The Fabulous Fox from November 13-24. The production will feature a new cast, with details available in the full release.
Review: Kelli O'Hara's HERE'S TO THE LADIES at 92NY Promises to 'Make Someone Happy'
Kelli O’Hara shone on 10/10 with her new show at The 92nd Street Y, New York. HERE'S TO THE LADIES honored Kelli’s connection to a handful of people, mostly women, who left their mark on her life. O'Hara's powerhouse voice was put to good use in this concert, which showed off her comedy chops, operatic range and of course those high highs.
Kelli O’Hara shone on 10/10 with her new show at The 92nd Street Y, New York. HERE'S TO THE LADIES honored Kelli’s connection to a handful of people, mostly women, who left their mark on her life. O'Hara's powerhouse voice was put to good use in this concert, which showed off her comedy chops, operatic range and of course those high highs.
Tickets On Sale Now For National Tour of PETER PAN at the Orpheum Theater in December
Tickets are on sale now for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic PETER PAN at Omaha's Orpheum Theater, Dec. 3-8, as part of a major national tour.
Tickets are on sale now for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic PETER PAN at Omaha's Orpheum Theater, Dec. 3-8, as part of a major national tour.
Tickets to PETER PAN at the Citizens Opera House on Sale Now
Broadway In Boston will welcome the reimagined production of the beloved Tony Award-winning Broadway classic PETER PAN, the high-flying musical that has been thrilling audiences for close to 70 years. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Broadway In Boston will welcome the reimagined production of the beloved Tony Award-winning Broadway classic PETER PAN, the high-flying musical that has been thrilling audiences for close to 70 years. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Review: PETER PAN THE MUSICAL at Robinson Center
Celebrity Attractions brought Central Arkansas another fabulous show with PETER PAN, which flew onto the Robinson Center stage Friday through Sunday, Sept. 13 to 15, to entertain an audience full of fairy believers, and we were not disappointed. Directed by Lonny Price, this magical experience tapped into the universal desire to never grow up and to live in a world of adventure, imagination, and endless possibility. Everyone from the young to young at heart was delighted the whole evening.
Celebrity Attractions brought Central Arkansas another fabulous show with PETER PAN, which flew onto the Robinson Center stage Friday through Sunday, Sept. 13 to 15, to entertain an audience full of fairy believers, and we were not disappointed. Directed by Lonny Price, this magical experience tapped into the universal desire to never grow up and to live in a world of adventure, imagination, and endless possibility. Everyone from the young to young at heart was delighted the whole evening.
Review: Tony Danza Honors His Hero in SINATRA & STORIES at Café Carlyle
TV star Tony Danza honors his hero Frank Sinatra nightly through September 22nd with SINATRA AND STORIES. Danza is packed to the gills with charm, much like his hero Sinatra. Mesmerizing to watch, he shows off his many talents throughout the night. The run is completely sold out, but you can join the waitlist by visiting Cafe Carlyle's website. See what our critic had to say.
TV star Tony Danza honors his hero Frank Sinatra nightly through September 22nd with SINATRA AND STORIES. Danza is packed to the gills with charm, much like his hero Sinatra. Mesmerizing to watch, he shows off his many talents throughout the night. The run is completely sold out, but you can join the waitlist by visiting Cafe Carlyle's website. See what our critic had to say.
PETER PAN Comes to the Eccles Theater
Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN will go on sale Friday at 10 am for its premiere Salt Lake City engagement at the Eccles Theater from November 5-10, 2024 as part of a major national tour.
Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN will go on sale Friday at 10 am for its premiere Salt Lake City engagement at the Eccles Theater from November 5-10, 2024 as part of a major national tour.
PETER PAN Comes to Dallas
Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America (BAA) have announced tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN will go on sale Friday, September 20 at 10 a.m. for its premiere Dallas engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park as part of a major national tour and the 2024/2025 Broadway Series presented by Broadway Dallas.
Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America (BAA) have announced tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN will go on sale Friday, September 20 at 10 a.m. for its premiere Dallas engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park as part of a major national tour and the 2024/2025 Broadway Series presented by Broadway Dallas.
Tickets on Sale For PETER PAN at the Orpheum
Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN will go on sale Friday, September 13 at 10am for its premiere Memphis engagement at the Orpheum Theatre November 26 through December 1 as part of a major national tour.
Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN will go on sale Friday, September 13 at 10am for its premiere Memphis engagement at the Orpheum Theatre November 26 through December 1 as part of a major national tour.
PETER PAN Comes to Austin in December
Texas Performing Arts Broadway in Austin will present the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN. The Austin premiere will play a limited one-week engagement at Bass Concert Hall from December 10-15, 2024.
Texas Performing Arts Broadway in Austin will present the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN. The Austin premiere will play a limited one-week engagement at Bass Concert Hall from December 10-15, 2024.
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