News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Betty Comden Headshot

Betty Comden

Date of Death: November 23, 2006 (87)

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

read more news

Get Betty Comden Email Alerts

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

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

STAGE CREDITS

On the Town
[West End]
London Concert Revival, 1992
Narrators
Follies
[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 1985
Emily Whitman
Isn't It Romantic
[Off-Broadway]
1984
Tasha Blumberg
Isn't it Romantic
[Off-Broadway]
1983
Tasha Blumberg
On the Twentieth Century
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Letitia Primrose [Replacement]
A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1977
Performer
A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1958
Performer
On the Town
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1944
Claire DeLoone
The Revuers
[Off-Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Off-Broadway Production, 1938
Performer

Productions

On the Twentieth CenturyOn the Twentieth Century
 
[Broadway, 2015]
Book and Lyrics
The Band WagonThe Band Wagon
 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
From Screenplay By
On The TownOn The Town
 
[Broadway, 2014]
Book and Lyrics
Singin' in the Rain
 
[West End, 2004]
Adaptation
Singin' in the Rain
 
[Milburn, NJ (Regional), 1994]
Adaptation
Singin' in the Rain
 
[West End, 1983]
Adaptation

Writing

On the 20th Century
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Applause
Bookwriter
Bells Are Ringing
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Billion Dollar Baby
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bonanza Bound
Bookwriter/Lyricist
By Bernstein
Conceiver
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Diamonds
Lyricist
Do Re Mi
Lyricist
A Doll's Life
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Fade Out - Fade In
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Lyricist
Jerome Robbins' Broadway
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lorelei
Lyricist
On the Town
Book and Lyrics
Book and Lyrics
On the Twentieth Century
Bookwriter
Lyricist
A Party with Betty Comden & Adolph Green
Lyricist
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Peter Pan
Lyricist
The Revuers
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Say, Darling
Lyricist
Lyricist
Singin' in the Rain
Bookwriter
Lyricist
The Skin of Our Teeth
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Stairway to Paradise
Sketches/Composer/Lyricist
Subways Are for Sleeping
Bookwriter/Lyricist
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Two on the Aisle
Sketches/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Lyricist

Movies

Good News
[ 1947 ] writer
The Barkleys of Broadway
[ 1949 ] writer
Singin' in the Rain
[ 1952 ] writer
The Band Wagon
[ 1953 ] writer
It's Always Fair Weather
[ 1955 ] songs
Auntie Mame
[ 1958 ] writer
Bells Are Ringing
[ 1960 ] lyricist, lyricist
What a Way to Go!
[ 1964 ] writer
Slaves of New York
[ 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

More Videos

News


Review: BACKSTAGE BABBLE Brought Flops Back to Life at 54 Below Photo
Review: BACKSTAGE BABBLE Brought Flops Back to Life at 54 Below
by Andrew Poretz - Feb 25, 2025

Charles Kirsch’s latest Backstage Babble was a fun resurrection of songs from mostly flop shows that quickly failed on Broadway or out of town. The theme was inspired by Joe Allen's “flop wall” of posters from shows that closed in the first week.
PETER PAN To Play The Fox Theatre; Tickets On Sale Today Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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! Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Bernadet Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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 Photo
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.
More News

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).

Get Betty Comden Email Alerts

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

Videos