George Abbott was a renowned American theater director, producer, playwright, and actor who is known for his significant contributions to the American theater. Born on June 25, 1887, in Forestville, New York, Abbott began his career in the theater as an actor, but eventually became a successful producer and director.
Abbott's Broadway career spanned over seven decades, during which he produced and directed more than 100 Broadway productions, wrote over 30 plays and musicals, and acted in several productions. He made his Broadway debut as an actor in 1913 in The Misleading Lady and later went on to produce and direct ... read more
Jerry Bock was an American composer best known for his work in musical theater. Born in New Haven, Connecticut on November 23, 1928, Bock showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at a young age. He studied music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and later at the Manhattan School of Music.
Bock's first success in musical theater came in 1955 with the production of "Catch a Star," which he wrote with lyricist Larry Holofcener. However, it was his collaboration with lyricist Sheldon Harnick that would bring him his greatest success. The two first worked together on the ... read more
Sheldon Harnick is a legendary lyricist and composer who has made an indelible mark on Broadway. Born in Chicago in 1924, Harnick began writing songs at a young age, and went on to attend the Northwestern University School of Music. After serving in World War II, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater.
Harnick's first Broadway credit came in 1955, when he wrote the lyrics for the musical "The Body Beautiful." However, it was his collaboration with composer Jerry Bock that would prove to be his most successful partnership. The duo first worked together on ... read more
Neil Simon was an American playwright, screenwriter, and author who was born on July 4, 1927, in The Bronx, New York City. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful and prolific playwrights in American history, with a career that spanned over five decades. Simon's work often focused on the trials and tribulations of middle-class life, and his plays were known for their wit, humor, and insight.
Simon began his career as a comedy writer in the 1940s, working on radio and television shows. He made his Broadway debut in 1961 with the play "Come Blow Your Horn," which ... read more