Betty Comden

Betty Comden (1917-2006) was an award-winning screenwriter, librettist and lyricist, co-writing with her longtime creative partner, Adolph Green. Comden and Green had a groundbreaking partnership of over 60 years, winning Tony Awards for their lyrics and/or librettos for Applause, Wonderful Town, Hallelujah Baby!, On the Twentieth Century and The Will Rogers Follies. Other Broadway credits: On The Town (including the smash Broadway revival), Peter Pan, Bells are Ringing, Do Re Mi, Subways are for Sleeping, and A Doll’s Life.

Comden and Green wrote the screenplay and/or lyrics for several films including Singin’ in the Rain, Good News, On the Town, The Band Wagon, It’s Always Fair Weather (Academy Award nomination) and Auntie Mame. They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1980 and received the 1991 Kennedy Center Honors Award, among countless other tributes. As an actress, Betty Comden appeared in the films Garbo Talks and Slaves of New York, and authored an essay collection entitled Off Stage.

Perform Betty Comden

View all

Bells Are Ringing

Multiple Authors
Full-Length Musical, Comedy

Bells Are Ringing

Adolph Green , Betty Comden , Jule Styne

Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 3w, 3m plus ensemble

A delightful showcase for a singing comedienne, Bells Are Ringing is a charming musical comedy about the romantic exploits of a telephone answering service operator.

View Full Page Request License
Applause

Multiple Authors
Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy

Applause

Lee Adams , Charles Strouse , Adolph Green , Betty Comden

Full-Length Musical, Dramatic Comedy / 4w, 4m

An updated musical adaptation of the classic film All About Eve, Applause uncovers the ruthless world of show business, where a conniving young actress attempts to sabotage the career of a seasoned musical theatre star.

View Full Page Request License
The Will Rogers Follies

Multiple Authors
Full-Length Musical, Comedy

The Will Rogers Follies

Peter Stone , Cy Coleman , Betty Comden , Adolph Green ,Will Rogers ,Betty Rogers

Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 2w, 2m, 1girl(s), 3boy(s)

Presented in the style of a Ziegfeld Follies revue, The Will Rogers Follies chronicles the life of the beloved American entertainer through snappy tunes, elaborate production numbers, and comic sketches.

View Full Page Request License
Do Re Mi

Multiple Authors
Full-Length Musical, Comedy

Do Re Mi

Adolph Green , Betty Comden , Garson Kanin , Jule Styne

Full-Length Musical, Comedy / 2w, 2m plus ensemble

A musical comedy satirizing the record business in 1960, Do Re Mi features a lovable loser, Hubie Cram, who nearly destroys his marriage as he desperately seeks material success.

View Full Page Request License