Green, Adolph

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Adolph Green (1915-2002) was a lyricist, librettist, screenwriter, and performer.

Working with his lifelong writing partner, Betty Comden, Green co-authored the books and lyrics to some of the most important works of musical theater and film.

From the description of Adolph Green papers, 1944-2002. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 79468166

Adolph Green was born in the Bronx, New York on December 2, 1915. After a brief stint as a runner on Wall Street, Green began his theatrical career as an actor and soon found himself writing and performing satirical sketches with the nightclub act, The Revuers. They played at the Village Vanguard and the Rainbow Room in the late 1930s and made a brief appearance in the Fox film, Greenwich Village (1944). Green’s fellow Revuers included Judy Holiday and Betty Comden, who became his lifelong writing partner. The team of Comden and Green scored a hit with their Broadway debut, On The Town (1944), for which they provided the book and lyrics to Leonard Bernstein’s score as well as appearing in the original Broadway cast.

After their second show, Billion Dollar Baby (1945), written with composer Morton Gould, Comden and Green signed with Metro-Goldwin-Mayer and began working for the Arthur Freed Unit. Their first project was a screenplay and additional lyrics for Good News (1947). They went on to write original screenplays for several classic movie musicals, including Singin’In The Rain (1952), The Bandwagon (1953), It’s Always Fair Weather (1955) and the final film of the legendary partnership between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, The Barkleys of Broadway (1949). They also adapted the script and provided lyrics to new songs for their own On The Town (1949) for the screen.

In the early 1950s Comden and Green resumed their Broadway career with the revue Two On The Aisle (1951), the first of many collaborations with their most frequent composer, Jule Styne. Their next project, Wonderful Town (1953), reunited them with Leonard Bernstein and won the Tony Award as Best Musical. Their next seven Broadway musicals were collaborations with Styne, including additional songs for Peter Pan (1954), Say, Darling (1958), Do-Re-Mi (1960), Subways Are For Sleeping (1961), Fade Out-Fade In (1964) and Best Musical Tony Award winner, Hallelujah, Baby! (1968). The most successful show from Comden and Green’s collaboration with Jule Styne was Bells Are Ringing (1956), which was written as a vehicle for Comden and Green’s old friend, Judy Holliday, now an Academy Award winning actress.

During this period of high productivity on Broadway, Comden and Green also continued work on various film projects, adapting Bells Are Ringing for the screen in 1960. They also did the 1958 screen adaptation of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s play Auntie Mame, which starred Wonderful Town ’s Rosalind Russell. Though their last produced film was the comedy with songs, What A Way To Go! (1964), they continued to work on screenplays for the rest of their careers. Comden and Green also continued their performing careers in 1959, with the first version of their successful revue, A Party With Betty Comden and Adolph Green, which they performed several times on Broadway and around the country over the following thirty years.

In 1970 Comden and Green provided the book for Charles Strouse and Lee Adams’ score for Applause, a musical version of the classic film, All About Eve, (1950) which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Another Comden and Green show won the Tony later in the decade: On The Twentieth Century in 1978, which also won them and their composer, Cy Coleman, the Tony for Best Score. Comden and Green’s next project was a departure from the witty, urbane style that had characterized their previous work when they tackled nineteenth century feminism in a collaboration with composer Larry Grossman and director Harold Prince. A Doll’s Life (1982) investigates what might have happened to Nora from Ibsen’s A Doll’s House after she slams the door and leaves her family. This ambitious project was unsuccessful, but demonstrated Comden and Green’s versatility. Their last original musical, however, was a triumph, both artistically and financially. The Will Rogers Follies (1991), another collaboration with Cy Coleman, ran 981 performances and brought Comden, Green and Coleman another Best Score Tony Award.

Throughout his career as a writer, Green continued to work as a performer. Such films as My Favorite Year (1982) and I Want to Go Home (1989) showcased Green’s unique persona. He also appeared in countless tributes and concerts including the London Symphony Orchestra’s Candide, conducted by Leonard Bernstein in 1989, and Follies in Concert, performed at Avery Fisher Hall in 1985.

Adolph Green was married to actress Allyn Ann McLerie from 1945-1953. In 1960 he married actress Phyllis Newman, with whom he had two children, Amanda Green and Adam Green and to whom he remained married until his death on October 23, 2002.

From the guide to the Adolph Green papers, 1944-2002, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
creatorOf Comden, Betty. Miscellaneous movie screenplays, 1938-1980. Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens
creatorOf Green, Adolph. Collier. Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee County Federated Library System
referencedIn Comden and Green papers, 1933-2003 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
referencedIn The Harold Rome Papers, 1873-1988 (inclusive) Irving S. Gilmore Music Library
referencedIn Leonard Bernstein Collection, circa 1900-1994, (bulk 1933-1990) Library of Congress. Music Division
referencedIn Comden, Betty. Comden and Green papers, musical scores and sound recordings, 1930-1986. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Strouse, Charles. Applause / music by Charles Strouse ; lyrics by Lee Adams ; book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; based on the film All about Eve [screenplay by Joseph L. Mankiewicz] and the original story by Mary Orr ; concert adapation by David Ives, 2008. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Betty Comden papers, 1929-2004 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
creatorOf Adolph Green papers, 1944-2002 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
referencedIn Diamonstein-Spielvogel, Barbaralee. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel collection, 1976-1999. Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library
creatorOf Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph). On the town / music by Leonard Bernstein, book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green; based on idea by Jerome Robbins; directed by Susan Cox, 1992 - videotape. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Theatre Aquarius Archives (University of Guelph). Peter Pan / musical based on the play by Sir James M. Barrie, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, music by Mark Charlap additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, additional music by Jule Styne ; directed and choreographed by Max Reimer ; music directed by Charles T. Cozen, 2002 - Reviews and Articles. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
referencedIn Rome, Harold, 1908-1993. The Harold Rome papers, 1873-1988 (inclusive). Yale University, Music Library
creatorOf Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph). On the Twentieth Century / book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, music by Cy Colman, musical direction and orchestral adaptation by Paul Sportelli, choreographed by Valerie Moore ; directed by Valerie Moore and Patricia Hamilton, 2003 - video. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
referencedIn Jule Styne Score, 1954 Syracuse University. Library. Special Collections Research Center
referencedIn Mildred Spiegel Zucker Collection of Leonard Bernstein Correspondence and Related Materials, 1936-1991, (bulk 1936-1951) Library of Congress. Music Division
referencedIn Personality files, [ca. 1800]-1986, 1900-1986 (bulk) New York State Historical Documents Inventory
creatorOf Guelph Spring Festival Archives. A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Apr. 29, 1978 - house program. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
referencedIn Bernstein, Leonard, 1918-1990. Leonard Bernstein collection : Part II, circa 1900-1994 (bulk 1933-1990). Library of Congress
creatorOf Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph). On the Twentieth Century / book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, music by Cy Coleman ; directed by Valerie Moore and Patricia Hamilton ; musical direction and orchestral adaptation by Paul Sportelli, choreaography by Valerie Moore, designed by Yvonne Sauriol, 2003 - house programs. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Guelph Spring Festival Archives. Correspondence, outline of presentation, promotional information and program concerning presentation entitled "A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green, 1978 - performance file. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
referencedIn Rome, Harold, 1908-1993. The Harold Rome papers, 1873-1988 (inclusive). Yale University, Music Library
creatorOf Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph). On The Town / music by Leonard Bernstein ; book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; based on an idea by Jerome Robbins ; directed by Susan Cox, 1992 - teacher's study guide. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Coleman, Cy. Our private world : from the new musical 20th Century Ltd / music by Cy Coleman ; lyrics by Betty Comden & Adolph Green. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Comden, Betty. Reminiscences of Betty Comden and Adolph Green : oral history, 1959. Columbia University in the City of New York, Columbia University Libraries
creatorOf Theatre Aquarius Archives (University of Guelph). Peter Pan : the musical / based on the play by Sir James M. Barrie, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, music by Mark Charlap, additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, additional music by Jule Styne, 2002 - House Program. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Grand Theatre Collection (University of Guelph). Bells Are Ringing / book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; music by Jule Styne ; directed by Joel Greenberg, 1981 - Reviews and Articles. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Whitney, D., Jr. S.C. Baldwin. Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee County Federated Library System
referencedIn Peter Stone papers, 1757-2003, 1950-2000 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
referencedIn Philippe Halsman theatrical photographs, 1947-1969 The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
creatorOf Grand Theatre Collection (University of Guelph). Bells Are Ringing / book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; music by Jule Styne ; directed by Joel Greenberg, 1981 - house program. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Styne, Jule, 1905-1994. Just in time / lyrics, Betty Comden & Aodolph Green ; music, Jule Styne. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Ambassador Auditorium Collection, 1974-1995 Archive of Recorded Sound, Stanford University Libraries
referencedIn Bernstein, Leonard, 1918-1990. Leonard Bernstein collection : Part I, circa 1900-1994 (bulk 1933-1990). Library of Congress
referencedIn Lucille Lortel papers The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.
creatorOf Grand Theatre Collection (University of Guelph). Bells Are Ringing / book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; music by Jule Styne ; directed by Joel Greenberg, 1981 - production photos. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Styne, Jule, 1905-1994. Buzz Miller collection of playscripts. 1956-[1968?] New York Public Libraries for the Performing Arts, Dance Collection
creatorOf Bernstein, Leonard, 1918-1990. Conductor's score of Wonderful town / [Leonard Bernstein] New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Comden, Betty. "Singin' in the rain" : a musical comedy : based on the MGM film / screenplay and adaptation Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; songs Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed. Ohio State University Libraries
creatorOf Charlap, Moose, 1928-1974. Peter Pan / [music by Moose Charlap ; lyrics by Carolyn Leigh ; additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; book by J. M. Barrie], 1999. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Comden, Betty. Betty Comden papers, 1929-2004. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph). On The Town / music by Leonard Bernstein ; book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; directed by Susan Cox, 1992 - reviews and articles. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
referencedIn Stone, Peter, 1930-2003. Peter Stone papers, 1757-2003 (bulk 1950-2000). New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph). On The Town / music by Leonard Bernstein ; book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; based on idea by Jerome Robbins ; directed by Susan Cox, 1992 - performance file. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
referencedIn Buzz Miller collection of playscripts, 1956-[1968? The New York Public Library. Jerome Robbins Dance Division.
creatorOf Theatre Aquarius Archives (University of Guelph). Peter Pan / musical based on the play by Sir James M. Barrie, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, music by Mark Charlap additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, additional music by Jule Styne ; directed and choreographed by Max Reimer ; music directed by Charles T. Cozen, 2002 - performance files. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph). On The Town / music by Leonard Bernstein ; book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green ; based on an idea by Jerome Robbins ; directed by Susan Cox, 1992 - house program. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Berlin, Irving, 1888-1989. MGM and Twentieth Century-Fox screenplays, 1931-1963 (bulk 1937-1955). Brown University, Brown University Library
creatorOf Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph). On the Twentieth Century / book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, music by Cy Colman, musical direction and orchestral adaptation by Paul Sportelli, choreographed by Valerie Moore, designed by Yvonne Sauriol ; directed by Valerie Moore and Patricia Hamilton, 2003 - performance files. University of Guelph. McLaughlin Library
creatorOf Green, Adolph. Adolph Green papers, 1944-2002. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Styne, Jule, 1905-1994. Say, darling : a comedy about a musical / by Richard Bissell, Abe Burrows, Marian Bissell ; based on the best-selling novel by Richard Bissell ; songs by Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jule Styne ; April 10, 1958. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Bernstein, Leonard, 1918-1990. On the town. Book & lyric by Betty Comden & Adolph Green. California State University, Long Beach
creatorOf Bernstein, Leonard, 1918-1990. Wonderful town: typescript, 2000. New York Public Library System, NYPL
referencedIn Comden, Betty. Comden and Green papers, 1933-2003. New York Public Library System, NYPL
creatorOf Roth, Ann, 1931-. Singin' in the rain : research notes used by Twyla Tharp in creating the musical stage version of the motion picture, 1985. Ohio State University Libraries
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Bernstein, Leonard, 1918-1990. person
associatedWith Charlap, Moose, 1928-1974. person
associatedWith Coleman, Cy. person
associatedWith Comden, Betty. person
associatedWith Diamonstein-Spielvogel, Barbaralee. person
associatedWith Grand Theatre Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Grand Theatre Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Grand Theatre Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Guelph Spring Festival Archives. corporateBody
associatedWith Guelph Spring Festival Archives. corporateBody
associatedWith Halsman, Philippe person
associatedWith Harold Rome person
associatedWith Lortel, Lucille person
associatedWith Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer corporateBody
associatedWith Miller, Buzz person
associatedWith Museum of the City of New York. corporateBody
associatedWith Rome, Harold, 1908-1993. person
associatedWith Saddler, Donald person
associatedWith Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Shaw Festival Collection (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Stone, Peter, 1930-2003. person
associatedWith Strouse, Charles. person
associatedWith Styne, Jule, 1905-1994. person
associatedWith Theatre Aquarius Archives (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Theatre Aquarius Archives (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Theatre Aquarius Archives (University of Guelph) corporateBody
associatedWith Zucker, Mildred Spiegel, 1916- person
Place Name Admin Code Country
United States
New York (State)--New York
Subject
Musical films
Musical films
Musicals
Musical theater
Musical theater
Television musicals
Television musicals
Occupation
Librettists
Lyricists
Screenwriters
Television writers
Activity

Person

Birth 1914-12-02

Death 2002-10-24

Americans

English

Information

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