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IU SCHOOL OF MUSIC AWARDS HONORARY DEGREES
TO TWO LEGENDS OF AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATER
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Classic Broadway lyricists and librettists Betty Comden and Adolph Green, whose half-century string of hits revolutionized American musical theater, will be awarded honorary Doctor of Music degrees by the Indiana University School of Music on Saturday (April 17) prior to the 8 p.m. performance of Leonard Bernstein's Mass at the Musical Arts Center.
"The conferral of honorary degrees provides a special opportunity for the university to recognize the outstanding contributions of the scholars, artists, scientists and civic leaders whose work enriches our lives," said IU President Myles Brand. "The artistic contributions by Betty Comden and Adolph Green to American musical theater distinguish them as leaders in their field. Indiana University is most proud to honor their achievements with the honorary degree of Doctor of Music."
IU School of Music Dean David G. Woods said, "The Indiana University School of Music is proud to honor two legendary names in American musical theater: Betty Comden and Adolph Green. We are indebted for the unforgettable contributions they have made to American culture for the better part of a half-century. We feel extremely fortunate that they have chosen to join us for this celebration of the life and music of their close friend and colleague, and a source of inspiration to us all, Leonard Bernstein."
The partnership of Comden and Green began in the 1930s, when they were performing around Manhattan with Judy Tuvim (later known as film star Judy Holiday) in a trio called The Revuers. They couldn't afford writers, so they began to create their own material and discovered they clicked. Soon everyone, including Leonard Bernstein, was coming to see them.
They collaborated with Bernstein and choreographer Jerome Robbins on the first Broadway show for all of them. It became the smash hit of 1944 -- On the Town. The duo went on to enjoy a long run of Broadway musical hits including Wonderful Town (1953), Bells Are Ringing (1960) and Hallelujah, Baby (1967). Their success continued into the 1990s with the Tony Award-winning The Will Rogers Follies, written with Cy Coleman.
Their Hollywood triumphs include the screenplays for the musical masterpieces Singin' in the Rain, The Band Wagon and It's Always Fair Weather.
In 1991, they were recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors. They are both members of the Council of Dramatists Guild and have been elected to the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The honorary doctorate is the highest academic recognition Indiana University can bestow. Candidates for these degrees should have demonstrated in their life and in their work high standards of excellence as evidenced by scholarship or creative activity; by professional development and achievement; by public service to the world, the nation, the state, or the community; or through excellence in any calling or occupation which contributes to the development of society and serves as a model for present and future generations.
(Maria Talbert, 812-856-5719, mtalbert@indiana.edu or Arizeder Urreiztieta, 812-855-9846, aurreizt@indiana.edu)