Michael Colby
Michael Elihu Colby is an American theatre lyricist and musical playwright. He is the author of the book The Algonquin Kid and musicals such as Charlotte Sweet and Tales of Tinseltown.
Michael Colby was born in New York City. From 1946 to 1987, his grandparents, Ben and Mary Bodne, owned the Algonquin Hotel where Colby grew up as a child, observing celebrities such as Ella Fitzgerald, Laurence Olivier, and Tennessee Williams. His upbringing in the Algonquin later inspired Colby to write The Algonquin Kid.
Career
Colby has written many musicals. Charlotte Sweet received three Drama Desk Award nominations, including one for his lyrics. North Atlantic won the Show Business Award. Meester Amerika was chosen for the TRU Musical Theater Reading Series.
Productions
North Atlantic – book; co-lyricist with composer James FradrichLudlow Ladd – libretto; with composer Gerald Jay MarkoeCharlotte Sweet – libretto; with composer Gerald Jay MarkoeMrs. McThing – book/lyrics; with composer Jack Urbont; based on play by Mary ChaseTales of Tinseltown – book/lyrics; with composer Paul KatzSlay It With Music – book/lyrics; with composer Paul KatzHappy Haunting – libretto; with composer Gerald Jay MarkoeThe Human Heart – lyrics; with composer Steven Silverstein & bookwriter Pat Hoag SimonDelphi or Bust – book/lyrics; with composer Gerald Jay MarkoeThey Chose Me! – lyrics/co-book writer; with composer and co-bookwriter Ned Paul GinsburgMeester America – lyrics; with composer Artie Bressler and bookwriter Jennifer BermanDangerous – co-lyricist/co-bookwriter; with John C. IntrocasoBoynton Beach Club – co-lyricist; with composer Ned Paul Ginsberg, bookwriter Susan Seidelman, co-lyricist Cornelia Ravenal; based on film by Susan SeidelmanOther Lives - lyrics; with various composersHoliday Regards - lyrics; with various composers
Personal life
In 1986, Colby married Andrea Lee Loshin.