Cy Coleman Headshot

Cy Coleman

Date of Death: November 18, 2004 (75)

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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Cy Coleman BIO

Cy Coleman was a prolific composer, songwriter, and jazz pianist who made a significant impact on American music and Broadway. Born Seymour Kaufman in 1929 in New York City, Coleman began playing piano at an early age and was soon performing in clubs and bars around the city. He studied at the Juilliard School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music, but his true education came from playing with jazz greats like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
Coleman's first foray into Broadway was with the musical "Wildcat" in 1960, which starred Lucille Ball. The show was not a critical success, but it did feature the hit song "Hey, Look Me Over." Coleman's next musical, "Little Me," was a collaboration with writer Neil Simon and starred Sid Caesar. The show received mixed reviews but was a commercial success and featured the popular song "Real Live Girl."
In 1966, Coleman teamed up with lyricist Dorothy Fields for the musical "Sweet Charity," which starred Gwen Verdon. The show was a critical and commercial success and featured the hit songs "Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now." Coleman and Fields received a Tony Award for Best Original Score.
Coleman continued his collaboration with Fields on the musical "Seesaw" in 1973, which starred Michele Lee and Tommy Tune. The show received mixed reviews but featured the hit song "It's Not Where You Start, It's Where You Finish." Coleman and Fields received another Tony nomination for Best Original Score.
In 1980, Coleman teamed up with playwright Michael Bennett for the musical "Barnum," which starred Jim Dale. The show received mixed reviews but featured the hit song "The Colors of My Life." Coleman and Bennett received a Tony nomination for Best Original Score.
Coleman's next musical, "City of Angels," was a collaboration with writer Larry Gelbart and starred James Naughton. The show was a critical and commercial success and featured the hit songs "You're Nothing Without Me" and "Lost and Found." Coleman and Gelbart received a Tony Award for Best Original Score.
In addition to his work on Broadway, Coleman also composed music for film and television. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for the title song of the film "Father Goose" in 1965. He also composed the theme song for the television show "Alice" in 1976.
Coleman continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. He collaborated with playwright David Zippel on the musical "The Will Rogers Follies" in 1991, which starred Keith Carradine. The show was a critical and commercial success and featured the hit song "Never Met a Man I Didn't Like." Coleman and Zippel received a Tony Award for Best Original Score.
Coleman's final musical, "The Life," was a collaboration with writer Ira Gasman and starred Lillias White. The show received mixed reviews but featured the hit song "The Oldest Profession." Coleman received a Tony nomination for Best Original Score.
Cy Coleman passed away in 2004 at the age of 75. He left behind a legacy of music that continues to be celebrated and performed on Broadway and beyond.

Cy Coleman Photos

Cy Coleman STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Performer [Replacement]

Cy Coleman Productions

 
[Broadway, 2015]
Music
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Vocal Music Arranger
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Dance/Vocal Arrangements
 
[Off-Broadway, 1999]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Dance/Vocal Arrangements
Vocal Music Arranger
Dance Music Arranger
Producer
 
[West End, 1993]
Vocal Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Music Arrangements
Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Vocal Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Producer
Vocal Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1983]
Creative Consultant
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Vocal Music Arranger
Dance Music Arranger
Dance/Vocal Arrangements
 
[West End, 1981]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1980]
Producer
Vocal Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1977]
Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1976]
Music Arranger
Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1973]
Dance Music Arranger
 
[Broadway, 1957]
Musical Director
 
[Broadway, 1953]
Composer

Writing

Lyricist
Composer
Music and Book
Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Composer
Bookwriter
Composer
Bookwriter
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer
Composer/Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer

Cy Coleman Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2011 - Best Musical Revival

Cy Coleman, Sweet Charity


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Music

Cy Coleman, The Life

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Musical

Cy Coleman, The Life

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Book of a Musical

Cy Coleman, The Life

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Musical

CyColeman, The Life

Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Cy Coleman, The Life


winner
Olivier Awards - 1994 - The American Express Award for Best New Musical

Cy Coleman, City Of Angels


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1991 - Outstanding Music

Cy Coleman, The Will Rogers Follies


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1991 - Best Musical

Cy Coleman, The Will Rogers Follies


winner
Tony Awards - 1991 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Cy Coleman, The Will Rogers Follies


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Musical

Cy Coleman, City of Angels


winner
Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Cy Coleman, City of Angels


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Music

Cy Coleman, City of Angels

Olivier Awards - 1981 - Musical of the Year

Cy ColemanBarnum

Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Music

Cy Coleman, Barnum

Olivier Awards - 1980 - Musical of the Year

Cy ColemanOn The 2th Century

Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Musical

Cy Coleman, Barnum

Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Cy Coleman, Barnum


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Music

Cy Coleman, On the 2th Century

Tony Awards - 1978 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Cy Coleman, On the Twentieth Century


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1977 - Outstanding Music

Cy Coleman, I Love My Wife

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1977 - Best Musical

Cy Coleman, I Love My Wife

Olivier Awards - 1977 - Musical of the Year

Cy Coleman, I Love My Wife

Tony Awards - 1977 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Cy Coleman, I Love My Wife

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Cy Coleman, Seesaw

New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Best Musical

Cy Coleman, Seesaw

Tony Awards - 1966 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Cy Coleman, Sweet Charity

Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Musical

Cy Coleman, Little Me

Tony Awards - 1963 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Cy Coleman , Little Me

Cy Coleman Videos

Cy Coleman News


Patrick Page Leads Red Bull Theater's THE TEMPEST Next Week


Details have been announced for Red Bull Theater's upcoming production of The Tempest, starring Patrick Page, Reeve Carney, Lillias White, and more.

Judi Mark Brings Tribute to Gwen Verdon to Don't Tell Mama


DON’T TELL MAMA will present Judi Mark with a musical celebration of four-time Tony Award winner Gwen Verdon and her hit Broadway shows including “Damn Yankees,” “Redhead,” “Sweet Charity” and “Chicago.”

Sally Mayes to Return to The Green Room 42 With NOW AND THEN: THE STORIES


THE GREEN ROOM 42 will present the return of Tony Award-nominated Broadway favorite Sally Mayes in 'Now and Then: The Stories'. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.

Liz Callaway, Ann Hampton Callaway, And More Take Home 2024 MAC Awards!


The 38th MAC Awards were presented on Monday, April 15, 2024 at a live ceremony at NYC's Symphony Space.

Songbook Sundays Continues at Dizzy's Club With IT MIGHT AS WELL BE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN


Songbook Sundays, created and hosted by Deborah Grace Winer celebrating the American Songbook will continue at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club with It Might as Well Be Rodgers & Hammerstein, April 21st at 5 PM and 7:30 PM.

Performers Jim Caruso & Billy Stritch Return To Bemelmans Bar At The Carlyle


Catch the latest performances by Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch at Bemelmans Bar.

Jack Viertel's New Novel BROADWAY MELODY Is Now on Sale


Broadway Melody, the sweeping novel of love, ambition and defeat by veteran Broadway professional Jack Viertel is now available for purchase. Learn more about the book!

Review: Michael Feinstein and the Carnegie Hall Big Band Honor Tony Bennett


This reviewer was overwhelmed by the acclaimed musical Tour de Force that is Michael Feinstein and the marvelous Carnegie Hall Big Band at the March 27th edition of Standard Time with Michael Feinstein.

Full Cast & Creative Team Set For ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY At Blank Theatre Company


Blank Theatre Company has announced the cast and creative team for the first show of their 2024 season, ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, music by Cy Coleman, book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green.

Lainie Kazan's Four Classic 60s Albums Available for the First Time in Almost 60 Years


Available for the first time in the nearly 60 years since they were introduced, the four 1960s vocal albums from Lainie Kazan are now streaming on all digital platforms.

Liz Callaway, Billy Stritch & More Nominated for 2024 MAC Awards - See the Full List!


The Manhattan Association of Cabarets has revealed the 2024 MAC Award nominees. See who was nominated!

The Green Room 42 To Present Carolyn Bacon's WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT WOMEN VOL. 2


Carolyn Bacon returns to The Green Room 42 with her feminist solo show WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT WOMEN VOL. 2 on March 25. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Andrew Lippa's WILD PARTY Will Return For Four Shows at Jaxx Theatre


Jaxx Theatricals has announced their 17 Year Anniversary Extension of Andrew Lippa's Wild Party as part of the Jaxx Theatre's Grand Re-Opening in their new home on Wednesday, March 27th through March 30th, 2024.

Interview: Get Ready to Laugh with Ben Jones's LET ME BE FRANK at 54 Below


Acclaimed singer Ben Jones is back at 54 Below on March 10th with a show celebrating Frank Sinatra, including classic American Songbook hits by Cy Coleman, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer. We spoke about the inspiration behind this new show, Jones's comedic bents, and what audiences can expect from the show.

Cast Set For TheatreZone's LITTLE ME This Month


Get ready for TheatreZone's latest production, LITTLE ME, debuting on March 7. Experience the talent of lead actor Adolpho Blaire and director Mark Danni in this anticipated performance.

See Phillipa Soo, Josh Radnor, Tobias Menzies & More at 92NY in March


Coming up at 92NY is Sydney Sweeney on Immaculate, Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran on Piper Chen Sings, and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Developmental Readings of BORDELLO THE MUSICAL Set For This Week


 The York Theatre Company will present developmental readings of Bordello, The Musical, with book by Barbara Bellman and Joan Ross Sorkin, music by Emiliano Messiez, lyrics by Barbara Bellman, music direction by Steven Gross and directed by Will Pomerantz.

BORDELLO, THE MUSICAL To Have York Theatre Company Developmental Readings


Bordello, The Musical is set to have developmental readings at York Theatre Company on February 29 and March 1.

Ben Jones Brings LET ME BE FRANK to 54 Below Next Month


54 Below will present Ben Jones in Let Me Be Frank on March 10, 2024. After a sold-out performance at the Birdland Jazz Club in December, Ben Jones brings this special encore performance to 54 Below.

ANYTHING GOES, SWEET CHARITY & More Set for Gulfshore Playhouse 2024-2025 Season


Gulfshore Playhouse has unveiled its complete 2024-2025 season, the first in the new Baker Theatre and Education Center. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Cy Coleman FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Cy Coleman written?

Cy Coleman has written 31 shows including Grace (Composer), John Murray Anderson's Almanac (Composer/Lyricist), Wildcat (Composer), Little Me (Composer), Sweet Charity (Composer), Seesaw (Composer), Straws in the Wind (Composer), Shirley MacLaine (Composer), Hellzapoppin (Composer), I Love My Wife (Composer), On the Twentieth Century (Composer), Home Again, Home Again (Composer), Barnum (Composer), Diamonds (Composer), On the 20th Century (Music), Welcome to the Club (Composer/Lyricist), City of Angels (Composer), The Life (Bookwriter), The Will Rogers Follies (Composer), Fosse (Composer), Exactly Like You (Lyricist), Exactly Like You (Composer), Mostly Sondheim (Composer), Like Jazz (Composer), The Great Ostrovsky (Composer/Lyricist), Barbara Cook's Broadway! (Composer), Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (Composer), Come Fly Away (Composer), The Best is Yet To Come: The Music of Cy Coleman (Composer), The Life (Music and Book), Pamela's First Musical (Composer).

What awards has Cy Coleman been nominated for?

Cy Coleman has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Best Musical Revival at the Olivier Awards for "Sweet Charity," Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Life," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Life," Best Original Score at the Tony Awards for "The Life," and Best Musical at the Tony Awards for "The Life." He has also been nominated for awards for his work on "City of Angels," "The Will Rogers Follies," "Barnum," "On The 20th Century," "I Love My Wife," "Seesaw," "Little Me," and more.

What awards has Cy Coleman won?

Cy Coleman has won several awards for his work in musical theater. Some of his notable awards include Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Life," the American Express Award for Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards for "City Of Angels," Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "The Will Rogers Follies," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "The Will Rogers Follies," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "The Will Rogers Follies," Best Musical at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for "City of Angels," Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre at the Tony Awards for "City of Angels," and Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "City of Angels." He has also received Outstanding Music at the Drama Desk Awards for "On the 20th Century" and "I Love My Wife."

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