A Helluva Life:

"New York, New York, it's a helluva town!"

Adolph Green was a celebrated screenwriter, playwright, lyricist, performer and a legendary figure in the world of Broadway. Along with his long-time collaborator Betty Comden, Green artfully crafted scripts and lyrics spanning nearly 30 Broadway productions and MGM film musicals for over 60 years, including the line, “New York, New York, it's a Helluva town!” from the 1944 musical On the Town, in which they also starred. The pair, whose creative partnership lasted longer than any other writing duo in Broadway history, is best remembered for the award-winning screenplay for the iconic 1952 film musical Singin’ in the Rain. 

Phyllis Newman and Adolph met when she won the part of Judy Holliday's understudy in his show Bells Are Ringing. Phyllis' career spanned over 7 decades: she performed in nightclubs, radio, films, TV and was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson - the first woman to ever guest host the show. She starred in numerous shows on Broadway, including Subways Are For Sleeping, for which she won the Tony Award® for Best Featured Actress.

"In a time in the mid-late 20^th century when the worlds of art, theater, music, movies, literature, politics and progressivism all intermingled in New York City, our parents were at its nexus.  Their parties were legendary - filled with music, performing, serious discussion and serious silliness. Their friends were the leading artistic and intellectual lights of the day: Lauren Bacall, Leonard Bernstein, Lena Horne, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra.

Our parents both had long and extraordinary careers and lives. Our mother began hers at the age of 3, performing in films, radio and doing her Carmen Miranda act in Atlantic City. Our father and Betty Comden had a creative partnership that produced some of the greatest MGM and Broadway classics – at times putting themselves on center stage. Our parents were married for 42 years until our father died. Both were first generation Americans who came from the humblest of beginnings and went on to create artistic and personal lives for themselves beyond their wildest dreams. We are proud of their legacy and happy to share some of it with you. They did indeed lead A HELLUVA LIFE."

-Amanda and Adam Green