Noted American song-writing team who created such classic hit shows and films as On the Town, Singin’ in the Rain, and Peter Pan. Original “Reportrait” of Comden and Green by artist George Haessler, comprising a composite stippled-ink portrait with handwritten contributions from the duo, on an off-white 13.75 x 16.75 sheet, signed in red ink “Betty Comden, 21 May, 1959, N.Y.C.,” and “Adolph Green, 21 May, 1959, N.Y.C.” Comden and Green offer their individual view on musical comedy. Some excerpts (Comden): “It had ‘music’ and it had ‘comedy’ and that’s why they called it ‘musical comedy,’ I suppose. Those two elements are of course still needed in a show referred to by that name—but over the years, since its beginning in this country—more has been demanded of it as a form—and the more recent shows … have become beautifully integrated works—of drama, story, dance, and fun….” Green writes: “It is true that in musical comedy all the contributors merge their talents into some kind of integrated whole—& the results can be gloriously unified, or grotesquely disjointed…. However, there is a contradiction in this healthy drive toward integration, because nothing is more needed in the theater today, musical comedy or legitimate, than the free play of eccentricity of the individual writer….” The sheet is also signed and dated by Haessler at the left edge. Folds, a touch of subtle soiling, and small tape remnants to corners, otherwise fine condition. Striking for display! R&R COA.
