There was a time when great Broadway composers and lyricists wrote songs that were min-stories within them. They complement the other book songs to make wonderful Masterworks. Quite unlike the contemporary scores that are mostly stand-alone ‘pop’ songs belted out to pounding beats about love, aspirations, and disappointments.

Great “Story” songs include MEADOWLARK (The Baker’s Wife), MISS OTIS REGRETS (Cole Porter), THE SAGA OF JENNY (Lady in the Dark), and MELISANDE (110 In the Shade) were common diets in the Musical Masterworks.

For the past 30 years, the art of such lyrics writing seems to have been lost or forgotten. When JAY released the Original Cast Albums of Michael Colby’s musical, CHARLOTTE SWEET, TALES OF TINSELTOWN, and LUDLOW LADD, we noticed his clever and amusing lyrics writing. When we became aware of a concert production in a revue that showcased the Art of Story Songs, OTHER LIVES, was being staged at Urban Stages, New York with an All Star Cast, we seized on the opportunity to record the Original Off Broadway Cast album, to preserve and showcase the Art of such Lyrics writing for posterity and the enjoyment of those interest in a vital aspect of Musical Theatre.”

John Yap, Show Album Producer

“OTHER LIVES” evolved out of the COVID lockdown in New York City. This opus was prepared in anticipation of when theatre and cabaret would return to normal or—as the title of another musical goes—at least NEXT TO NORMAL. OTHER LIVES is a cycle of story songs spotlighting both great stage veterans and exciting newcomers. The composers are a range of favorite collaborators. The resulting revue: OTHER LIVES.

Presented during December 2022 at Urban Stages as part of their Winter Rhythms series, OTHER LIVES played to full, enthusiastic houses.

Out of the despair of a pandemic, this love fest of artists (some performing publicly for the first time since COVID) was born. And now we present our cycle of story songs—some dramatic, some comic, some surprising—but all about OTHER LIVES.

Editorial Review

Photo credit: Jeff Harnar

Other Lives montage. Photo COPYRIGHTED by Jeff Harnar. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. DUPLICATION PROHIBITED.

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Welcome!

Photo of Michael Colby

MICHAEL COLBY is the librettist/lyricist of such musicals as CHARLOTTE SWEET (Drama Desk Award nomination), TALES OF TINSELTOWN, NORTH ATLANTIC (Show Business Award), SLAY IT WITH MUSIC (off-Broadway & London), MRS. McTHING, THEY CHOSE ME!, and LUDLOW LADD. He was chief writer for the Drama Desk Award-winning New Amsterdam Theatre Company and has been a writer for The NY Festival of Song and Theatre By the Blind.

He is the author of the well-received autobiographical book “The Algonquin Kid: Adventures Growing Up at New York’s Legendary Hotel.” Jay Records has released CDs of TALES OF TINSELTOWN, CHARLOTTE SWEET (the complete show), and LUDLOW LADD. DANGEROUS, a musical he co-wrote, has recently been optioned for Broadway.

He wrote continuity for two benefits at the 92nd Street Y: STANDING OVATIONS (starring Carol Channing, Nell Carter, Elaine Stritch, Leslie Uggams, and other great ladies of the theatre) and THE LONGEST RUNNING SHOW ON BROADWAY (a tribute to Maurice Levine, hosted by Angela Lansbury). He also wrote STEPHEN SCHWARTZ: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION, a benefit for the Directors Company, starring Betty Buckley, Paul Shaffer, Kathy Najimi, et al.

He created special material for ANIMAL CRACKERS (Paper Mill Playhouse/Goodspeed), lyrics for MEESTER AMERIKA (The Garage Theatre, NJ) and THE HUMAN HEART (at Marymount Manhattan College), and the narration for THE MAYOR MUSICALS, a benefit for Musicals In Concert hosted by Sheldon Harnick. Among the personalities for whom Mr. Colby has written material are Linda Lavin, Tony Randall, Tovah Feldshuh, Andrea McArdle, Robert Cuccioli, Savion Glover, Dina Merrill, Susan Stroman, Michael Feinstein, Natalie Douglas, Jack Gilford, Sharon McNight, Tom Wopat, Tony Yazbeck, Kristin Chenoweth, Bruce Adler, Lainie Kazan, Jane Powell, Julie Wilson, Alison Fraser, Donna McKechnie, & Cicely Tyson.

Movie credits include writing the title song for the film HEART OF THE BEHOLDER.

A member of BMI and the Dramatists Guild, Michael has a BA in English from Northwestern University and an MA in Drama from NYU. He lives in Metuchen, NJ with his wife Andrea.

Contact Michael Colby

Major Musicals

Presenting the major Broadway, off-Broadway, and London musicals that Mr. Colby has had significant involvement with.

Click any of the images below to reveal the show’s details.

Michael Colby Songbook

Presenting the Michael Colby Songbook, songs with lyrics by Michael Colby. Whether for listening or for new material to perform, the Songbook has much to offer and explore. Should any special adjustments of lyrics be required, Mr. Colby is quick, versatile, and well experienced in creating unique material and parodies.

If you are interested in any of the songs within the Songbook, please feel free to contact Michael at his email address, [email protected].

Click any of the images below to listen to the songs within that category.

Ballads

Exciting New Event Announcement

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Cosmic Connections CD cover
CD Debut Event Details
CD Review Quotes

“Quel Fromage”

“Quel Fromage” – 50 Years of Colby Lyrics is a recording of a benefit for Amas Musical Theatre from Michael Colby’s 50th birthday party in 2001. Many of Broadway’s top talent performed Colby’s work and it has been captured in this audio CD.

Quel Fromage CD cover artwork

Friends & Associates

Presenting the logos of some of the very creative and talented people and organizations that, over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work and collaborate with.

Click any of the logos below to be taken to the respective website (opens in new browser window or tab).

©2024 Michael Elihu Colby LLC
All rights reserved.
Contact Michael Colby
email:  [email protected]

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