Michael Elihu Colby (born 29 October 1951) 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.
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 (1977) – book; co-lyricist with composer James Fradrich
Ludlow Ladd (1979) – libretto; with composer Gerald Jay Markoe
Charlotte Sweet (1982) – libretto; with composer Gerald Jay Markoe
Mrs. McThing (1984) – book/lyrics; with composer Jack (Jacques) Urbont; based on play by Mary Chase
Tales of Tinseltown (1985) – book/lyrics; with composer Paul Katz
Slay It With Music (1989) – book/lyrics; with composer Paul Katz
Happy Haunting (1992) – libretto; with composer Gerald Jay Markoe
The Human Heart (1998) – lyrics; with composer Steven Silverstein & bookwriter Pat Hoag Simon
Delphi or Bust (1998) – book/lyrics; with composer Gerald Jay Markoe
They Chose Me! (2006) – lyrics/co-book writer; with composer and co-bookwriter Ned Paul Ginsburg
Meester America [a.k.a. The 1st Family of 2nd Avenue] (2007) – lyrics; with composer Artie Bressler and bookwriter Jennifer Berman
Dangerous (2017) – co-lyricist/co-bookwriter; with John C. Introcaso
Boynton Beach Club (2019) – co-lyricist; with composer Ned Paul Ginsberg, bookwriter Susan Seidelman, co-lyricist Cornelia Ravenal; based on film by Susan Seidelman
Other Lives (2022) - lyrics; with various composers
Holiday Regards (2024) - lyrics; with various composers