
Bella Spewack
Playwright, Librettist
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Biography
Bella Spewack
Bella Spewack was an American playwright, librettist, and journalist whose quick wit and sharp sense of character made her a standout voice on Broadway. Born Bella Cohen in Romania, she emigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in New York City, where she began her career as a reporter.
She married fellow writer Sam Spewack, and together they became one of Broadway’s most successful writing duos. Their crowning achievement was the book for Kiss Me, Kate (1948), Cole Porter’s beloved musical inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. The show was a triumph, winning the first-ever Tony Award for Best Musical and securing their place in theatre history.
The Spewacks also wrote libretti for other musicals and plays, including Leave It to Me! and My Three Angels. Bella’s gift for blending smart comedy with a keen understanding of relationships gave their collaborations a unique charm.
In addition to her theatrical work, Bella Spewack pursued solo projects in journalism and fiction, bringing the same lively style to her prose that she used on stage. She was known for her sharp observational humor and her ability to turn everyday situations into engaging stories.
Bella Spewack’s influence endures through the enduring popularity of Kiss Me, Kate and her reputation as a pioneering female voice in American musical theatre.
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