Jay Thompson

Jay Thompson (1927–2014) was an American playwright, composer, lyricist, and director whose work spanned musical theatre, revue, and opera. He is perhaps best known for co-writing the book for the 1959 musical Once Upon a Mattress.

Thompson contributed to Once Upon a Mattress alongside Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer. In the development of Mattress, Barer had originally been slated to write both book and lyrics, but a second bookwriter—Jay Thompson—was brought in to help shape the dramatic structure and inject sharper comedic pacing. His contributions helped polish the show’s book as it evolved from its origins at the Tamiment Playhouse to Off-Broadway and Broadway

Outside Mattress, Thompson’s output included original musicals, revues, and special material for performers. He wrote the book, music, and lyrics for the opera The Bible Salesman as well as the one-act musical The Oldest Trick in the World. He also created Pocketful of Wry, a musical revue, and penned the song “Jimmy,” which was performed by Julie Andrews in the film Thoroughly Modern Millie. Over the years, he also wrote material for stage comedians such as Carol Channing, Dorothy Loudon, Imogene Coca, and others.

Thompson was also active as a theatre director. He directed productions of Once Upon a Mattress, Pocketful of Wry, The Oldest Trick in the World, and had directorial credits on shows such as Born Yesterday, Annie, Forum, Sweet Charity, Steel Magnolias, and Laughing Matter. His versatility across writing and production suggests a deep fluency in both the creative and structural demands of musical theatre.

Though not as widely known today as some of his collaborators, Jay Thompson played a key role in shaping Once Upon a Mattress and left a mark through his varied theatrical works. His contributions to bookwriting, composition, direction, and adaptation reflect a multifaceted theatrical career.