Burt Shevelove

Burt Shevelove (1915–1982) was an American playwright, librettist, and director whose wit and creativity left an indelible mark on Broadway and television. Born in Newark, New Jersey, he studied at Brown University and later Yale Drama School, where he honed his skills in writing and directing. Shevelove’s early career began in the burgeoning world of television in the 1940s and 1950s, where he contributed to popular comedy and variety shows. His sharp comedic instincts and love of classical theatre soon set him apart as a writer with both scholarly knowledge and a playful, modern sensibility.

Shevelove’s greatest Broadway success came with the 1962 musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, written in collaboration with Larry Gelbart and featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Inspired by the comedies of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus, the show combined Shevelove’s passion for classical theatre with his gift for farce. The result was a groundbreaking musical comedy that earned multiple Tony Awards and ran for more than two years, firmly establishing Shevelove as one of Broadway’s leading comic librettists.

Beyond Forum, Shevelove continued to have an eclectic career across theatre, opera, and television. He directed plays and musicals both on Broadway and in regional theatres, often returning to reinterpret classical works for contemporary audiences. In the 1970s, he collaborated with Stephen Sondheim again on The Frogs, a work originally staged in Yale’s swimming pool, which blended Aristophanes’ ancient satire with modern theatrical innovation. His ability to bridge the gap between the classics and modern comedy remained a hallmark of his career.

Shevelove’s influence extended into television, where he directed and wrote for numerous programs, including comedy specials and revues. He also worked in opera, directing productions that showcased his flair for combining high art with approachable humor. His career exemplified a rare versatility, moving fluidly between stage and screen, comedy and opera, new works and adaptations of ancient texts.

Burt Shevelove passed away in 1982, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and ingenuity. While *A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum *remains his most enduring contribution to Broadway, his career as a whole reflects a deep love of theatre history and a commitment to making classical traditions accessible and entertaining for modern audiences. Shevelove’s work continues to influence librettists and directors who strive to blend intelligence, farce, and timeless humor in musical theatre.