Cy Feuer

Cy Feuer (1911–2006) was a prolific American librettist, composer, director, and producer who played a key role in shaping Broadway during the mid-20th century. Born Seymour Arnold Feuer on January 15, 1911, in Brooklyn, New York, he began his career as a professional trumpeter, performing in jazz bands and studio orchestras before transitioning into film scoring and theatre production. His diverse talents and deep understanding of both music and storytelling made him a dynamic force behind some of Broadway’s most iconic musicals.

Feuer initially worked in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, composing and arranging music for films at Republic Pictures. However, his greatest impact came after moving into theatre, where he partnered with Ernest H. Martin. Together, the producing duo became one of Broadway’s most successful teams, responsible for numerous hits. One of their first major triumphs was Guys and Dolls (1950), a landmark musical for which Feuer served as co-producer. Based on stories by Damon Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, the show was a critical and commercial sensation and earned the Tony Award for Best Musical.

Feuer continued his Broadway success with productions like Can-Can (1953), The Boy Friend (1954), and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1961), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In 1964, he directed and co-wrote the musical Little Me, showcasing his talents not only as a producer but as a librettist and director as well. He also co-wrote the book for the musical Silk Stockings (1955), further cementing his legacy as a versatile theatre artist.

Feuer later served as president of the League of American Theatres and Producers and remained an influential figure in the New York theatre community for decades. He shared his experiences in the 2003 memoir I Got the Show Right Here: The Amazing True Story of How an Obscure Brooklyn Horn Player Became the Last Great Broadway Showman, offering insight into his extraordinary journey through the golden age of Broadway.

Cy Feuer passed away on May 17, 2006, at the age of 95. His legacy lives on through the timeless musicals he helped bring to the stage and his contributions as a librettist, producer, and champion of the theatrical arts. With a career that blended creativity, business acumen, and an enduring love for live performance, Feuer remains a towering figure in the history of American musical theatre.