The Cyber Encyclopedia of
Musical Theatre, TV and Film
by John Kenrick
(Copyright 1997-2008)

August 31st marks the 90th anniversary of Alan Jay Lerner's (1918-1986) birth. Lerner said that lyric writing was not an art but merely a craft "somewhere between photography and basket weaving," if so, he was one of those who elevated that craft to the stratosphere. Aside from lyrics and libretti for such classic stage musicals as Brigadoon, My Fair Lady and Camelot, he also wrote the original screenplays for An American in Paris and Gigi.  At right, the program for the original Broadway cast of Camelot, starring Richard Burton and Julie Andrews.