Douglas J. Cohen

Douglas J. Cohen is the recipient of two Richard Rodgers Awards for writing book, music and lyrics to No Way to Treat a Lady (produced twice off-Broadway, including The York Theatre in 1994 and Hudson Guild) and The Gig (MTC, Stage 2); a Jonathan Larson Grant, Lortel Theatre Project 121 Grant and 2025 Rhinebeck Writers Retreat for Barnstormer; a Drama League nomination for Prospect Theatre Company’s Don’t Stay Safe (both with collaborator Cheryl L. Davis); a 2005 Drama Desk nomination for the Lamb’s Theater production of Children’s Letters to God; and the Fred Ebb Award for his body of work.

Other productions: Valentino’s Tango (book and lyrics, Manhattan School of Music in 2022), The Opposite of Sex (co-book, music and lyrics, Williamstown Theater Festival, 2006), The Evolution of Mann (music and lyrics, The Cell Theatre in 2019), and The Big Time (music and lyrics, 2000 McCarter Theater concert; Concord Studio Recording). Doug’s newest musicals, Mudville and Unzipped, are being developed by Manhattan School of Music and New York Theater Barn, respectively. Doug’s new play, King of the Hollywood Fixers, recently received a public reading at the American Theater Group and the Barrow Group.

His first book, How to Survive a Killer Musical: Agony and Ecstasy on the Road to Broadway, was recently published by Applause Books.