Ken Ludwig

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Ken Ludwig BIO

Ken Ludwig is a prolific playwright known for his witty and fast-paced comedies. Born in York, Pennsylvania in 1950, Ludwig studied music and theater at Haverford College and later attended Harvard Law School. However, he ultimately decided to pursue a career in writing and began his playwriting career in the 1980s.

Ludwig's breakthrough came in 1986 with the premiere of his play "Lend Me a Tenor," which opened on London's West End before transferring to Broadway. The play, a farce set in 1930s Cleveland, Ohio, tells the story of a world-famous tenor who is mistakenly given a double dose of tranquilizers before a big performance. "Lend Me a Tenor" was a critical and commercial success, earning Ludwig a Tony Award nomination for Best Play and establishing him as a major force in American theater.

Following the success of "Lend Me a Tenor," Ludwig continued to write successful plays that were produced on Broadway and in regional theaters across the country. His plays are known for their clever wordplay, intricate plots, and fast-paced action. Some of his most popular works include "Crazy for You," a musical featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin, and "Moon Over Buffalo," a farce about a dysfunctional theater troupe.

In addition to his work in the theater, Ludwig has also written for film and television. He wrote the screenplay for the 1994 film "My Boyfriend's Back" and has written episodes of the television shows "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Adventures of Brisco County Jr." He has also written several books for young readers, including the popular "Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn" series.

Despite his success in other mediums, Ludwig remains best known for his work in the theater. His plays have been produced in more than 30 countries and have been translated into over 20 languages. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the Helen Hayes Award, the Edgar Award, and the Samuel French Award for Sustained Excellence in American Theatre.

Ludwig's most recent work is the play "The Gods of Comedy," which premiered at the McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, New Jersey in 2019. The play tells the story of a classics professor who invokes the gods of comedy in an effort to save her job and her love life. "The Gods of Comedy" received positive reviews from critics and is expected to have a future life in regional theaters across the country.

In conclusion, Ken Ludwig is a talented and prolific playwright whose work has entertained audiences around the world. His clever wordplay, intricate plots, and fast-paced action have made him a favorite among theatergoers and critics alike. With his most recent work, "The Gods of Comedy," Ludwig continues to demonstrate his ability to create engaging and entertaining plays that are sure to delight audiences for years to come.

Ken Ludwig Photos

Ken Ludwig Productions

 
[West End, 2023]
Book

Writing

Playwright
Source Material
Conceiver
Bookwriter

Ken Ludwig Awards and Nominations

Helen Hayes Awards - 2015 - Outstanding Play or Musical Adaptation

Ken LudwigTiny Tim's Christmas Carol

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Book of a Musical

Ken Ludwig, Crazy for You

Olivier Awards - 1986 - Comedy of the Year

Ken LudwigLend Me A Tenor

Ken Ludwig Videos

Ken Ludwig News


Review: BASKERVILLE - A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at ARTS Theatre

A familiar story that has been given a comic twist.

Alley Theatre to Host Open Auditions for Houston Actors for Its 2024-2025 Season

2024-25 Seasonal Auditions for Houston actors will be at Alley Theatre. Learn more about the season and see how to audition!

The Repertory Theatre Of St. Louis Reveals 2024/25 Season

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has announced its 2024-2025 season, which includes four world-class productions. Learn more about the full lineup here!

St Pete's FreeFall Theatre Announces Sondheim's FOLLIES And More for 15th Season

Discover the exciting lineup for freeFall Theatre's 15th season, featuring a world-premiere farce by Hannah Benitez, a return of Sherlock Holmes, a Stephen Sondheim musical, and more.

Video: First Look At Agatha Christie's MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Syracuse Stage

Get a first look at Syracuse Stage's Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, adapted for the stage by playwright Ken Ludwig. Directed by Syracuse Stage artistic director Robert Hupp, the show runs through March  31 in the Archbold Theatre at Syracuse Stage.

Review: LEND ME A SOPRANO at Harwood Prairie Playhouse

What did our critic think of LEND ME A SOPRANO at Harwood Prairie Playhouse?

Florida Rep Ends The Season With OLEANNA By David Mamet

Florida Repertory Theatre's 2023-2024 season will close in the ArtStage Studio Theatre with David Mamet's riveting drama, “Oleanna,” playing April 19 through May 19, 2024.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld March 15, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is March 15, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Sweeney Todd's Mia Pinero Takes Over Our Instagram for Pi Day!

How are the worst pi(e)s in London made? Sweeney Todd cast member, Mia Pinero, is giving us an inside look today as she takes over BroadwayWorld's Instagram story for Pi Day!

Cast Set for Alley Theatre's JANE EYRE This Spring

Alley Theatre has revealed the cast of Jane Eyre. Learn who is starring and see how to purchase tickets.

Ocala Civic Theatre to Present Ken Ludwigs BASKERVILLE This Spring

Sherlock and Watson are on the case in the murder-mystery comedy BASKERVILLE, live on stage at Ocala Civic Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets!

Stage Partners Launches Two New Play Commissions

Two new play commissions were announced by the independent publishing company Stage Partners, with the goal of engaging professional playwrights to create inspiring new works especially for school theatre programs.

Photos: First Look at PlayMakers' MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

PlayMakers Repertory Company opened its production of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig this weekend. Check out photos here!

First Look at PlayMakers Repertory Company's MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

The train is pulling into the station as PlayMakers Repertory Company opens its production of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig. Check out a photo from the production here!

CABARET, THE LEHMAN TRILOGY & More Set for Guthrie Theater 2024-25 Season

The Guthrie Theater will present eight productions for its 2024–2025 Season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Syracuse Stage To Present The Agatha Christie Classic MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Experience the suspense and thrill as Syracuse Stage brings Agatha Christie's classic, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, to life. A must-see for mystery lovers and theatre enthusiasts.

Kate Walsh & More to Star in JORDANS World Premiere at The Public Theater

The Public Theater has revealed the complete cast for the world premiere of JORDANS written by Ife Olujobi and directed by Obie Award winner Whitney White. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Penguin Rep Theatre Unveils 2024 Season Featuring World Premieres & More

Penguin Rep Theatre has revealed its 2024 season, which will feature four mainstage productions, including two world premieres. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Alley Theatre Unveils 2024-25 Season Featuring World Premieres & More

The Alley Theatre has unveiled its 2024-25 season, including classic works, world premiere plays, a murder mystery, and lots of laughter. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

Meet the Cast of THE WHO'S TOMMY, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!

The newly reimagined production of The Who’s TOMMY begins Broadway previews tonight, March 8, 2024 at the Nederlander Theatre, with opening night on March 28, 2024. Meet the cast of The Who's Tommy here!

Ken Ludwig FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Ken Ludwig written?

Ken Ludwig has written 6 shows including Lend Me a Tenor (Playwright), Crazy for You (Conceiver), Moon Over Buffalo (Playwright), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Bookwriter), The Gershwins' An American In Paris (Bookwriter), Murder on the Orient Express (Adaptation).

What awards has Ken Ludwig been nominated for?

Ken Ludwig has been nominated for several awards including Outstanding Play or Musical Adaptation at the Helen Hayes Awards for "Tiny Tim's Christmas Carol," Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Crazy for You," and Comedy of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Lend Me A Tenor."

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