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Judy Kaye

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BIO

Judy Kaye, currently portraying the role of Queen Elizabeth in Diana on Broadway, received the 2012 Tony Award, her second, (the first in 1988 as Carlotta in Phantom) as well as the Drama Desk, and the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her work as the high-flying Duchess Estonia Dulworth in Nice Work If You Can Get It. She was also nominated for Mamma Mia! and Souvenir. Ms. Kaye came to prominence playing Lily Garland in the original production of On The 20th Century. She twice received the Theater LA Ovation Award for her work in Ragtime and as the melodically challenged Florence Foster Jenkins in Souvenir. In a career spanning 5 decades, she has played theaters and concert halls across America and Europe in roles as diverse as Lucy Van Pelt, Rizzo, Maria Von Trapp, Emma Goldman, Mrs. Lovett, and Grandma Kurnitz in Lost in Yonkers. Her recent Broadway appearances include roles in Cinderella, Wicked and Anastasia. She played Eurydice in Orpheus In The Underworld, Musetta in La Boheme, and Lucy Lockett in The Beggar’s Opera at The Santa Fe Opera. She has sung with symphony orchestras throughout the US and Europe, and twice at the White House. Ms. Kaye has many recordings and is the voice of Kinsey Millhone in the Sue Grafton Alphabet Mystery Series for Random House Audio.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2021
Queen Elizabeth II

[San Diego, CA (Regional)]
World Premiere at La Jolla Playhouse, 2019
Queen Elizabeth

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
Dowager Empress [Replacement]

[Toronto]
World Premiere Production, 2017
Countess

[New York]
New York City Center Gala Concert, 2015
Dolly Tate

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2014
Older Belle

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2013
Marie [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2012
Estonia Dulworth

[West End]
Menier Chocolate Factory Production, 2010
Frau Matzner

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2007
Myrtle Meshbesher

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Production, 2006
Florence Foster Jenkins

[Los Angeles]
Reprise! Concert, 2006
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 2005
Florence Foster Jenkins

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Mrs. Lovett [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Opera Revival, 2005
Old Lady

[Off-Broadway]
2004
Florence Foster Jenkins

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2004
Florence Foster Jenkins

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Madame Morrible [Replacement]

Madame Morrible [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
New York Concert, 2002
Nettie Fowler

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Rosie

[London Fringe]
London Concert, 2000
Mrs. Lovett

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Emma Goldman

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1995
Sally Durant Plummer

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1992
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Ellen Manville

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1991
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 1990
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
New York City Opera Revival, 1989
Babe Williams

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
Carlotta Guidicelli

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 1987
Teresa

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1987
Performer

[Regional (US)]
World Premiere, 1986
Performer

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1985
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 1985
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 1985
Performer

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1984
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1984
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Concert, 1983
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Saroyana

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 1981
Mrs. Kleinberg

Mrs. Shapiro

Reverend Mother

Rusty

Salvation Army Girl

Sheila O'Toole

Talking Picture Star

Torch Singer

U.S.O. Entertainer

Member of Big Band Vocal Group

Another Torch Singer

Performer

Bella

Busby Berkley Girl

Fat German

Israeli Dancer

Judy

Kim-Sung

Liverpool Pop Group Singer

Marlene

[US Tour]
National Tour, 1979
Lily Garland

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1978
Mildred Plotka/Lily Garland [Replacement]

Agnes

Lily Garland [Replacement]

Lily Garland (Understudy)

[Milburn, NJ (Regional)]
Paper Mill Production, 1977
Mary Magdalene

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1972
Betty Rizzo [Replacement]

[New York]
New York Concert, 1989
Performer

[Regional (US)]
Regional Revival, 1980
Performer

[Off-Off-Broadway]
Off-Off-Broadway Concert, 1982
Performer

[US Tour]
Touring Revival, 1986
Lily Garland

[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Production, 1997
Performer


Movies

Just Tell Me What You Want
[ 1980 ] Baby
Tales of the City
[ 2021 ] Anna Madrigal
Diana
[ 2021 ] Queen Elizabeth, Barbara Cartland

TV Shows

Law & Order
Judge Susan Lehman

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Judy Kaye, Nice Work If You Can Get It


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Judy Kaye, Nice Work If You Can Get It


winner
Tony Awards - 2012 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Judy Kaye, Nice Work If You Can Get It

Tony Awards - 2006 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play

Judy Kaye, Souvenir

The Lortels - 2005 - Outstanding Lead Actress

Judy Kaye, Souvenir

Tony Awards - 2002 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Judy Kaye, Mamma Mia!

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical

Judy Kaye , Phantom of the Opera


winner
Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Judy Kaye , The Phantom of the Opera

Drama Desk Awards - 1978 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Judy Kaye, On the 2th Century


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1978 - Performance

Judy KayeOn the 2th Century

Videos

News


Interview: Charles Kirsch Celebrates Iconic Broadway Flops at 54 Below
by Rebecca Kaplan - Feb 5, 2025

The star-studded 2/19 show (also being live-streamed) shines a spotlight on gems from that musicals that never made it, introduced and sung by members of the original casts of the shows they came from.
Davis Gaines Brings LOVE IS IN THE AIR to the Green Room 42
by Stephi Wild - Feb 5, 2025

Davis Gaines in a rare New York appearance, will perform a special show for Valentine's Day, “Love is in the Air” a romantic evening of love songs! Learn more about the upcoming show here!
Review: The HIGH SPIRITS 60th Anniversary Concert at 54 Below Was a Gem
by Rebecca Kaplan - Jan 13, 2025

Walter Willison’s concert production of High Spirits on 1/6 at 54 Below, was delightful. The semi-staged concert featured Judy Kaye, Christine Andreas, Ann Kittredge and more in perhaps one of the most bizarre musicals of the 20th century.
See Linda Eder, Derek Klena & More Next Week at 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 3, 2025

Next week, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Linda Eder, Derek Klena and more.
Ann Kittredge Joins Judy Kaye, Christine Andreas, Walter Willison, and Adrienne Angel in HIGH SPIRITS at 54 Below
by Stephi Wild - Jan 2, 2025

The full cast has been announced for 54 Below's High Spirits: The 60th Anniversary Concert of an Improbable Musical Comedy. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!
Derek Klena, Kerry Ellis & More to Perform at 54 Below in January
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 27, 2024

In January, 54 BELOW will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Derek Klena, Kerry Ellis, and many more! Learn how to purchase tickets.
Last Chance To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards; RIDE THE CYCLONE at StageWorks at Studio 237 Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 27, 2024

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Feature: 14 of the Best Cabaret Shows to See in 2025
by Rebecca Kaplan - Dec 24, 2024

Let's toast the New Year by looking ahead to some of the most anticipated shows of the next 6 months. We put together 14 shows we're looking forward to seeing next year, that are likely to sell out well in advance.
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards; StageWorks at Studio 237 Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
A 2024 Broadway Holiday Streaming Guide
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 17, 2024

From Sabrina Carpenter's new Christmas special to musical classics like Albert Finney's Scrooge, find out which holiday streaming titles will bring a Broadway fan some extra joy this year.
Vote For The 2024 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards; RIDE THE CYCLONE at StageWorks at Studio 237 Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Awards - Dec 16, 2024

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Latest Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW New Jersey Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 9, 2024

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
First Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW New Jersey Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 2, 2024

Check out the first stats for the 2024 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Judy Kaye & Christine Andreas to Star in HIGH SPIRITS 60th Anniversary Concert In January
by Blair Ingenthron - Dec 1, 2024

54 Below will present High Spirits: The 60th Anniversary Concert of an Improbable Musical Comedy. Learn more about the concert and how to get tickets here!
Review: Melodie Wolford's WAITING IN THE WINGS at The Triad Is Worth Waiting For
by Rob Lester - Nov 29, 2024

WAITING IN THE WINGS at The Triad tells of the tribulations and triumphs of an understudy. Melodie Wolford is the talented lady in question. There's no question that she's star-worthy, not just star-adjacent.
10 Facts The Only WICKED Super-Fans Know
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Nov 22, 2024

With everyone hyped for the premiere of the movie Wicked this month, I have been receiving a bunch of Wicked questions. I thought it might be fun to share a few fun facts about former stars of Wicked!
Joseph Hayward & Debra Walton Assume New Roles at The York Theatre Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 12, 2024

The York Theatre Company has revealed that Joseph Hayward is stepping into the role of Interim Producing Artistic Director, and Debra Walton, as the Interim Associate Artistic Director.
2024 IDEA AWARDS FOR THEATRE Recipients Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024

The Bret Adams and Paul Reisch Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2024 Idea Awards for Theatre.
Eva Noblezada, James Lapine and More Join York Theatre Company Gala Honoring Bernadette Peters And Ted Snowdon
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2024

The York Theatre Company announced additional performers for its gala honoring Bernadette Peters and Ted Snowdon on November 11 at The Edison Ballroom, promising a memorable evening of celebration.
BABBITT's Nehal Joshi Takes Over Our Instagram Story Today
by Michael Major - Oct 26, 2024

Tune in to our Instagram today as Nehal Joshi takes you behind the scenes of Babbitt at Shakespeare Theatre Company! Follow along on our Instagram Story today to learn more about Joshi and Shakespeare Theatre Company's Babbitt.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Judy Kaye been in?

Judy Kaye has appeared on Broadway in 14 shows.

How many West End shows has Judy Kaye been in?

Judy Kaye has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Judy Kaye's first West End show?

Judy Kaye's first West End show was Paradise Found which opened in 2010

What awards has Judy Kaye been nominated for?

Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It , Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It , Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Souvenir, Outstanding Lead Actress (The Lortels) for Souvenir, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Mamma Mia!, Outstanding Featured Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Phantom of the Opera, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Phantom of the Opera, Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for On the 20th Century and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for On the 20th Century.

What awards has Judy Kaye won?

Judy Kaye has won several prestigious awards, including: - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Nice Work If You Can Get It - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Phantom of the Opera - Performance (Theatre World Awards) for On the 20th Century

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