Karla Burns
Latest News on Karla Burns:
BWW Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Roxy's Downtown (Feb 20, 2022)
KARLA BURNS Memorial Service Will Take Place Tomorrow At First United Methodist Church (Jun 11, 2021)
BWW Feature: Rest in Peace, KARLA BURNS Friday, June 4, 2021 (Jun 4, 2021)
BWW Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Roxy's Downtown (Feb 20, 2022)
KARLA BURNS Memorial Service Will Take Place Tomorrow At First United Methodist Church (Jun 11, 2021)
BWW Feature: Rest in Peace, KARLA BURNS Friday, June 4, 2021 (Jun 4, 2021)
BIO
Burns was an American mezzo-soprano and actress who performed nationally and internationally in opera houses, theaters, and on television. Her first major success was as Queenie in the Houston Grand Opera's 1982 revival of Oscar Hammerstein II and Jerome Kern's 1927 musical Show Boat. This production premiered in Houston, and then toured nationally and on Broadway. For her portrayal of Queenie, Burns won a Drama Desk Award and received a nomination for the Tony Award. The role of Queenie became a pivotal part in Burn's career, and she portrayed the character in many productions internationally for two decades. For this part, she became the first black person, African-American or otherwise, to win the Laurence Olivier Award, Britain's most prestigious award for theatre.
Burns's career spanned a broad repertoire from musical theatre, to opera, and stage plays. Her work included performances with the Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera, the Teatro Real, Cairo Opera House, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. On the opera stage she was particularly associated with the role of Addie in Marc Blitzstein's Regina. She toured nationally for many years in her one woman show, Hi-Hat Hattie, in which she portrayed Hattie McDaniel, the first black entertainer to win an Academy Award.
STAGE CREDITS
Awards and Nominations
winner
Olivier Awards - 1991 - Best Supporting Performance in a Musical
Karla Burns, Show Boat
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical
Karla Burns, Show Boat
Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Karla Burns, Show Boat
News
BWW Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at Roxy's Downtown
If God ever listened to a poor black woman, the world would be a different place. –Celie The Color Purple is currently playing at Roxy’s Downtown. Their production is impressive, powerful, well-cast, and extremely well-wrought, from performances to design elements and direction. Do yourself a favor and get tickets for this show ASAP. The opening week shows were sold out, and I hear the rest of the run is selling out quickly.
If God ever listened to a poor black woman, the world would be a different place. –Celie The Color Purple is currently playing at Roxy’s Downtown. Their production is impressive, powerful, well-cast, and extremely well-wrought, from performances to design elements and direction. Do yourself a favor and get tickets for this show ASAP. The opening week shows were sold out, and I hear the rest of the run is selling out quickly.
KARLA BURNS Memorial Service Will Take Place Tomorrow At First United Methodist Church
The home going service for Karla Burns will be Saturday, June 12, at 10am at First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202. Visitation will take place Friday evening, from 6 - 8 pm, at St. Matthew Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at 841 N. Cleveland or from 9 - 10 am at First United Methodist Church prior to the service. If attending the service, the wearing of masks is required. Anyone not physically able to attend the service may watch from home by going to the following link: https://boxcast.tv/channel/f9yfyjzko2esfwfc5vkn the day of the service.
The home going service for Karla Burns will be Saturday, June 12, at 10am at First United Methodist Church, 330 N. Broadway Avenue, Wichita, KS 67202. Visitation will take place Friday evening, from 6 - 8 pm, at St. Matthew Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at 841 N. Cleveland or from 9 - 10 am at First United Methodist Church prior to the service. If attending the service, the wearing of masks is required. Anyone not physically able to attend the service may watch from home by going to the following link: https://boxcast.tv/channel/f9yfyjzko2esfwfc5vkn the day of the service.
BWW Feature: Rest in Peace, KARLA BURNS Friday, June 4, 2021
Karla Burns, a Tony Award nominee, a Drama Desk Award winner, and a Laurence Olivier Award Winner for Supporting Performance in a Musical for the role of Queenie in Showboat, has died today at age 66.
Karla Burns, a Tony Award nominee, a Drama Desk Award winner, and a Laurence Olivier Award Winner for Supporting Performance in a Musical for the role of Queenie in Showboat, has died today at age 66.
BWW Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at The Forum Theatre Company, A Biennial Wichita Tradition
One of the most well-known short stories ever written by Charles Dickens was a?oeA Christmas Carol.a?? Dickens began writing his second piece of fiction in October 1843 with a later December release date. At the time, he had a personal concern for underprivileged children who turned to crime in order to better improve their social status and wellbeing. a?oeA Christmas Carola?? follows one man, Ebenezer Scroogea?'a miser, who undergoes four visits from ghosts who ultimately transform him into a man of charity, repentance and changed heart. The Forum Theatre Company concludes 2019 with their 7th production of the play now in its biennial session at 330 N. Broadway. Performances are in their final weekend Thursday and Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Featuring new orchestrations and vocal arrangements, this show is your best bet for traditional Christmas live theatre entertainment here in Wichita.
One of the most well-known short stories ever written by Charles Dickens was a?oeA Christmas Carol.a?? Dickens began writing his second piece of fiction in October 1843 with a later December release date. At the time, he had a personal concern for underprivileged children who turned to crime in order to better improve their social status and wellbeing. a?oeA Christmas Carola?? follows one man, Ebenezer Scroogea?'a miser, who undergoes four visits from ghosts who ultimately transform him into a man of charity, repentance and changed heart. The Forum Theatre Company concludes 2019 with their 7th production of the play now in its biennial session at 330 N. Broadway. Performances are in their final weekend Thursday and Friday at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Featuring new orchestrations and vocal arrangements, this show is your best bet for traditional Christmas live theatre entertainment here in Wichita.
BWW Review: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY at Roxy's Downtown, A Prohibited Parody worth Seeing
'Forbidden' is certainly a fitting adjective for Roxy's Downtown current production entitled Forbidden Broadway. If you simply look up the word 'forbidden' in the dictionary, you will find its meaning to be prohibited, not allowed or even banned. It's a clever little title to describe this Off-Broadway parody rated PG-13 which spoofs many lyrics and shows such as Mamma Mia, Cats, and even Hairspray which would send original playwrights and performing artists rolling in their graves with laughter. Opening originally in 1982 by parodist Gerard Alessandrini, the show has gone under many revisions to include even newer musicals. Starring Julia Faust, John Keckeisen, Seth Knowles, Shaun-Michael Morse, Patty Reeder, and Christine Tasheff, Forbidden Broadway runs from now until August 24 at the 1930s cabaret venue in downtown Wichita.
'Forbidden' is certainly a fitting adjective for Roxy's Downtown current production entitled Forbidden Broadway. If you simply look up the word 'forbidden' in the dictionary, you will find its meaning to be prohibited, not allowed or even banned. It's a clever little title to describe this Off-Broadway parody rated PG-13 which spoofs many lyrics and shows such as Mamma Mia, Cats, and even Hairspray which would send original playwrights and performing artists rolling in their graves with laughter. Opening originally in 1982 by parodist Gerard Alessandrini, the show has gone under many revisions to include even newer musicals. Starring Julia Faust, John Keckeisen, Seth Knowles, Shaun-Michael Morse, Patty Reeder, and Christine Tasheff, Forbidden Broadway runs from now until August 24 at the 1930s cabaret venue in downtown Wichita.
BWW Review: WILL SANTA DRINK CANADA DRY? OR GO TELL IT TO THE MOUNTIE at Mosley Street Melodrama
Wichita's most unique theatre is located at 234 N. Mosely Street. Like the street's name, Mosley Street Melodrama is home to some of the best talent Wichita has to offer and presented in true melodramatic style. Now, if you have never been to a Mosley Street production, there are a few things you ought to know. Every time the heroine enters, you sigh. For the hero, you cheer. But if the villain is cunningly conniving, you boo and hiss. The first act is a melodramatic featured presentation while the second half is a musical revue. Filled with inside jokes only a true Wichitan would understand, Will Santa Drink Canada Dry? Or Go Tell it to the Mountie caps off the theatre company's year in true Christmas-comedic fashion.
Wichita's most unique theatre is located at 234 N. Mosely Street. Like the street's name, Mosley Street Melodrama is home to some of the best talent Wichita has to offer and presented in true melodramatic style. Now, if you have never been to a Mosley Street production, there are a few things you ought to know. Every time the heroine enters, you sigh. For the hero, you cheer. But if the villain is cunningly conniving, you boo and hiss. The first act is a melodramatic featured presentation while the second half is a musical revue. Filled with inside jokes only a true Wichitan would understand, Will Santa Drink Canada Dry? Or Go Tell it to the Mountie caps off the theatre company's year in true Christmas-comedic fashion.
Final Chance to Vote for the BWW Wichita Awards!
It's the last week to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
It's the last week to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
Just Two Weeks Left To Vote for the 2018 BWW Wichita Awards!
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
Three Weeks Left To Vote For the BWW Wichita Awards; PIPPIN Leads Best Musical!
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
There's just two weeks left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
Vote For The 2018 BWW Wichita Awards; PIPPIN Leads Best Musical!
There's just one month left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
There's just one month left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
Vote For The 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards; 1776 Leads Best Non-Professional Musical!
There's just one month left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
There's just one month left to vote for the 2018 BroadwayWorld Wichita Awards, brought to you by BroadwayHD! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers are already setting records as they vote for their favorites. Regional productions, touring shows, and more are all included in the awards, honoring productions which opened between October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. Our local editors set the categories, our readers submitted their nominees, and now you get to vote for your favorites! Voting will continue through December 31st, 2018.
BWW Interview: Michael Kahn Talks Show Boat 35 Years After his Production Premiered on Broadway
Most of us in this area know Michael Kahn as the Artistic Director of Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC). It's a post he will have held for over thirty years when he retires at the end of the company's 2018/19 season.
Most of us in this area know Michael Kahn as the Artistic Director of Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC). It's a post he will have held for over thirty years when he retires at the end of the company's 2018/19 season.
BWW Reviews: Forum Theatre's ODD COUPLE (FEMALE VERSION) Fun and Feisty
The Odd Couple (Female Version) opened at the Forum Theatre last night. The production is a fundraiser for the theatre outside of the regular season of shows, and the cast and crew donated most or all of their time and talents.
The Odd Couple (Female Version) opened at the Forum Theatre last night. The production is a fundraiser for the theatre outside of the regular season of shows, and the cast and crew donated most or all of their time and talents.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Karla Burns been in?
Karla Burns has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.
How many West End shows has Karla Burns been in?
Karla Burns has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.
What was Karla Burns's first West End show?
Karla Burns's first West End show was Show Boat which opened in 1990
What awards has Karla Burns been nominated for?
Best Supporting Performance in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Show Boat, Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Show Boat and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Show Boat.
What awards has Karla Burns won?
Karla Burns has won the Best Supporting Performance in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for Show Boat and the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Show Boat.
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