Role

:

Performer

 

Karla Burns was a renowned classical music artist who made a significant impact on the world of opera. She was born on December 15, 1954, in Wichita, Kansas, to a family of musicians. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a jazz musician. From a young age, Burns showed a keen interest in music and began singing in church choirs. Burns attended Wichita State University, where she studied music and theater. She made her professional debut in 1975 in the musical "The Me Nobody Knows" at the Wichita Center for the Arts. She then moved to New York City to pursue her career in theater. In 1979, Burns made her Broadway debut in the musical "Timbuktu!" alongside Eartha Kitt and Geoffrey Holder. She received critical acclaim for her performance as the character "Lady Macbeth," which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Burns continued to perform in various Broadway productions, including "Show Boat," "The Pirates of Penzance," and "The Threepenny Opera." She also appeared in several off-Broadway productions, including "The Blacks" and "The Little Shop of Horrors." In addition to her work in theater, Burns was also a renowned opera singer. She made her opera debut in 1982 in the role of "Queenie" in the Houston Grand Opera's production of "Show Boat." She went on to perform in several other operas, including "Porgy and Bess," "Aida," and "Carmen." One of Burns' most notable performances was in the role of "Queenie" in the 1989 Broadway revival of "Show Boat." Her performance earned her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. She also won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Burns continued to perform in various productions throughout the 1990s and 2000s. She appeared in the national tour of "The Life," which earned her a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. She also performed in the off-Broadway production of "The Vineyard" and the national tour of "The Wizard of Oz." In addition to her work on stage, Burns was also a vocal coach and mentor to young singers. She taught at several universities, including Wichita State University, the University of Kansas, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Burns received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 1993, she was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. She also received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Wichita State University in 1994. In 2000, she was awarded the Kansas Governor's Arts Award for her contributions to the arts in the state. Sadly, Burns passed away on June 4, 2017, at the age of 62. She left behind a legacy as a talented and influential performer in the world of opera and theater. Her contributions to the arts will continue to inspire and influence future generations of musicians and performers.

More....