Guest Artist - Kirby Ward

Kirby has worked in the arts on five continents and in film, television and stage for almost thirty years. He’s been a resident of Los Angeles and London and now makes his home in Connecticut, but he continues to work in theatre and film all over the world.

When cast as Bobby Child in the London production of Crazy For You, Kirby took his whole family along. His portrayal of the lead character in this West End premier netted him an Olivier award nomination as well as the honor of meeting and performing for the royal family on the Queen Mum’s birthday. You can hear him on the London cast album for First Night Records.

As an actor he’s run the gamut of song and dance roles, playing every “Billy” or “Bobby” from My One and Only to 42nd Street, and a couple of Don’s and Tom’s thrown in to mix things up (That would be Singin’ in the Rain and No No Nanette for those keeping score). Departing from the song and dance motif has lead him into such roles as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar, Arnolph in School For Wives, Vernon in They’re Playin’ Our Song, and even a stint as Che in Evita.

New York area audiences have seen Kirby’s work as an actor in Hal Prince’s Show Boat! (Frank Schultz), in the Off-Broadway revival cast of Cocoanuts, (Harvey) and in Company (David) as well as the recent Never Gonna Dance at the Broadhurst. His direction and choreography in the metro area for Dames at Sea, The Jazz Singer and Grease were all critically acclaimed. On television he’s appeared on Law and Order, Special Victims Unit, General Hospital, The Tonight Show, and numerous commercials. Film appearances include For the Boys, Pennies From Heaven and S.O.B. Recently he appeared as Bob Hope with Dick Cavett at the Library of Congress’ celebration for Bob Hope’s 100th Birthday.

In Los Angeles Kirby choreographed portions of Debbie Reynolds’ and Donald O’Connor’s Las Vegas acts, appearing in both for a number of years as a singer and dancer. He also trained Bette Midler and James Caan in song and dance technique for their film For The Boys for 20th Century Fox. Also, while in Los Angeles, he worked as a writer for television at Hanna Barbera Studios. Most recently his original short film Down in the Mouth was awarded best short film at the Kent Film Festival in Kent, CT (www.downinthemouthmovie.com).

Kirby is living in the woods of Connecticut with his wife and three kids, where he's putting the finishing touches on the book of a brand new musical called Romancing the Throne.