Kim Criswell, a talented performer, was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and at a young age was recognized as a potential successor to the legendary Ethel Merman, known for her sultry and captivating stage presence. With her striking features, including her vibrant flaming red hair, curvaceous figure, and oval-shaped face, Criswell graduated from the prestigious Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where her close friend was the accomplished actress and musician Faith Prince.
Criswell's early career was marked by her involvement in various stage productions, including the touring company of the beloved musical "Annie". Her Broadway debut came with the musical "The First", which told the inspiring story of Jackie Robinson, followed by a memorable performance in "Nine", where she served as the understudy for Anita Morris, allowing her to showcase her impressive vocal range and dramatic flair in the provocative "Phone Call from the Vatican" number, which was infamously banned from the 1982 Tony Awards.
Throughout her career, Criswell has appeared in a wide range of productions, including "Baby", "The Three Musketeers", "Stardust", and "3 Penny Opera", alongside the renowned musician Sting. Her extensive recording endeavors have yielded critically acclaimed albums, such as "Anything Goes" and "Annie Get Your Gun", which earned her Grammy Award nominations.
In 1992, Criswell was summoned to London to star in a production of "Annie Get Your Gun", which earned her a prestigious Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Since then, she has made London her home, where she continues to record, perform in musicals and concerts, and occasionally appear on television.
