Ken Ard
Latest News on Ken Ard:
Photos: Andrew Lloyd Webber Makes Guest DJ Appearance at CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (Jun 1, 2026)
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards (May 19, 2026)
Photos: All the Best Opening Night Looks from The Cast of CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (Apr 8, 2026)
Photos: Andrew Lloyd Webber Makes Guest DJ Appearance at CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (Jun 1, 2026)
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards (May 19, 2026)
Photos: All the Best Opening Night Looks from The Cast of CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL (Apr 8, 2026)
BIO
After a 25-year absence from the Broadway stage, Ard returns with a legacy shaped by some of musical theater’s most iconic productions. He originated the role of Macavity on Broadway in CATS (1982), as well as the roles of Plato and the Rumpus Cat, and was the original Electra in Starlight Express and the original Ken in Smokey Joe’s Café. Other notable Broadway credits include Song and Dance, Dangerous Games, and Jelly’s Last Jam. This production marks Ken’s fourth venture with Andrew Lloyd Webber. Beyond Broadway, Ken covered André De Shields in Half Time (Paper Mill Playhouse), led Sophisticated Ladies directed by De Shields at NJPAC, played the Arbiter in Chess (national tour), triumphed in Taylor Mac’s Off-Broadway opera The Hang, and appeared as Wilbur in the Oscar-winning film Chicago. A visual artist, award-winning chef, and accomplished jazz singer, Ken is happily married to puppeteer Basil Twist.
Photos
“Tempress” Chasity Moore, Marisha Wallace, Bryce Farris, Jonathan Burke, Sydney James Harcourt, Todrick Hall, Nicole Scherzinger, Frank DiLella, Sherrod T. Brown, Robert “Silk” Mason, Ken Ard
Date:
03/23/2026
From: Photos: Nicole Scherzinger, Marisha Wallace, and Todrick Hall Visit CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL!
Michael Demby-Caine, Stephanie Pope Lofgren, Mamie Duncan Gibbs, Kimberly Juan, Virginia Woodruff, Gayle Samuels,, Jimmy Tate, Deb Lyons, Ken Ard, Leonard Joseph, Aarne Lofgren, Ramona Keller, JT Jenk
Date:
10/18/2024
From: Photos: Broadway and Off-Broadway Dim Their Lights In Memory of Adrian Bailey
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1992
Ensemble/Other Roles, One of "The Crowd", Foot-in-Yo-Ass Sam, Chimney Man [Replacement], Chimney Man (Understudy)
Videos
Video: Watch Highlights from CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - 2026-04-07 18:24:15
Video: Watch the Full Conversations with CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL Cast and Crew From CBS Sunday Morning Segment
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-03-30 15:18:26
Video: Ready for a Ball? Go Inside Rehearsals for CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL
by Luka Vonier - 2026-02-19 15:08:46
News
Photos: Andrew Lloyd Webber Makes Guest DJ Appearance at CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 1, 2026
DJ WEBZ aka Andrew Lloyd Webber made a guest appearance in the DJ booth alongside original CATS star Ken Ard, who portrays DJ Griddlebone in the production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Check out photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 1, 2026
DJ WEBZ aka Andrew Lloyd Webber made a guest appearance in the DJ booth alongside original CATS star Ken Ard, who portrays DJ Griddlebone in the production of Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Check out photos here!
Photos: Stars Walk the Red Carpet at the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 19, 2026
The 2026 Chita Rivera Awards ceremony was held recently. Among the stars in attendance were Robyn Hurder, Charlotte d'Amboise, Steven Van Zandt, Tony Yazbeck, and many more. Check out photos here!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - May 19, 2026
The 2026 Chita Rivera Awards ceremony was held recently. Among the stars in attendance were Robyn Hurder, Charlotte d'Amboise, Steven Van Zandt, Tony Yazbeck, and many more. Check out photos here!
Photos: All the Best Opening Night Looks from The Cast of CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 8, 2026
A cast of Cats walked the yellow carpet last night at the Broadhurst Theatre, where Cats: The Jellicle Ball officially opened on Broadway. Check out photos of all of the fashions from the cast and creative team before the curtain went up!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 8, 2026
A cast of Cats walked the yellow carpet last night at the Broadhurst Theatre, where Cats: The Jellicle Ball officially opened on Broadway. Check out photos of all of the fashions from the cast and creative team before the curtain went up!
Photos: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL On Broadway- First Look
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 2, 2026
CATS: The Jellicle Ball has officially brought its runway to Broadway! The musical revival is now in previews at the Broadhurst Theatre, where it is set to have its official opening night on Wednesday, April 7. Check out first look photos of the cast in action!
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 2, 2026
CATS: The Jellicle Ball has officially brought its runway to Broadway! The musical revival is now in previews at the Broadhurst Theatre, where it is set to have its official opening night on Wednesday, April 7. Check out first look photos of the cast in action!
Photos: Nicole Scherzinger, Marisha Wallace, and Todrick Hall Visit CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL!
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 23, 2026
Performances are now underway for the Broadway production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre. The show recently was paid a visit by stars Nicole Scherzinger, Marisha Wallace, and Todrick Hall. Check out photos here!
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 23, 2026
Performances are now underway for the Broadway production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre. The show recently was paid a visit by stars Nicole Scherzinger, Marisha Wallace, and Todrick Hall. Check out photos here!
Photos & Video: CATS: THE JELLICLE BALL First Preview
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2026
You can now get a first look at photos and video of the Broadway production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre! CATS: The Jellicle Ball, is directed by OBIE Award winners Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 19, 2026
You can now get a first look at photos and video of the Broadway production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre! CATS: The Jellicle Ball, is directed by OBIE Award winners Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch.
Photos: SUNSET BLVD Celebrates Opening Night on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 22, 2024
Jamie Lloyd’s new Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd, starring Nicole Scherzinger as ‘Norma Desmond' officially opened on Sunday, October 20 at the St. James Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos of all of the stars arriving at opening night here!
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 22, 2024
Jamie Lloyd’s new Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd, starring Nicole Scherzinger as ‘Norma Desmond' officially opened on Sunday, October 20 at the St. James Theatre on Broadway. Check out photos of all of the stars arriving at opening night here!
Photos: Broadway and Off-Broadway Dim Their Lights In Memory of Adrian Bailey
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 18, 2024
In an historic gesture, every Broadway and Off-Broadway theater owner dimmed the lights on all theaters honoring veteran performer Adrian Bailey. Traditionally, this honor is only given to Tony Award-Winning Broadway stars. Check out photos from the event.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 18, 2024
In an historic gesture, every Broadway and Off-Broadway theater owner dimmed the lights on all theaters honoring veteran performer Adrian Bailey. Traditionally, this honor is only given to Tony Award-Winning Broadway stars. Check out photos from the event.
Photos: See Kenny Leon & More on the Red Carpet for HOME on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 6, 2024
Check out photos from the opening night red carpet of Home on Broadway!
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 6, 2024
Check out photos from the opening night red carpet of Home on Broadway!
BWW Review: Lianne Marie Dobbs Is The Ultimate Chanteuse In WHY CAN'T A WOMAN BE MORE LIKE A MAN...? at The Green Room 42
by Stephen Mosher - Feb 2, 2020
Lianne Marie Dobbs debuts her brand new one-woman show at The Green Room 42 and the audience reaction indicates it's a hit.
by Stephen Mosher - Feb 2, 2020
Lianne Marie Dobbs debuts her brand new one-woman show at The Green Room 42 and the audience reaction indicates it's a hit.
Photo Coverage: Lianne Marie Dobbs Brings WHY CAN'T A WOMAN BE MORE LIKE A MAN? to the Green Room 42
by Stephen Sorokoff - Feb 2, 2020
Lianne Marie Dobbs brought her highly acclaimed show to The Green Room 42 last night. “Why Can't A Woman Be More Like A Man…? first premiered at The Beach Cafe and this enhanced version for the larger space was just as effective. Here's our report then which still holds true. Leanne had Ken Ard and Travis Poelle join her at the Green Room. Pianist Ron Abel supplied the highly effective arrangements.
by Stephen Sorokoff - Feb 2, 2020
Lianne Marie Dobbs brought her highly acclaimed show to The Green Room 42 last night. “Why Can't A Woman Be More Like A Man…? first premiered at The Beach Cafe and this enhanced version for the larger space was just as effective. Here's our report then which still holds true. Leanne had Ken Ard and Travis Poelle join her at the Green Room. Pianist Ron Abel supplied the highly effective arrangements.
Photo Flash: Andre De Shields Celebrates Closing Night Of SOPHISTICATED LADIES
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 25, 2019
On his day off from appearing as Hermes in the Broadway production of Anais Mitchell's Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre, two-time Tony nominee and Emmy winner Andre De Shields headed to the Victoria Theater at NJPAC in Newark to celebrate his company of fabulous singers and dancers under his direction in the Crossroads Theatre Company and NJPAC's co-production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies. Scroll down for photos from the party.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 25, 2019
On his day off from appearing as Hermes in the Broadway production of Anais Mitchell's Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre, two-time Tony nominee and Emmy winner Andre De Shields headed to the Victoria Theater at NJPAC in Newark to celebrate his company of fabulous singers and dancers under his direction in the Crossroads Theatre Company and NJPAC's co-production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies. Scroll down for photos from the party.
VIDEO: Go Backstage With N'Kenge at SOPHISTICATED LADIES
by Stephi Wild - Mar 23, 2019
Symphony Siren and Broadway Diva N'Kenge (Motown: The Musical and Sondheim and Sondheim), is currently in Sophisticated Ladies, directed by Emmy Award Winner and multiple Tony Award Nominee Andre De Shields with choreography by Kimberly Schafer alongside other Broadway veterans and young stars.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 23, 2019
Symphony Siren and Broadway Diva N'Kenge (Motown: The Musical and Sondheim and Sondheim), is currently in Sophisticated Ladies, directed by Emmy Award Winner and multiple Tony Award Nominee Andre De Shields with choreography by Kimberly Schafer alongside other Broadway veterans and young stars.
BWW Review: DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES at NJPAC
by Matthew Michaels - Mar 22, 2019
The jazz king of Harlem is alive and well in Newark, New Jersey. In honor of the 120th anniversary of his birth next month, Crossroads Theater Company and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center have co-produced a short run of DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES. The musical revue, which originally made its way to Broadway in 1981, includes all of Ellington's best-known standards, including 'In A Sentimental Mood,' 'I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good,' and 'Mood Indigo.' This collaborative production at NJPAC is directed by Andre De Shields.
by Matthew Michaels - Mar 22, 2019
The jazz king of Harlem is alive and well in Newark, New Jersey. In honor of the 120th anniversary of his birth next month, Crossroads Theater Company and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center have co-produced a short run of DUKE ELLINGTON'S SOPHISTICATED LADIES. The musical revue, which originally made its way to Broadway in 1981, includes all of Ellington's best-known standards, including 'In A Sentimental Mood,' 'I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good,' and 'Mood Indigo.' This collaborative production at NJPAC is directed by Andre De Shields.
Photo Flash: Nat Adderley, Jr. Joins NJPAC And Crossroads Theatre Co-production Of SOPHISTICATED LADIES As Musical Director
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2019
Two-time Tony nominee and Emmy winner Andre De Shields, currently in rehearsal for the Broadway production of Anais Mitchell's Hadestown, is simultaneously at the helm of Crossroads Theatre Company and New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)'s co-production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies at NJPAC, 1 Center Street in Newark, Thursday, March 21 - Sunday, March 24, 2019. Click here to purchase tickets.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 10, 2019
Two-time Tony nominee and Emmy winner Andre De Shields, currently in rehearsal for the Broadway production of Anais Mitchell's Hadestown, is simultaneously at the helm of Crossroads Theatre Company and New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)'s co-production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies at NJPAC, 1 Center Street in Newark, Thursday, March 21 - Sunday, March 24, 2019. Click here to purchase tickets.
NJPAC And Crossroads Theatre Company Present
Duke Ellington's SOPHISTICATED LADIES
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2019
Andr De Shields directs this high-stepping revival for the 21st century, starring a dazzling cast of Broadway talent and featuring an onstage band well-versed in Duke's greatest music at New Jersey Performing Arts Center 1 Center Street, Newark NJ Victoria Theater $69 - $89
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 7, 2019
Andr De Shields directs this high-stepping revival for the 21st century, starring a dazzling cast of Broadway talent and featuring an onstage band well-versed in Duke's greatest music at New Jersey Performing Arts Center 1 Center Street, Newark NJ Victoria Theater $69 - $89
Photo Flash: Chatting With Director Andre De Shields In The SOPHISTICATED LADIES Rehearsal Room
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2019
Crossroads Theatre Company and New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) are presenting a co-production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies at NJPAC, 1 Center Street in Newark, Thursday, March 21 - Sunday, March 24, 2019. Click here to purchase tickets.
by Stephi Wild - Mar 6, 2019
Crossroads Theatre Company and New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) are presenting a co-production of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies at NJPAC, 1 Center Street in Newark, Thursday, March 21 - Sunday, March 24, 2019. Click here to purchase tickets.
Photo Coverage: SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE Celebrates Opening Night!
by Jessica Fallon Gordon - Jul 23, 2018
The new production of Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs of Leiber & Stoller, officially opened last night, Sunday, July 22. The vibrant nine-member ensemble led by director choreographer Joshua Bergasse brings new life to more than 30 classic songs including 'Stand by Me,' 'I'm a Woman,' 'Hound Dog,' 'Fools Fall In Love,' 'On Broadway,' 'Yakety Yak,' 'Pearl's a Singer,' 'Treat Me Nice,' 'There Goes My Baby,' 'Love Potion #9,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' and 'Spanish Harlem.'
by Jessica Fallon Gordon - Jul 23, 2018
The new production of Smokey Joe's Cafe: The Songs of Leiber & Stoller, officially opened last night, Sunday, July 22. The vibrant nine-member ensemble led by director choreographer Joshua Bergasse brings new life to more than 30 classic songs including 'Stand by Me,' 'I'm a Woman,' 'Hound Dog,' 'Fools Fall In Love,' 'On Broadway,' 'Yakety Yak,' 'Pearl's a Singer,' 'Treat Me Nice,' 'There Goes My Baby,' 'Love Potion #9,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' and 'Spanish Harlem.'
Photo Coverage: Inside the Opening Night Cast Party For HALF TIME at Paper Mill
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 13, 2018
Paper Mill Playhouse presents the East Coast premiere of Half Time, a new musical, with book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Nell Benjamin and additional music by Marvin Hamlisch and Ester Dean. Half Time began performances May 31, 2018 for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 1, 2018, at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. Last night was the show's opening night. Check out photos from inside the cast's opening night cast party below!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 13, 2018
Paper Mill Playhouse presents the East Coast premiere of Half Time, a new musical, with book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Nell Benjamin and additional music by Marvin Hamlisch and Ester Dean. Half Time began performances May 31, 2018 for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 1, 2018, at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. Last night was the show's opening night. Check out photos from inside the cast's opening night cast party below!
Photo Coverage: The Cast of HALF TIME at Paper Mill Takes Their Opening Night Bows
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 13, 2018
Paper Mill Playhouse presents the East Coast premiere of Half Time, a new musical, with book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Nell Benjamin and additional music by Marvin Hamlisch and Ester Dean. Half Time began performances May 31, 2018 for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 1, 2018, at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. Last night was the show's opening night. Check out photos of the cast's opening bows below!
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 13, 2018
Paper Mill Playhouse presents the East Coast premiere of Half Time, a new musical, with book by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin, music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Nell Benjamin and additional music by Marvin Hamlisch and Ester Dean. Half Time began performances May 31, 2018 for a limited engagement through Sunday, July 1, 2018, at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ. Last night was the show's opening night. Check out photos of the cast's opening bows below!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Ken Ard been in?
Ken Ard has appeared on Broadway in 5 shows.
How many West End shows has Ken Ard been in?
Ken Ard has not appeared in the West End.
Videos
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