Ziemba attended the University of Akron, majoring in dance but also studying voice. Despite a stint as a member of the corps in the Ohio Ballet, she realized she was not cut out for a career in classical ballet and began performing in more musicals.

After graduation she moved to New York and, after a year, she finally got a break. Was hired for the chorus of MY FAIR LADY and got her Actor's Equity membership card. After that she was in the chorus of other shows and was invited to be part of the road company of A CHORUS LINE. Later she did it in New York and then was cast as Peggy Sawyer in 42ND STREET, her first leading role on Broadway.

Other shows followed, including the flop TEDDY AND ALICE where she had a featured role, and later she was cast as standby for the role of Gladys in the New York City Opera's revival of THE PAJAMA GAME.

It was her work in the NYCO that led to her big break. Ted Pappas, the director of the play, recommend her to David Loud, musical director of AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND. This new revue opened in March 1991 to outstanding reviews.

While doing this revue she was cast as Cleo at NYCO revival of THE MOST HAPPY FELLA. Somehow she was able of doing both shows

In 1992 she returned to NYCO for 110 IN THE SHADE. The character of Lizzie Curry was a turning point for her and a real challenge for her acting abilities. In 1997 she originate a role in a new musical, Rita Racine in STEEL PIER.

After that she was a sexy Roxie Hart in CHICAGO and most recently she did (and still does) CONTACT.

In his book 'Backstage on Broadway' Marty Bell also wrote: "Karen Ziemba is one of the few people in this town who really seems to have born to be a performer".

After hearing her in several cast recordings and seeing her in CHICAGO and in the televisions shows SONDHEIM: A CELEBRATION AT CARNEGIE HALL and MY FAVORITE BROADWAY: THE LEADING LADIES (she is simply terrific in 'Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag' and even better in 'I Want to Be a Rockette'), I couldn't agree more with Bell. She's a true musical star and also a charming person ('A Moment with Karen'). I sincerely hope that I'll be able to see and hear her many times in the future.

by Jorge T. Santos (2000)

THE PICTURES

1 - A publicity shhot for CHICAGO

2 - With Priscilla Lopez and Arthur Rubin at the American Theatre Wing's annual grants distribution at Sardis - Dec. 2000

3 - At the Tony Awards 2000, holding her Tony for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in CONTACT

4 - With Scott Wise at the 2001 Astaire Awarrds