Kim CriswellKim Criswell, a Hixson High School alumna who is now an internationally known musical theater actress and recording artist, will be presented the 2014 Tennessee Woman of Distinction Award by the American Lung Association in Tennessee on April 29.
The presentation will be part of the 29th annual Women of Distinction Awards, the ALA’s annual fundraiser held at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The luncheon benefits the ALA’s mission to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.
Criswell, who lives in London, will attend the ceremony and perform for guests, says Shirley Cudabac, ALA in Tennessee development director. The honoree said in a statement through the ALA that she is extremely honored by this award and that the Lung Association’s work is important to her because both her parents died of lung cancer.
Criswell says she began pursuing her dream of a career on Broadway with singing, acting and dancing lessons as a child. By the time she got to Hixson High, she was performing in school productions and programs throughout the city. After graduation, she went to the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music to study musical theater.
She moved to New York and landed a role in the touring company of “Annie” before making her Broadway debut in 1981 in the original cast of “The First.” She also was a member of the original casts of “Nine,” “Baby,” “Stardust” and “The Threepenny Opera,” in which she co-starred with Sting.