REFLECTIONS & RESOLUTIONS:
NEW YEAR WITH
RINGING IN THE
Emmy and Tony Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth effortlessly transitions between stage, television and film with
KRISTIN CHENOWETH
by randy hope
captivating grace. Kristin recently returned to Broadway, as Fran Kubelik in the revival of Promises, Promises starring alongside Sean Hayes of Will & Grace fame. Many remember Chenoweth’s show-stealing, Tony-winning performance in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and her triumphant star turn when she originated the role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, which earned her a leading actress Tony Award nomination. She has appeared in Fox’s comedy Glee and starred as Annabeth Schott on the hit drama The West Wing. She received rave reviews while starring in the ABC series Pushing Daisies, where she received an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress. One of the most delightful and talented vocalists of our time, Chenoweth will ring in the new year at Walt Disney Concert Hall with two performances that will include hits from her albums and her years on Broadway, as well as several classic songs, for a memorable evening of song and celebration. In preparation for her New Year’s Eve performances with the L.A. Philharmonic, Kristin recently took time out of her busy schedule to reflect on year’s past, as well as to give The Rage Monthly readers a glimpse at what’s in store for 2011!
Rage Monthly: You seem to effortlessly transition between stage, television and film. Which is your favorite medium in which to work? Kristin Chenoweth: My favorite is concert work, because it is truly me and I love pick- ing the material and challenging myself.
Rage: You’ve played so many different roles from Glinda to Sally Brown to Cunegonde in Candide. Do you have a favorite and why? KC: I probably have the deepest affinity for The Apple Tree. There are four roles for the
female to play. My favorite is Eve from “The Adam and Eve letters by Mark Twain.” Act one. I love getting to play all those parts but ending up going through the lesson of “life” at the end. I love shows where you can also walk away with some sort of lesson. Playing those roles is the greatest gift.
Rage: When you were starring in Wicked, did you have any idea how successful the show would be? Why do you think it’s such a big hit? KC: I knew Wicked would be a hit when I read the first draft. I knew Stephen Schwartz
and Winnie Holman had helped create something that people of all ages would be able to relate to. I love that even poor “Galinda” is insecure, which is why she acts the way she does. I love the friendship between the two leads. It’s the love story.
Rage: If you had a chance to work with anyone, living or deceased, who would you choose . . . KC: If I could work with anyone, it would be Leonard Bernstein. When I get to heaven, I plan on asking him to write the sequel to Candide for me.
Rage: You’ll be ushering in 2011 with many fans in the audience and the L.A. Philharmonic. What should fans expect from the show? KC: Fans should expect things they love and want from me, as well as a direction
I’m heading into it seems. I’ve learned so much as a woman, an artist. I will be concentrating on material that I plan on recording as well. A little bit of everything for New Year’s Eve!
Rage: What does 2011 hold for Kristin Chenoweth? KC: 2011 is something I’m looking forward to. 2010 has been awesome. It’s been full
of lessons—both good and bad. In the New Year I am doing a movie, shooting a pilot and doing Glee again, along with finishing my album.
Rage: Will you be making a New Year’s resolution? If so, what is your resolution? KC: My resolution is to meet a wonderful man who accepts and loves me for me. But if that doesn’t happen, then my resolution will be to work out more!
Rage: Of all the stars you’ve worked with, who is your favorite? KC: My favorite star I’ve ever worked with is Sean Hayes. He is a real good person and more than just a real good man. I love him so much I can’t begin to say.
Rage: You’re known to be a Liberal Christian gay rights supporter. Were you surprised at your fans reaction, in a sense getting into trouble with fans, for going on the 700 Club? KC: I did the 700 club before I completely understood what it was and what they
stood for. Mistake! But it also gave me the opportunity then to say what I truly believed. I didn’t set out to be the girl who had any controversy surrounding her beliefs, whether it is religious or gay rights. But I think that may be my purpose in life—To be an example that you can be both!
The New Year’s Eve concert takes place on Friday, December 31, with two shows at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 - $176 and are available online at
LAPhil.com or by calling 323.850.2000. Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
DECEMBER 2010 | RAGE monthly 19
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