not staying in my lane, (laughs) that’s what keeps it interesting for me. That is so true, it keeps it challenging, a little scary at times, but that’s a good thing! Exactly right. It’s the same with me in all aspects of
my life. You can see it in my concert work too, that’s why there is opera, musical theatre and country western, it’s all in there in my show. Your latest album reflects that as well, it was much more country than your previous works, it was unexpected. That’s really how it all started for me, country mu-
sic, because of growing up in Oklahoma. People have said to me, “You do country?” Really that’s where it all began, that is where it started. I have always said that I had to do a country album because those are my roots and I am so glad that I did. And I really don’t feel like I’m done there, I want to do more. There are so many songs that I wrote that didn’t
make the cut, enough for me to do another whole album. I’m in transition sort of right now; I’m trying to figure out what the next phase is and what the next album will be. I am looking for the next big thing that I wanna be. Tell me a little about your charity work with ASTEP (Artists Sharing To End Poverty). It’s a cause whose work I find vital and amazing. That is my conductor Mary-Mitchell Campbell’s
charity and basically it’s artists who are trying to end poverty around the world. It began in India where she started an orphanage there after the tsunami. Now it’s grown into many different countries and I am so proud of her for starting it and also to be a part of it. I’m on the board and we just want everyone to know, through arts and education, that people can really learn to come into their own and find their true passion—even if it’s engineering or science. Encouragement through arts and music can really
I auditioned for the Metropolitan Opera and I placed in the finals for that, back when I was 21. I was on the path to become an opera singer, but I
guess I kind of got sidetracked by Broadway (laughs). You know, I was always an actress first. It is what always made me the happiest. That’s a question I often ask of performers, are you a musi- cian first or an actor? I will always be a musician because really that is
how it all began, with church and all of those early experiences. I am a dancer as well, but I think in many ways I’m an actress first. The roles that I have played have been very different and quite diverse; I’ve been lucky that way.
32 RAGE monthly | JUNE 2014
You have had an extremely broad career, with many unique roles and challenges. It’s been so interesting when I look back. Sort of “I
didn’t see that role coming and I didn’t see that one coming.” I feel very lucky about that because I haven’t been typecast in that way—thank God. Of course, there are things that I am most known
for in my career, [hello Wicked] but I haven’t been typecast, which is great. That’s an achievement in the performance business, it seems like it is very easy to get pigeonholed. I know, I know. People want you to be a certain way
a lot of times and when you don’t stay in your lane, people don’t know what to do with it. But I really like
spark someone’s passion for what the’re supposed to do, their purpose. I couldn’t agree with you more on that. We sorely need to focus more on funding music and art programs. Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely.
On a personal note, I wanted to say how much I appreciate all of your support of the LGBT community, it really does make a difference! Oh honey, you are so welcome. Of course, I
wouldn’t think of doing anything else. We sure have come a long way haven’t we? We’re going to do this one state at a time. We are getting there!
For more information on all things Kristin Chenoweth check out
officialkristinchenoweth.com. The Hollywood Bowl Opening Night Gala and her Hall of Fame induction are on Saturday, June 21. For more information on her performance go to
hollywoodbowl.com.
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