Kristin Chenoweth reached fame with Wicked, but her Broadway debut came years before in 1997 in John Kander and Fred Ebbs musical Steel Pier. Her first Tony Award was for her performance as Sally in the 1999 production of Youre a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
But it was her role as Glenda in Wicked that led her to another Tony nomination and to celebrity. Her popularity has risen as shes taken her talents to other platforms television and film. Her work on the TV show Pushing Daisies won her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and she has a recurring role on Glee.
Shes also the voice for several animated films, including a trio of Disney releases about the Tinkerbell character in which Chenoweth plays a garden fairy named Rosetta.
On Wednesday, the soprano comes to Louisville to sing a range of music. In advance of her appearance, Chenoweth took time to answer a few questions.
Youve sung a range of music from country to opera. How did you choose music for your tour and what will you be singing?
There is music represented from all parts of my career, including Dames of Broadway (one of PBS Live From Lincoln Center series), Broadway shows Ive been a part of, country music from my album and even opera. Nothing is chosen by happenstance. It all has a purpose. A concert artist has the unique opportunity to pick material and talk to the audience about things they want to say. I am adding a new song to the concert that Andrew Lippa wrote for me about 10 years ago. Its called Love Somebody Now. Im very excited to be performing it.
You created a base for your career on Broadway, but you havent performed there since 2010s Promises, Promises. Why is that and is there any production you might be appearing in there?
After I left Promises, Promises, I did a TV show called GCB (also known as Good Christian Bitches and Good Christian Belles), and then I went on tour. I continue to tour, film movies and also do some wonderful TV shows like Glee. This spring Ill be preparing for Carnegie Hall. I constantly keep my fingers in all the pies and am thankful that I have been so busy.
More and more, youve been involved in television shows. What appeals to you about working on television as opposed to Broadway?
Its less about the venue but more about the role. I recently played Kirstie Alleys Broadway understudy in her TV show, and it was hilarious. I also played the role of April Rhodes in Glee because shes a hot mess, and I thought it would be fun to play. Promises, Promises on Broadway was an amazing role for me that allowed me to grow as an actress. I always think about the role. I dont think about if its Broadway, television or film. Speaking of film, I just filmed opposite Jennifer Lopez in a thriller set to release in 2015 called The Boy Next Door. If the role speaks to me, it doesnt matter what venue it is.
What kind of feedback do you get from fans about your role on Glee?
They love it. They love to watch somebody who is so imperfect but has a good time all the time. There might be something to learn from April Rhodes. Shes just having a good ol time.
List five favorite female singers who inspired you?
Its hard, but Dolly Parton, Julie Andrews, Madeline Kahn, Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland.
What are the three best lessons/advice you got from vocal coaches?
There is no head voice and chest voice. Its all one voice. Also, only sing things that mean something. And always breathe from your diaphragm.