Interview: Kristin Chenoweth Brings AN INTIMATE EVENING to PPAC Stage

While Kristin Chenoweth may best be known for originating the role of Glinda in the Broadway musical Wicked or one of her many film and television roles, the amazingly versatile performer has had a career spanning just about every medium and genre. Chenoweth's work on TV has included The West Wing, Glee and an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on Pushing Daisies. In addition to Wicked, she has lit up the Broadway stage in Promises, Promises, On the Twentieth Century and You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, for which she won a Tony. She has also performed concerts to sold-out audiences around the world and has released five studio albums. Now, she arrives on the Providence Performing Arts Center stage with a very special concert performance, accompanied by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, all part of PPAC's annual gala event.

BWW: Your event here in Providence is "An Intimate Evening with..." What does that mean, exactly? What can audiences expect?

Kristin Chenoweth: An intimate evening with me means me singing songs I love and the audience getting to know me, not just as the artist. But as a person. A woman. As someone who loves what I do!

BWW: You've been in Broadway shows, movies, television shows, just about every kind of production. Do you have a favorite type?

Kristin Chenoweth: I love any time I get to play a character, but I love concert work. I decide the material I sing and of course I know all the reasons I sing a particular song.

BWW: You've also been nominated for and have won a number of awards. Was there one that was particularly special, meaningful or surprising?

Kristin Chenoweth: When I won an Emmy for Pushing Daisies...that was a pretty powerful moment. The character was a NON-hero and just a beautifully written character.

BWW: Is there any one thing, or a few things, that you would say is the secret to your success? What advice would you give to a young actress just starting out?

Kristin Chenoweth: Every artist has their "thing" they tell people and themselves! Mine is "don't sweat the small stuff " and "follow your inner voice." And if a young artist can see themselves doing anything else and being happy, they should go do it! Because this life is hard. But it's also the best.

BWW: With your amazingly varied resume, is there something you haven't tried yet? Something you really want to try?

Kristin Chenoweth: I always want to continue to push myself as an actress. And as a singer. I will die trying. I will never tire of creating. But I do want to learn to cook (All my friends reading this are now laughing).

BWW: In addition to everything you're doing on stage and screen, you're also designing a line of jewelry and are involved in a number of advocacy and charity endeavors. Is one of those non-performance activities most important or special to you?

Kristin Chenoweth: Being a mentor for anyone wanting to be a singer gives me joy. I founded a summer arts camp in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. That is my legacy. My greatest honor. The most important role. (http://www.brokenarrowpac.com/kristin.html)

BWW: Finally, with all of that you have going on, how do you keep it all going successfully and stay grounded? Stay sane?

Kristin Chenoweth: Staying sane. Haha! Ask my true friends how I ground myself! I sing. I listen to music! I pray. I try to also be a good friend and give back to my friends. The secret of real happiness is GIVING. When I'm down, I give. I don't necessarily mean money. I mean stuff from the heart. It can bring you out of sadness. It can make you understand and remember what life is about.

Tickets for Ms. Chenoweth's concert are $125 - $35 (these are not Gala tickets); all ticket prices include a $3 per ticket restoration charge and are subject to change without notice. Tickets are on sale now at the PPAC Box Office (220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence), online at www.ppacri.org and by phone at (401) 421-ARTS (2787). Box Office Hours are Monday through Friday: 10A to 5P, Saturday: 10A to 2P and two hours prior to curtain time(s) on performance days.

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