Interview: AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH KRISTIN CHENOWETH at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Kristin Chenoweth, star of stage, screen and television, although tiny in stature, (4'11"), is a tall force to be reckoned with. Kristi Dawn Chenoweth, born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was adopted when she was just 5 days old. She started singing at an early age at her church, in school plays and then at Oklahoma City University where she earned a bachelor's degree in musical theater and a master's degree in opera performance. Also participating in pageants, Kristin won the title of Miss OCU and was second runner up in the Miss Oklahoma pageant.

Kristin performed in many regional theatre productions but it was landing the role of Sally in the 1999 Broadway production of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown that won her both Tony and Drama Desk Awards. In 2001 Kristin released her first solo album, Let Yourself Go. She went on to receive a Tony nomination for the iconic role of Glinda the Good Witch of the North in the Broadway musical phenomenon Wicked, opposite Idina Menzel. She later starred in her self-titled television show, Kristin, and also appeared in such shows as The Good Wife, Glee, GCB, Disney's Descendants, Hot In Cleveland, and Hairspray Live. Movie credits include The Pink Panther, Stranger Than Fiction, RV, and Deck the Halls to name a few. In the film Bewitched, Kristin was directed by Nora Ephron, to whom her new CD, The Art of Elegance is dedicated. Her new CD and concert have an intimate feel, cabaret-like and very classy. You will enjoy delightful renditions of Someone to Watch Over Me, Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered, They Can't Take That Away From Me and Smile. When Kristin speaks to the audience and shares stories, she is witty, authentic, and just plain fun to be with.

If Broadway, film, symphony appearances and television isn't enough, somewhere Kristin found the time to write her memoirs, a book titled, A Little Bit Wicked, Life, Love and Faith in Stages. In her book she recounts her time in Wicked as Glinda, talks about loves - lost and found, her liberal Christian faith, and her adoption. Like her personality, she is witty, charming and openly honest as an author.

Ms. Chenoweth took some time to speak with BroadwayWord Sarasota before her upcoming concert.

Your enchanting Art of Elegance CD was dedicated to the brilliant Nora Ephron. Please elaborate.

"Thank you for bringing this up. I just dreamed the other night that no one has asked about it, and it made me sad. I got to work with her on several occasions and she had a way to make you feel so special. She would come to my concerts and say, "Why would you ever want to do a movie if you can sing like that?" - which made me giggle. But when I was putting the music together, I just know her taste so well and I know that she would have loved it. It only seemed right to dedicate it to one of the greatest ladies there ever was."

Throughout your illustrious career, of what are you most proud?

"I'm most proud when I look in the audience of my concerts and I see seven-year-old little girls all the way up to elderly couples who have been together forever. That's what makes me the proudest."

You easily navigate from film, to stage, to television and various other types of mediums. Is there a process that you incorporate that helps you prepare for these diverse and demanding transitions?

"I certainly do a ton of research when I'm preparing for a role. Actually that goes for any music, too. I'm a big rehearsal person, I love rehearsal, it's my favorite part of the process. I love to rehearse a song or a scene in the rehearsal space. Something in my heart dies a little bit when I do it live, because I know that the rehearsal is over. So I just keep finding new things to rehearse."

How do you keep your faith working in such a challenging industry and in a world of such uncertainty today?

"It's hard. It's not easy. I read my Jesus Calling app every day, and I talk to God. I still question, get sad like everyone else. I have a strong family, so I talk to them too, which always makes me feel better. And of course there's the music, which makes me happy and heals. This is a tough world we live in; it's a cynical place. I really, really don't want to become cynical. I try real hard to stay positive. Let's be honest: there are days when you're just not buying your own BS, so I just pray, "God, help me change my attitude or go ahead and let this day be over. Haha."

If your fans would like to support a charity in your honor, what would that be?

"The Kristin Chenoweth Arts and Education Fund. We now have the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center in the town I grew up in. You can find it at www.brokenarrowpac.com."

What have you never been asked by a journalist that you would like to state today?

"Why do you hate fish so much?" When I was a little girl, we were on vacation and my dad ordered a trout with the head, eyes, and fins on it. I told him that if he cut into that sucker, I'd throw up and make a scene in the restaurant. I don't think he believed me, poor guy. He cut into that fish, and I threw up. We were not welcomed back in that restaurant. I hate fish. I hate the texture, the smell, and the taste. No, I don't like shrimp... No, I don't like lobster... No, nothing from the sea. It's true."

You are such an accomplished artist and humanitarian. What have you not achieved as of yet that is on your bucket list?

"It kind of ranges all over the map. I certainly want to do more writing of my own music. I feel like I still have a lot to say, you know? I've always wanted to host SNL, but I don't think that's going to happen. I think I'll probably write another book. This time, it'll be more about what I've learned and less about what I've done."

Whether you're listening to her CD at home, watching her live on stage, TV and movies, or recognizing one of her many voice-overs in animated films, Kristin Chenoweth is a gifted entertainer who proficiently crosses several genres and mediums of art. She is serious about her craft displayed by the degrees she took the time to earn, generous in her love of humanity and true to her relationship with God. Oh and did we mention she's the biggest Oklahoma Thunder fan ever? She even has a pup named Thunder! I guess we can also add loving Mama to her many talents.

Sarasota's Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is hosting An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth on on Thursday April 6 at 8pm. For more information visit: www.vanwezel.org