ISSUE #38 MMUSICMAG.COM

SPOTLIGHT John Russo

KRISTIN CHENOWETH The effervescent actress and singer does her hometown proud on a new album

ON HER FIRST LIVE ALBUM, COMING side. Songs like ‘’ and ‘I , Kristin Chenoweth found herself on Was Here’ really hit home for me. I wanted familiar terrain. The Tony Award-winning to keep people smiling and full of joy, so I actress and singer performed a pair of sold- included ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ and out shows at the Kristin Chenoweth Theatre ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.’” in her hometown of Arrow, Okla. “I absolutely Plucking inspiration from the Great ALL wanted to make my hometown a part of the White Way and the Grand Ole Opry, album, so I had my high school choir sing Chenoweth has determined her direction ALL THE TIME backup on one of the gospel songs,” she by observing her heroes. “When I look at says. “And my parents were in the audience. Madeline Kahn, , Issue #33 It was really special.” and I giggle, because they are Known for her roles on Broadway all so different and unique,” she says, “but M MUSIC & MUSICIANS (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and I think why I relate to them is because they MAGAZINE ), TV (, Pushing are each their own special performer and Daisies, ) and film (Bewitched, Tinker entertainer. They are originals.” Bell, ) Chenoweth For Chenoweth, 46, the stage is still displays an organic diversity on her album. her refuge and offers a platform to create “The music is all over the map, which is who and experiment. The live performances on I am musically,” she says. “I love country, Coming Home left her feeling exposed, her gospel, musical theater and operetta. And relief mixed with tension and an immense it’s all there. Every aspect of music I love to desire to succeed in front of friends and sing is represented.” family members. It’s this irresistible nature Her choice of material is also eclectic— that has helped her reap the most of her the songs run the gamut from poignant many talents. “It’s amazing to hide behind sadness to unrestrained glee. “I definitely a character on Broadway, but being in wanted to perform songs I knew the audience concert and performing as myself is the most would love,” she says. “That of course rewarding,” says Chenoweth. “Anytime there includes songs from Wicked (‘,’ is a live audience, I really soar.” ‘Popular’), but I also wanted to show a deeper –Blake Boldt

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