Chenoweth is a trained classical vocalist and has an amazing range that she uses very effectively during performances. She has performed with some of the best orchestra’s in the world and has had the honor to have solo concerts at prestigious venues like Donmar Warehouse, Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera House.
Background:
Born in July 1968, she was adopted by June and Jerry Chenoweth when she was just five days old. Her early life was influenced heavily by dancing and music and she grew up listening to lots of gospel and country music. From an early age she began performing in local churches which gave her the confidence to perform in front of big audiences.
Chenoweth attended Oklahoma City University, from where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in musical theater and a master’s degree in opera performance. While at university, she took part in a number of singing competitions and even won a full scholarship to Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts after being named “Most Promising Up-And-Coming Singer” at the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions.
But she turned down the scholarship and chose to pursue a career in musical theater after getting a role in the musical Animal Crackers.
Career:
Following her debut on stage, she continued to perform in local productions. Her big break came in 1999, when she got a part in Broadway’s You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown where her portrayal of Sally Brown won her the “Tony Award for Best Actress”. The win established her as an excellent actor, which was further proved by her work in the hit 2003 Broadway musical Wicked. She garnered a lot of critical acclaim for her role of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, and was nominated once again for the “Tony Award for Best Actress”.
Apart from theater, she has been very active in television as well. Her most noticeable performance has been her Emmy Award winning portrayal of “Olive Snook” in the drama series Pushing Daisies. She also has a recurring role in the hit series Glee where she regularly makes guest appearances and sings.
Despite having a very successful career in acting, Chenoweth did not sever ties with the music industry. She has participated in a large number of cast recordings for musicals and in 2001, released her first solo album, Let Yourself Go. The album was basically a collection of standard songs from the 1930’s. Her second album As I Am was released in 2004 and was in essence a Christian album containing spiritual songs. Her third studio album A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas has been her most successful album to date and reached 77 on the Billboard Albums Chart. Her latest album Some Lessons Learned was released in 2011 and featured collaborations with legends Dolly Parton and Diane Warren.
A testament to Chenoweth’s qualities as a performer is the fact that she is only the third musical theater star to perform a solo concert at the world renowned Metropolitan Opera. Highly gifted and versatile, a Kristin Chenoweth concert will be an amazing experience for everyone who attends.