LIFESTYLES | PERFECT PITCH
SHINING STAR T BY PAT R I C K M C C OY
ony Award winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth talks about about her upcoming performances here, the excitement of starring in the world-premiere production “I Am Anne Hutchinson/I Am Harvey Milk” at The Music Center at Strathmore and having a diverse musical repertoire.
WASHINGTON LIFE: You have performed for many great audiences> What inspires you about your appearances in the nation’s capital? KRISTEN CHENOWETH I love being anywhere major history has gone down. What bigger place than D.C.? And this concept opera is about historical people. So it fits. WL: Talk to us about your participation in the world-premiere production of “I am Anne Hutchinson/ I am Harvey Milk” at Strathmore. It is such an ongoing narrative in our society today. Could you perhaps connect how it resonates with you as it relates to justice and equal rights with regard to today’s social climate? KC I wonder if in some ways our Hillary Clinton can relate to Anne Hutchison. A strong female unwilling to back down on her beliefs and not seemingly afraid of anything. She depends on family, love of politics and big questions about the future. The two women have a lot in common. WL: What is the most difficult part of the “whole preparation piece” for you when you get a new role, particularly on a perhaps controversial topic or subject? KC The subject matter is exciting to me, but the voice and mind need lots of rest time to compute. I have to be on vocal rest so I can do this two nights in a row. That’s the challenge for me, physically. Acting-wise, it’s a gift from heaven.mon folk, and we are all those kind of people.
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WL: Your April visit brings you to the area by way of a collaborative effort, but you certainly have a huge, loyal following as a solo artist. Tell us about your solo tour and perhaps what you will have in store for audiences at your Wolf Trap performance later this summer. KC I’m thinking of moving into music by female heroes of mine that spans decades. It will surprise some folks and I can’t wait to try them out. In some ways it’s always been me, songs like “Little Green” by Joni Mitchell and others. People will have to come in order to be surprised. WL: Balancing being a great singer, as well as an actress is not always an easy feat for some artists. What are some of the ways that you keep up both aspects of your career? What is it like to do one, but not the other in a given production? KC Ah, the balance question. I suck at it! I love it all, so I am forever overbooking and trying to be at my best. I love being an artist. And sleep. WL: Funding for the arts continues to be a challenge in our public schools and communities. How did the arts change your life and in what ways are you personally advocating for bringing them back into the lives of young people as well as adults? KC In Oklahoma we didn’t have a lot of funding for the arts when I was growing up. The Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center named its Kristin Chenoweth Theatre after me. This summer will be our second summer arts camp. Auditions are
being held right know. I will be a part of the whole thing, which makes me happy. WL: A few years ago, you were on “CONAN“ kidding around with the music of opera composer Puccini (and cracking your bones). What were your first experiences with opera and classical music? Would you consider doing a recording or performance of that repertoire perhaps with a “twist”? KC I’ve wanted to make a more traditional classical record, but have been too scared. There are so many amazing opera divas out there who do it all the time, several nights a week. I am thinking of an idea that involved opera with a whole other form of music — it’s a secret. WL: If you had the opportunity travel back in time as a participant in a Masterclass with any legendary actress or singer, who immediately comes to mind? What does that legend mean to you and how does he/ she inform your own legacy as an artist? KC My biggest regret is that I never met Leonard Bernstein. I wanted to so much — “Candide” being my favorite of all his pieces that I’ve ever accomplished for PBS’s “Great Performances.” Somehow I know he looks down and is proud of me. I don’t know how I know this. I guess I just feel it. Kristen Chenoweth will star in “I Am Anne Hutchinson/I Am Harvey Milk” at the Music Center at Strathmore April 23 & 24.
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