“Do You Hear What I Hear?” It’s Wicked lil’ Kristin Chenoweth singing Christmas songs and popping up all over the place.
We can’t stop singing her praises as Kristin shows the love Nunn on One.
Windy City Times: Hi, Kristin. I was born in Oklahoma like yourself. I suppose many people do not know that you have a Native American background.
Kristin Chenoweth: I think everyone from Oklahoma has some Native American blood! We do know I am part Native. I’m adopted, so it’s hard to know how much! [Laughs]
WCT: My family later moved to Tennessee and Opryland was my first job. I heard you worked there.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: I loved working at Opryland and informed my folks I wouldn’t be heading back to Oklahoma City University to finish school. I was just going to stay in Nashville. They drove from Oklahoma to come pick me up! [Laughs] I loved the talent. All of the musicians were “live,” as compared to Disney, where a lot of performers, musicians are “canned.” I worked there after my sophomore year in college that summer.
WCT: You are performing with Il Divo this December. Are you singing your Christmas songs?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: I LOVE IL DIVO! I have been fans for a while, so I’m thrilled to share the stage with them. They don’t hurt to look at, either. I will be singing a few duets with them and some of my Christmas songs from the album and a number I’m sort of known for.
WCT: What went into your choices for picking tracks on your A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas CD [released last year] ?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: Jay Landers, my producer, gave me a lot of ideas. …. I definitely had some favorites, like “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Love it. And some surprises for me like the fun “Christmas Island.” It’s a record for everyone, no matter what you believe.
WCT: You [been in] several Christmas movies, such as Deck the Halls and Four Christmases. Is it your favorite time of year?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: I do love Christmas. The best holiday ever, I think! The whole feeling of it … the spirit of what it means for our family is the birth of Jesus. So that’s what we celebrate. But I love that everyone likes it and gets involved usually. Why not?? At least everyone is in a decent mood until Dec. 26. [Laughs] I must have “Christmas” written across my forehead, [because] I’ve now done three Christmas movies and a Christmas album. Makes me happy…
WCT: You even have a new Lifetime Channel movie coming out this December called Twelve Men Of Christmas.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: It is about a girl who takes a job in a tiny town, and she’s from New York and she’s nursing a broken heart. It’s a little bit Private Benjamin, which is why I thought it was fun. The guys were cute, too. Wow, that’s my second reference to cute men. Wonder where my mind is?
WCT: I hope Santa isn’t listening. You were so amazing on the television show Glee. How was that experience?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: Glee was amazing. I loooved the cast and was thrilled to be asked. Honestly, I’d never gotten to play a part like that on TV. I get to come back and do another one. So excited and the cast is so talented…they inspire me.
WCT: I spoke with Nora Dunn about [the TV show] Pushing Daisies. She told me it ended so abruptly she was on set in the mouth of a shark! Congrats on the Emmy!
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: I was so disappointed I didn’t get to really work with Nora Dunn. I grew up watching her on [Saturday Night Live]. She is an idol of mine. I got shy though, and never told her, darnit. Pushing Daisies … another amazing experience. I loved playing Olive. I was shocked I won the Emmy, and sometimes I still can’t believe it cuz our show was cancelled by ABC. I am honored, truly, that they remembered us. I miss [my character] Olive everyday, and our cast.
WCT: I heard you are coming back to Broadway in the spring of 2010 with Promises Promises. You get to work with Sean Hayes from Will & Grace.
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: Promises “promises” to be a fun experience. But I took the part to really show another side to me on stage. This is a tough character, and one, honestly, I relate to on a personal level. I also love Burt Bacharach. I am so excited to get started with Sean and our director, Rob Ashford.
WCT: Is there going to be a Wicked movie?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: Everyone always asks me about the Wicked movie. I know nothing about it. I hope they do it because the story is so special.
WCT: You are so “Popular” with gay fans for being so involved with musicals. Any special thoughts for them?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: The gays … well, they’re my favorite people. I long for the day everyone, like me, can get married. I hope to see that soon. As far as my fans, I can look out at one of my audiences at a concert and see little girls, elderly people, and the gays. I love them all.
WCT: You are in a new NBC show called Legally Mad?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: Regarding, Legally Mad, David Kelley’s show. It didn’t get picked up. What?? I don’t know anymore what makes some shows go, and others not. Don’t ask me because I do not know. I’m not a reality star, so I just hope scripted TV makes a huge comeback. Talent like David E. Kelley deserve it.
WCT: And a new animated show called Sit Down, Shut Up?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: I love doing animated work. “Sit Down, Shut Up” is by Mitch Hurwitz. It was a no-brainer for me to do because he’s a genius. It’s a cool show because the background is “real location” but the ‘characters’ are animated. Love it!
WCT: You are working on the film version of the life of Dusty Springfield?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: Ah Dusty … loved her, too. Not happy with a script yet, but we are working on it. She was so special, and had such a unique voice surrounded with a tough life. Just dying to show people the person behind the music.
WCT: You have an official Web site to find updated information and to buy your music, correct?
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: Yes go to my Web site, www.kristen-chenoweth.com. There’s also a fansite called “Glitter.”
WCT: When are you coming to Chicago? We love you here!!!!
KRISTIN CHENOWETH: The best audiences for me are Chicago, NYC and San Francisco. I always will come to Chicago (as long as they keep asking) ! I love the Peninsula! [It’s] the best hotel in the states!!!