by John Hillman

Kristin Chenoweth doesn’t rely on supersize batteries to power her career. But the diminutive actress and singer still manages to energize her audiences, while tackling every theatrical and musical challenge with confidence and poise.
Since winning a 1999 Tony in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the Oklahoma native has appeared in Broadway’s Epic Proportions and garnered a second Tony nomination in 2004 for her portrayal of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, in Wicked. Chenoweth has also taken her stage talent to the small screen with parts in ABC’s Annie and The Music Man.
After starring in the short-lived NBC sitcom, Kristin, she landed a recurring role as deputy press secretary Annabeth Schott in The West Wing; this summer she will appear in the motion pictures Bewitched with Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell, and alongside Steve Martin and Kevin Kline in Pink Panther. Children best know Chenoweth for her portrayal of Mrs. Noodle on Sesame Street.
“I look for parts that won’t pigeonhole me into one thing,” she comments. “I like to play different types of characters. Part of the fun of acting is getting into parts that aren’t just your own self.”
Apart from acting, Chenoweth released her debut solo album, Let Yourself Go in 2001. April 5 of this year marked the release of her second album, As I Am, on the Sony Classical/Integrity Music label. The 13-track recording showcases her operatic soprano voice with songs reflecting her life-long Christian faith.
The eclectic selections include covers of Sandi Patty’s “Upon This Rock,” Amy Grant’s “There Will Never Be Another,” and the Bill and Gloria Gaither classic, “Because He Lives.”
Chenoweth also performs her versions of the hymn, “Just As I Am,” the spiritual “Poor Wayfaring Stranger,” and “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” a song based on Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”
“I grew up singing a lot of the songs on the record,” she says. “They’re the ones that carried me through those early years.”
Chenoweth developed a personal relationship with God as a child. Raised a Southern Baptist, she received a solid religious education through hymns and began her singing career in church. At age eight, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour during Vacation Bible School.
“It was a decision I never questioned,” she remarks. “People ask if I knew what I was doing. But there is such a thing as childlike faith, and I still have it.”
The versatile performer, who stands only 4’ 11,” almost opted for the operatic stage over Broadway and Hollywood. After earning degrees in both musical theatre and opera performance from Oklahoma City University, Chenoweth received a full scholarship for advanced study at Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts in 1993.
But, on a whim, she auditioned for Animal Crackers at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse. In storybook fashion, Chenoweth captured the leading role and bade farewell to a career as an operatic soprano.
Five years later, Chenoweth took another chance in choosing between a lead in Annie Get Your Gun or a supporting role in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Although logic dictated the larger part, the magic of playing a five-year-old girl appealed to the aspiring star.
“I wasn’t sure I was making the right decision when I did it,” she says. “But I knew God [wanted me] to do what no one was expecting. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”
The choice proved wise. Director Michael Mayer added a number written especially for Chenoweth, and her portrayal of Charlie Brown’s sister Sally brought home a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She also became close friends with Peanuts creator Charles Schultz and sang “Happiness,” the show’s best-known song, at his funeral.
With her numerous appearances on stage, in film, and on television, Chenoweth has worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business including Matthew Broderick, Patti LuPone, and Steve Martin. For the most part, Hollywood recognizes and respects Chenoweth’s unshakable Christian faith.
Combining a show business career with a deep dedication to Jesus Christ keeps the artist on her toes. She’s constantly aware that her fans and co-workers view her attitudes and actions under a microscope.
“I know people look at me to see what I will say,” she says. “I try to think with my head before I say anything because you’re accountable for your relationship with Christ.”
Future projects for the 35-year-old performer include voice work for a Disney movie based on the fairy tale Rapunzel, and the lead in Alice in Wonderland with Placido Domingo at the Los Angeles Opera.
After those engagements conclude, she possesses no definitive future plans. However, there’s little doubt excellent opportunities will arise, and Chenoweth will continue to expand her theatrical range.
“I have a faith that sustains me through this craziness of show business,” she says. “There have been a lot of ups and downs — great success and really deep valleys. That’s when my faith reminds me of Who is in control.”

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