Review: KRISTIN CHENOWETH Wows in Strathmore Debut

Over fifteen years ago, my little sister and I did what we always did every June. Neither of us, at that point, had ever seen a show on Broadway, but we turned on the television to watch the Tony Awards - specifically the musical performances. That night in 1999, Kristin Chenoweth won a Tony Award for portraying Sally Brown in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. My bubbly and blonde sister - the Galinda to my Elphaba - was particularly entranced by her performance of "My New Philosophy." A few months later, she was enthralled yet again to see Kristin take on the role of Lily St. Regis in the television movie adaptation of ANNIE. When I moved to DC a few years later, I was able to take my little sister to see her idol perform live at Wolf Trap with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Marvin Hamlisch. It was there that we both learned that she's even more amazing live.

Since then, Kristin Chenoweth has performed in concert in the DC area a number of times, including once again at Wolf Trap this past August. This weekend, as part of her ongoing "Coming Home" tour - on which her latest album is based - she treated a near-capacity audience at the Music Center at Strathmore to stellar vocals, enviable artistry and stage presence, and a set that had a little something for everyone. There was even an added bonus. Andrew Lippa, the talented composer who penned "My New Philosophy" and many other songs that have graced stages in New York and around the country, provided a passionate sampling of I AM HARVEY MILK. This choral/theatrical piece was a hit in New York and California and will make its DC area premiere at Strathmore on April 23 and 24 along with the world premiere of I AM ANNE HUTCHINSON, Lippa's latest work. So, Lippa and Chenoweth won't be away from the area for long - as both will be performing in this momentous event along with 200 or so other vocalists. Without giving too much away, judging from the selection that Lippa performed from I AM HARVEY MILK, I think DC audiences are in for an evening of soul-stirring, passionate, and meaningful music. Noah Himmelstein will direct.

However, let's not get too ahead of ourselves. While the sampling of the new(ish) work was a highlight for me - as was Kristin's take on another Lippa song "Love Somebody Now" (from ASPHALT BEACH) - the concert offered so many other highlights. Whether belting out musical hits, showcasing her classically trained coloratura soprano, or taking on songs with a country sort of flair, the versatile performer had the audience in the palm of her hands and for good reason.

Take for example, Kristin's thoughtful rendition of Dolly Parton's "Little Sparrow" featuring her longtime musical director/pianist Mary-Mitchell Campbell on background vocals. While Kristin's passion-filled and country-tinged vocals were certainly a selling point, this song stood out for another reason. Her musicianship was equally matched by Damien Bassman on drums, Eric Davis on guitar, Brian Hamm on bass, and Justin Smith on violin. They all joined Chenoweth at the front of the stage for this number and it proved to be a veritable, in the moment jam session.

Those who enjoy musical theatre songs also had plenty to enjoy. As always Stephen Schwartz's "Popular" was an audience favorite. Chenoweth, who humorously dedicated the song to Donald Trump, has obviously been singing this song for years since originating the role of G(a)linda in WICKED. Her comedic timing is still as impeccable as it was when I saw her perform it shortly before WICKED officially opened in 2003. To say that she can sell a song would be an understatement. The same can be said for her Bible Belt-friendly rendition of "Dance Ten, Looks Three." As she explained, she grew up in Oklahoma and, when she performed in a local production of A CHORUS LINE, the director made some modification to a few of the more "problematic" lyrics.

Other standouts from this genre included Kander and Ebb's "Maybe This Time" (from CABARET), Boublil and Schonberg's "Bring Him Home" (from LES MISERABLES), and Arlen and Harburg's "Over the Rainbow" (from THE WIZARD OF OZ). Although all of these songs are, on paper, overdone to some extent, the magical combination of Kristin's powerfully rich vocals and her attention to lyrical meaning allows the audience to listen to them anew. Her rendition of "Bring Him Home" was particularly angelic, while her take on "Maybe This Time" was both desperate and fierce.

Joined by aspiring, talented young musical theatre talent in our area - including those representing local arts education institutions like the Levine School of Music - Kristin closed the concert with the classic Christian song "Upon this Rock" made famous by Sandi Patty, and the inspirational song "I Was Here." While I appreciate that Kristin showcases her faith in her concerts - having also been brought up in the same way - even if one is not a believer, it's impossible to deny her incredible, soaring soprano vocals on "Upon This Rock," which rival Ms. Patty's. "I Was Here" - her call to make a difference - was the perfect way to end her uplifting and joyous concert.

Kristin Chenoweth performed at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland on January 29, 2016. For tickets to the upcoming production of I AM HARVEY MILK/I AM ANNE HUTCHINSON on April 23-24, see Strathmore's website or call the box office at 301-581-5100. Further information on the production can be found in Strathmore's winter newsletter.

Photo: Courtesy of Strathmore Website.