Stage and screen darling Kristin Chenoweth is (finally) back on Broadway in the revival of On the Twentieth Century. The Tony and Emmy winner recently spent some time with The New York Times, and from their subsequent story, we learned about all sorts of items on Kristin Chenoweth’s list of favorite things. Take a look below at just some of the people, places and things Chenoweth can’t stop gushing about.
1. Schmackary’s
During the course of the interview, Chenoweth not only snacked on one of their legendary cookies (from the description, it appears to have been Funfetti), but also had more brought to her dressing room to share. “Hello? It’s called Schmackary’s, and it’s in Midtown,” Cheno said, incredulous that anyone would not know of the Hells Kitchen honorary historic landmark. We just assumed The New York Times watched Side by Side by Susan Blackwell.
2. Trashy TV
When describing her down time, the Emmy winner explained that after a bath and some neck stretches, “I get in bed, and I watch bad television.” Her particularly faves? Real Housewives (any county), Vanderpump Rules and Dance Moms. Tune in next season for her guest appearances on all three—she’ll probably get an Emmy for at least one of them.
3. Comden and Green
Betty Comden and Adolph Green wrote the book and lyrics for her current Broadway gig, but Chenoweth was already familiar with their work, having sung “If You Hadn’t But You Did” on her 2001 album Let Yourself Go. During the recording session, the lyricists suggested On the Twentieth Century for her—the second time she had heard this (the first was from her Oklahoma voice teacher). Chenoweth later sang the song at Green’s memorial service (per his advanced request), proving, considering the subject matter, that the Tony-winning songwriter had a hearty sense of humor.
4. Madeline Kahn
Chenoweth taking on the role of Lily Garland is all sorts of kismet. The role’s originator, the late Madeline Kahn, is one of her personal heroes. So much so that she named her Maltese after her. Chenoweth never met Kahn in person, but earlier this year, she told the ladies of The View, “I’m hoping she’s proud of me.”
5. Mani/Pedis
The Broadway star, when asked how she wanted to spend her day off, told the Times that she’d “love to do something normal…I would love to get a pedicure.” And that she did, selecting bright red polish (a character choice for Lily) for her toes and just getting her fingernails clipped: “I don’t want to slice up my co-workers.” It’s OK, Cheno. Andy Karl is used to getting roughed up a bit on stage.
6. Paying It Forward
This summer, Chenoweth will oversee a Broadway-themed “boot camp” for high school students in her hometown of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. “This is what I’m probably most proud of,” she said of the project. “As you get older, you learn how you want to make your mark, how you want to be remembered.” To learn more about her partnership with the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Foundation and to donate, visit their website.
Here are just a few items that we would like to add to the list on Chenoweth’s behalf:
7. High Notes
8. Being an Assistant Principal
9. SoulCycle Booster Seats
10. Japanese
On the Twentieth Century opens officially at the American Airlines Theatre on March 12. The Roundabout production is scheduled to run through July 5.