Chenoweth was born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma City University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in musical theater and a master's degree in opera performance. She is a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. In 1991, she won the title of "Miss OCU" and went on to win second runner-up in the Miss Oklahoma pageant. She performed at Opryland USA. She won a "most talented up-and-coming singer" award in the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions, which came with a full scholarship to Philadelphia's Academy of Vocal Arts; she turned down the scholarship when she auditioned and won a part on an off-Broadway show. She also enjoyed watching her boyfriend at the time (professional baseball player Shawn Bryant) pitch.
Chenoweth made her Broadway debut in a production of Molière's Scapin starring Bill Irwin, followed in the spring of 1997 by the unsuccessful musical Steel Pier by John Kander and Fred Ebb, for which she won a Theatre World award. The following season, she appeared in the City Center Encores! production of the George and Ira Gershwin musical Strike Up the Band and the Lincoln Center Theater production of William Finn's A New Brain.
During the 1998–1999 season, she performed the role of Sally in the Broadway revival of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, sweeping the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards as the season's Best Featured Actress in a Musical. She then starred in the Broadway comedy Epic Proportions, followed by appearances in ABC's television adaptation of the musical Annie (as Lily St. Regis), and in the leading role of Daisy Gamble in the City Center Encores! production of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.
In 2003, Chenoweth performed songs from her album Let Yourself Go in concert for Lincoln Center's 5th American Songbook. She also performed in City Center Encores! 10th Anniversary Bash.
In London, she was involved in Divas at Donmar for director Sam Mendes, then appeared in the Actor's Fund Benefit Concert of the musical Funny Girl in New York City.
Chenoweth was a part of ABC's An American Celebration at Ford's Theater with Kelsey Grammer, NBC's Salute to the Olympic Winners, The Kennedy Center Gala honoring Julie Andrews, and an episode of Frasier on NBC. She also starred as Marian Paroo in the ABC television production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man, opposite Matthew Broderick.
In October 2003, Chenoweth returned to Broadway in Wicked, a musical about the early years of the witches of Oz. She was nominated for a Tony as Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her performance as Glinda, but lost to co-star Idina Menzel (who played Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West).
Chenoweth's role in Wicked also brought the opportunity to co-star in Nora Ephron's 2005 film version of Bewitched. The film's star, Nicole Kidman, had attended a performance of Wicked and was so impressed with Chenoweth's charisma and stage presence that Kidman requested to Ephron that Chenoweth be cast in the film. Chenoweth got the part of Maria Kelly, Kidman's character's friend, neighbor, and personal assistant.
Chenoweth has also performed leading roles at the Goodspeed Opera House and the Guthrie Theatre, and she was chosen by the late Jerome Robbins as the guest soloist in his West Side Story Suite of Dances at New York City Ballet. She also starred in a short-lived semi-biographical sitcom, Kristin, for NBC. It was a mid-season replacement in 2001 that co-starred Jon Tenney, but it was cancelled after only six episodes.
Beginning in the sixth season (2004–2005) of The West Wing, Chenoweth has had a recurring role playing media consultant Annabeth Schott; as of the seventh season she is featured in the opening credits. In 2006, she is scheduled to appear in a remarkable five films including The Pink Panther, R.V., and Stranger Than Fiction. Chenoweth then will star in Asphalt Beach and in a bio-pic of Dusty Springfield.
Chenoweth is a Christian, but was disinvited from a Women of Faith conference in September 2005 because of her positive attitude toward gays and lesbians. She released an album in April 2005 called As I Am that's a mixture of hymns and contemporary Christian music, with arrangements that sound more like adult contemporary.
Chenoweth is 150 cm (4 ft 11 in) tall. She appeared in the March 2006 issue of FHM.
The Christmas Waltz
Kristin Chenoweth Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh
With things, things for you and for me
It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true
Wishes you and yours the same thing too
It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine in three quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing too
The Christmas Waltz is a lovely holiday classic originally sung by Frank Sinatra, but the interpretation by Kristin Chenoweth is equally exceptional. The song begins with "frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside" setting the scene of a cozy winter evening with a warm glow. The lyric "painted candy canes on the tree" highlights the festive Christmas tree and the joyous celebrations that come along with it. As the song progresses, it describes the anticipation and excitement of Santa's arrival with gifts "filled his sleigh with things, things for you and for me."
As the title suggests, the song also contains a waltz, a classic dance that moves in triple time. The song invites listeners to dance along in this three-quarter time and enjoy the holiday cheer. The repetition of lines like "Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true" in each chorus reminds us to be grateful for the time we have with our loved ones and cherish these moments. The song’s message is simple and heartfelt, wishing the listener joy and love during the festive season.
In conclusion, The Christmas Waltz is a timeless classic that brings out the warmth, joy, and love associated with Christmas. Kristin Chenoweth’s rendition stands out with her angelic voice and sincere emotions, making it a must-listen for anyone in the holiday spirit. The song’s simple lyrics, combined with its upbeat and cheerful melody, make it one of those nostalgic tunes that never grow old.
Line by Line Meaning
Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside
Looking through the frosted windows, we see a warm and cozy place, with candles giving off gentle light.
Painted candy canes on the tree
The Christmas tree is decorated with traditional candy canes in bright colors.
Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh
With things, things for you and for me
Santa Claus is coming, bringing gifts for both adults and children, to make them happy on Christmas morning.
It's that time of year when the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say
Merry Christmas, may your New Year dreams come true
The holiday season inspires love and joy in people, and every song on the radio sends wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
And this song of mine in three quarter time
Wishes you and yours the same thing too
I wrote this song in waltz time to convey my wish for a joyful holiday season and a happy new year to you and your loved ones.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAMMY CAHN, JULE STYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind