Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Festival Theatre. 8 Jun 2013
It was immediately apparent that Kristin Chenoweth had an adoring audience packing out the Festival Theatre for her opening night performance in Adelaide, the rousing applause seemed unlikely to stop when she made her entrance – and with good reason, for she is a singing superstar.
Unlike many of the diehard fans in the audience, my guest and I were following the hype, keen to see what all the fuss was about; and the diva did not disappoint – I now count myself amongst the many Chenoweth fans in the world. She is sublime, hilarious, magnetic and completely infectious. She could have talked all night, not sung one song, and I would still have loved every moment. But when she did sing there was no doubt. No fear that she might not hit that high note, or deliver that lyric. The consummate performer connects in every way; and you feel so at ease watching her that there is nothing left to do but simply enjoy the experience.
Her set included all of the numbers you would expect, such as ‘Popular’ and ‘For Good’ both from the musical, Wicked, and a few that would surprise you. But as Chenoweth explained, all of them were important to her, hand-picked for a reason. She sang many of her own songs like ‘Going To The Dance With You’, and songs from famous composers such as Fred Ebb and John Kander’s, ‘My Colouring Book’ and Stephen Foster’s ‘Hard Times Come Again No More’. As a fan of Dolly Parton, Chenoweth also delivered a few of her favourites, including an encore of the song made famous by Whitney Houston, ‘I Will Always Love You’.
I was overjoyed when Chenoweth announced she would sing ‘Bring Him Home’ from the Les Miserable soundtrack, and vocally she did not disappoint, but I was annoyed that it had been sped up so much – a small niggle in an otherwise perfect night.
Audiences love her, and it is easy to see why. Chenoweth is genuine, sweet and caring and capped off her performance by informing her audience of the charities she, and her musical director Mary-Mitchell Campbell, have set up. Chenoweth is inspired by the impact music has on people and I find her ability inspiring, so the circle is complete – see her if ever you get the chance!
Paul Rodda
When: 8 to 9 Jun
Where: Festival Theatre
Bookings: bass.net.au
