A Broken Arrow native and Oklahoma City University graduate, Kristin Chenoweth, born Kristi Dawn, transitions between stage, television, and film. She made her acting debut in kindergarten as a bunny rabbit, was cast in the lead of Oklahoma! in fourth grade and starred in productions at Broken Arrow High School. After completing her undergraduate degree in musical theatre, she took a shot at New York City but came back to Oklahoma City University to pursue her master’s degree in opera performance. Florence Birdwell, Chenoweth’s vocal instructor and mentor, suggested Kristi add an “n” to her name to signify her maturity when she returned to New York.

Chenoweth’s role in Animal Crackers launched her Broadway career. Her “Sally” portrayal in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown garnered a Tony Award in 1999, and her performance as “Galinda” in Wicked earned a Tony nomination for Best Actress. She also has starred in Steel Peer, Epic Proportions and The Apple Tree. She returned to Broadway in 2010 as Fran Kubelik in the revival of Promises, Promises, for which she received the first Lillian Hellman Award. In addition to film work in Bewitched, Running With Scissors, RV and Deck The Halls, her television work includes her self-titled sitcom Kristin, The West Wing, and Glee. She earned an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the ABC series Pushing Daisies.

Chenoweth has released three albums, performed her one-woman show at Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, and Disney Hall, and continues to tour the country. Her childhood love for the family dog, Wrinkles, served as the catalyst for her national rescue charity, “Maddie’s Corner.” She is the spokesperson for Oscar Mayer’s “Feed the Homeless in America,” supports Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and promotes women’s health with “Red Dress Event.”