Kristin Chenoweth is bringing a little Broadway magic to East Texas this weekend, and fans of Wicked won't be disappointed.
The Tony and Emmy Award-winning performer will take the stage with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra at the University of Texas at Tyler's Cowan Center on Saturday, October 24, at 7:30 p.m.
During an interview with NewsRadio 1080 KRLD's John Liddle, Chenoweth promised an evening of Broadway favorites, music from her seven studio albums, humor, personal stories and a few surprises.
And yes, she'll be singing from Wicked.
"I'll definitely be singing from Wicked, because if I don't, there could be a mob that could happen, and nobody wants that," Chenoweth joked.
The decision that changed her career
More than two decades after originating the role of Glinda in Wicked, Chenoweth still marvels at the musical's success.
She recalled being offered an opportunity on The West Wing around the same time she was considering the Broadway production.
"Something in my gut — and I'm a big listener to my gut, I call it the Lord — said do Wicked," she explained.
Chenoweth knew the show might fail, but she felt strongly about the material.
"Did I think it was going to be the juggernaut it is today? No, I didn't think so," she said.
Growing up, she'd dreamed of finding a signature production that could stand alongside Broadway classics such as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera.
Now, she says she's grateful to be connected to a role and songs that audiences continue to embrace.
Why live music matters more than ever
For the Tyler performance, Chenoweth will be accompanied by the full East Texas Symphony Orchestra, something she particularly enjoys.
"I love standing in front of an orchestra," she said, explaining how the musicians help strengthen the connection between performer and audience.
She also believes live entertainment has become increasingly important as artificial intelligence changes the creative landscape.
"Live performance is now more important than ever, in my opinion, because of AI and everything that's going on," Chenoweth said.
She added that no two performances are exactly alike.
"I've never done the same show twice, and I don't plan to in Tyler either."
A special connection to North Texas
Although Chenoweth grew up in Oklahoma and has spent much of her adult life in New York, Texas feels familiar.
"I got married in Dallas. Texas is very special to my heart," she told KRLD.
Chenoweth married musician Josh Bryant in Dallas in September 2023.
She hopes to arrive in Tyler a day before Saturday's concert, meet local residents and find a good Mexican restaurant.
That connection to the region, she says, makes returning to Texas feel like coming home.
Faith, resilience and finding joy
During the interview, Chenoweth also spoke candidly about her Christian faith and the challenges of working in entertainment.
Although audiences frequently associate her with upbeat characters and dazzling performances, she says her career has included difficult periods.
"I know people associate me with bubbles and rainbows and glitter. And I love that, but this industry is not easy," she said.
Chenoweth credits prayer, Scripture and friendships with helping her navigate those challenges.
She also emphasized the importance of working with people whose beliefs differ from her own.
"I've grown up a lot. I've seen other views, and I respect other religions for sure," she said.
For Chenoweth, sharing joy through her work is one way to connect with people regardless of their backgrounds.
A song that never gets old
Asked which song remains especially meaningful no matter how many times she performs it, Chenoweth singled out "The Way We Were," written by Marvin Hamlisch and famously recorded by Barbra Streisand.
Chenoweth also recorded the song for her album For the Girls.
She says its lyrics have become increasingly meaningful, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way she looks at life and memories.
"I take the time a little bit more to smell the roses," she said.
She hopes to include the song in Saturday's concert.
For an artist whose career has taken her from Broadway to television, film and concert stages around the world, the opportunity to share music with a live audience remains central to why she performs.
Concert information
Event: An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth, featuring the East Texas Symphony Orchestra
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Venue: UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Boulevard, Tyler
Tickets: Available through CowanCenter.org or the box office at 903-566-7424.
