Singer Kristin Chenoweth performed at the Cadillac Palace Theatre June 29, an alternate date after illness caused her to cancel a previous show.
She was able to finish the tour in Chicago, and she seemed thrilled about the idea. The Oklahoma native walked out with a Portillo's styrofoam cup, sipping and talking about all things Chicago, like Garrett Popcorn and Nordstrom's shoes. She sang "Maybe This Time" from Cabaret, harkening back to her Glee days.
Highlights were songs from the show Promises, Promises and Wicked's "Popular," sung in German and Japanese. She picked out a random audience member, a 20-year-old singer from Naperville, to sing "For the Better." The duet blew everyone out of the water.
Her skits in between showed her sense of humor; items included Avenue Q and "WWDD" (What Would Dolly Do) with a Dolly video call on the telephone.
She described herself as a "conservative Christian," then belted the gospel song "Upon This Rock." She even wore a choir robe for a GCB mention. (She co-starred on the now-cancelled ABC series.)
Chenoweth showed a picture of her shoe closet, and then launched into "In These Shoes?" a cover from Kirsty MacColl. She did a little disco with "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)" and spoke of raising funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Chenoweth didn't want to say goodbye, even adding a second encore song"Till There was You"that was not played on the rest of the tour.
Visit www.kristin-chenoweth.com .
Photo for Windy City Times by Jerry Nunn