There is no doubt that Kristin Chenoweth works hard at her career. But the 4-foot-11-inch actress and singer makes it all seem effortless. She originated the role of Glinda in the musical “Wicked,” won an Emmy for her work on “Pushing Daisies” and earned critical praise for her CDs. Her latest album is “Some Lessons Learned.” Born in Broken Arrow, Okla., Chenoweth, 43, splits her time between Los Angeles and New York.
Q: What is your best and/or worst vacation memory?
A. One time I went on vacation with a boyfriend. He left the patio door open all night so we could “hear the ocean.” All I got were mosquito bites all over my body. So attractive. We didn’t make it.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A. I love eating at Sonic with my family in Oklahoma. And no, I’m not kidding.
Q: What is your favorite destination?
A. Turks and Caicos. I was able to treat a few girlfriends to a five-day excursion. It’s a hidden treasure. The sand is white, and the water is green. There is nothing to do but relax.
Q: Where do you go for a quick weekend getaway?
A: I enjoy going to Palm Springs when I’m living in Los Angeles. I am a creature of the sun. I don’t ever mind being in the heat. I usually stay with friends and go to eat Mexican food, shop, lay out by the pool and just lounge.
Q: What hotels do you enjoy?
A: When I am singing or working in Chicago, I love to stay at The Peninsula (peninsula.com/chicago/en/default.aspx). The service is perfect, and I love the location. It is easy access to shopping and restaurants. I love having high tea there too. And the gym is exceptional, and so is the spa. In San Francisco, I stay at the Clift (www.clifthotel.com/en-us/#/ho). I actually loved it. It’s very modern and a great location to access downtown. After 9/11, I was like many people in New York City and got a little depressed. I began to check myself into The Waldorf Astoria (waldorfastoria.com) for room service, movies and just to chill. I wanted to contribute to the great city of Manhattan. Since then, I have done the same thing many times just to get away. It’s a mini-vacation while living in NYC. In Oklahoma City, there is the Waterford Marriott (marriott.com/hotels/travel/okcwa-waterford-marriott), which is a very nice hotel, and I’m proud of it since it’s in my home state.
Q: What are some of your favorite cities?
A: New York, of course. It’s home to opera, Broadway, museums, the ballet and orchestra — everything that I love. The most real people in the world live there. Chicago — it’s a mini-New York. San Francisco is the West Coast New York. I perform there whenever possible. I love London because of the history. The times I’ve been there have been some of the best memories in my life. Singing there, seeing great theater — and the people like a Southern accent. Last, but not least, is Norman, Okla. That’s where my folks live, so it’s home to me.
Q: What would be your dream vacation?
A: Definitely Rome. I must go to the opera and see the sights. I want to eat good Italian food and get better at their language. It seems so romantic too.
Q: How do you prep for a trip?
A: I just get there and play it by ear.
For more from the reporter, visit jaehakim.com.
