Chenoweth returns home to end tour

By MARK KENNEDY

AP Drama Writer

NEW YORK

Kristin Chenoweth is taking the long way home.

The Tony Award-winning singer and actress launched her first concert tour May 9 in Seattle, and it will end June 24 in Broken Arrow, Okla., the town she grew up in, with a stop in Cleveland on Wednesday.

Although she has sung all over the place, her busy schedule has kept her from touring until now.

Chenoweth’s 19-city North America tour will end at the 1,500-seat stage at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, which will be renamed in her honor.

“For me, it will be very emotional,” she said.

Mark Frie, the arts center’s executive director, said Broken Arrow has been looking for a way to honor Chenoweth since the facility opened its doors three years ago. “We’re excited to welcome her home,” he said.

On tour, Chenoweth is performing songs from her latest country-inspired album, “Some Lessons Learned,” as well as tunes from the TV show “Glee” and ones from her Broadway shows such as “Popular” from “Wicked.”

“If I don’t do ‘Popular,’ I will go out on a stretcher. I know that,” she said, laughing. “I’ve accepted it, and you know what? I’m thankful for it. I’m glad that I have songs that I’m known for.”

Though she wants to keep the list fluid, other tunes making the cut include “Glitter and Be Gay,” “The Girl in 14G” and “Taylor the Latte Boy.” But Chenoweth also is singing opera and throwing in a few surprises, too. She has backup singers, dancers and choreography on the tour.