Bring on the Broadway Performers: Welcome Kristin Chenoweth

Anyone who saw Idina Menzel sing her heart out at the Palace Theatre last year will have witnessed something truly magical. There seems to be an abundance of American Broadway stars willing to travel and perform outside of London and this is a good thing. I saw Idina in Wicked when she was in the West End but many UK fans won’t have done.

Also, as a performer branches out and does more television, they gain a whole new audience so many fans will have been gained via the hit TV show Glee. Touring gives these people a chance to experience a powerhouse voice; knowing that you have also seen a Broadway star -without paying for a flight to the U.S.

Last week, it was revealed that another member of the Glee alumni would be heading to Manchester. Kristin Chenoweth – like Idina is also known for Wicked.  I know her though, for the part of Annabeth Schott in Aaron Sorkin’s ground breaking TV show, The West Wing. This gal is a bit of a triple threat – as she can sing, act and is genuinely very funny. So, Manchester audiences have another treat in store when she arrives in March, thanks to Spekulation Entertainment – who also bought Idina to Blighty.

Who’s next? Well, another crossover artist who manages to balance both TV and theatre is Megan Hilty – star of the sublime new show that I love (and many hate) – Smash. She would make a great live performer for UK audiences, I’m sure.

There’s something quite special about seeing these performers take centre stage – without the smoke and mirrors of a musical set. So, break a leg Kristin and here’s to seeing some more Broadway pizazz on Quay Street and beyond.

Kristin Chenoweth performs at the London Coliseum on 11 March, before visiting
the Manchester Opera House on 13 March, Edinburgh Festival Theatre on 15
March and Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff on 17 March.