The Wicked Star of The West Wing Soars into Chicago

Kristin Chenoweth of Broadways hit musical "Wicked" to Appear at Windy City Performing Arts An Evening of Broadway

(PRWEB) January 6, 2005 -- Windy City Performing Arts (WCPA) is pleased to present Kristin Chenoweth, Tony Award winning star of Broadway and televisions The West Wing, in an intimate performance at its annual benefit gala, An Evening of Broadway," Saturday, April 16, 2005 at 5:30p.m. The evenings events will be held under the stunning Tiffany domed ceiling of the Chicago Cultural Centers Preston Bradley Hall, at 78 E. Washington. This evening is sure to be the social event of the year, featuring fabulous Broadway-themed dining tables and bursting with entertainment.

Kristin Chenoweth recently made her solo recording debut with Let Yourself Go," exhibiting her incredible vocal dexterity through imaginative interpretations of standards, Broadway favorites and other witty selections. Ms. Chenoweth swept the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards as the season's Best Featured Actress in a Musical for originating the role of Sally Brown in Youre a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Other Broadway credits include her recent role as Glinda in the hit musical Wicked," for which she received a 2004 Tony Nomination, and her Broadway musical debut in Steel Pier" for which she won a Theatre World Award. Critics raved about her performances in the made for TV productions of The Music Man" (2003) and Annie" (1999). If that isnt enough, Ms. Chenoweth joined this seasons cast of the hit NBC television drama, The West Wing," portraying the new White House Press Secretary. She will be appearing in the soon to be released films The Pink Panther" with Steve Martin and Bewitched" with Nicole Kidman, and has begun work on Disneys animated movie musical Rapunzel." Chenoweths new album from Sony is due to be released next year and will feature country music with a slant towards inspirational songs, once again showing that this diverse star cant be pinned down.

The evenings festivities begin with cocktails and hors doeuvres with time to view the sensational dining tables, each decorated in the theme of a Broadway show, before being served a full 4-course dinner. Then bid on your favorite silent auction items before being dazzled by a private performance by Ms. Chenoweth in the adjoining Claudia Cassidy Theater, performing a variety of Broadway favorites and selections from her album, Let Yourself Go."

Through its illustrious history, WCPA has carried its tradition of musical excellence to both GLTB and mainstream audiences including performances at Lincoln Centers Avery Fisher Hall in New York City, Steppenwolf Theaters production of Everyman and the opening of Chicagos Millennium Park. Recently WCPA performed at the Chicago White Sox, U.S. Cellular Field, making history as the first gay & lesbian organization in the state of Illinois to perform the Star Spangled Banner" at a professional sporting event. An Evening of Broadway has become one of Chicagos favorite and most anticipated fund raising events to assist in keeping this music alive.

WCPAs choruses continue to be recognized for their musical excellence, performing to rave reviews and enthusiastic audiences: ...as any really good musical event should, it left one feeling moved and wanting to hear more." -- Jorjet Harper, Windy City Times, July 2004

WCPAs family of choruses have been reaching out, lending voices to the community, and serving as Chicagos musical ambassadors to the nation for over 25 years. Formed in 1979, WCGC is one of the first gay choruses organized in the country, and is a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA). In 1983, WCGC incorporated as Windy City Performing Arts, Inc., an independent, not-for-profit organization. In 1992, Unison made its debut and has become one of the premier mixed voice choruses in the GALA organization. WCPA is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council and a City Arts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Tickets for An Evening of Broadway include cocktails and hors doeuvres, dinner, dessert and an evening filled with entertainment; including an intimate performance by Kristin Chenoweth. Individual tickets are available for $250 (with Directors Circle seating) or $200. Individuals and corporate sponsors are encouraged to show their support and their own talent by hosting and decorating a table for ten. WCPA is accepting donations of goods and services for its silent auction and raffle; for more information, please contact B. Scott Jones at 773.244.2876. Sponsorship opportunities also exist to underwrite event expenses; for more information, please contact B. Scott Jones at 773.244.2876. For other additional information, please contact WCPA at 773.404.9242 or broadway@windycitysings.org.

###