Blogging about books is a rare event for me, but this autobiography is so darlin' and such a fun chocolate chip cookie for your soul that I figured it could use a quick shout out.
First, I would preface my comments with the fact that if you don't think Kristin Chenoweth is adorable and a talented force to be reckoned with, don't bother with this book. It's an autobiography, so it's all about her and her life and the shows and the challenges and the mistakes and all that. In order to enjoy the book, having some preconceived notion that she worth reading about is helpful.
Second, you should probably have a big love of live theater. I was raised on Broadway shows on tour, going to see "A Chorus Line" when I was 9 (which I don't recommend), and never missing anything that came through Champaign-Urbana or that was put on by the University of Illinois (where my older sister was in the drama department). That love has continued into adulthood, including meeting amazing stars like Tommy Tune and Juliet Prowse as that same sister continued a life in the theater and did national touring companies. My brother-in-law ran the prop department at our local pit-stop for everything Broadway, so we were treated to back stage tours often.
Despite all that, I often had no idea who Miss Chenoweth was talking about. There are piles of names dropped in every chapter. Names I'm sure are talented and important people on the Broadway scene. If you care, you might want to read this with the internet close by so you can do some research. I would just smile and nod and move on. I'll take her word for how wonderful they are...or not.
What was so delightful about this book is that you really feel like you've just sat down on the sofa next to her and she's chatting with you about her crazy life. Her sassy southern charm rings through in every story. And while she does spare some people their privacy, others, well...she does not. It brings the whole "careful, or you'll end up in my book" right home. And she's very open and honest about some big mistakes she's made along the way. Fessing up to "Wow, I wish I'd listened to everyone and never done THAT" is good to hear in a world that rarely says "sorry".
"Pushing Daisies" is now in my Blockbuster queue, and I sure wish I could get my hands on her ill-fated TV series "Kristin" (which she sarcastically refers to as a Wagnerian breast-plate huge hit). It makes me sad that I missed out on seeing her in "Promises, Promises", but I think we can be assured that her career is far from over. I'm still hoping for a chance to see her live some day. Knowing she's on Broadway again may get me back to New York.
After reading this book, I'm left feeling a personal attachment to Kristin Chenoweth. Like I've actually met her. I read a comment in "Entertainment Weekly" yesterday that was high complimentary to Aaron Sorkin (aka Mr. Writer), and I actually felt a surge of happiness for how excited I knew she would be to read that. It seems like that is the best way an author could make you feel after reading about her life.
If any of this sounds interesting to you, grab a copy of "A Little Bit Wicked: Life, Love, and Faith in Stages". If not, there's a billion other books out there just waiting for your attention. I'm on "Water for Elephants" now. Read the book before seeing the movie whenever possible.
And, Kristin, if you read this, tell your Mr. Writer that I LOVED "Studio 60" and everything else he's ever written. He should do a book next.
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