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November 06, 2004
Wicked's Chenoweth to Begin "West Wing" Role in November
By Andrew Gans
Playbill
Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth, most recently on Broadway in the hit musical Wicked, will begin her recurring role on TV's "West Wing" this month.
On Nov. 17 the actress-singer will make her "West Wing" debut in the role of media consultant Annabeth Schott. "Fresh off the political talk show circuit," reads production notes, "Annabeth Schott brings savvy image advice and plucky attitude to her new job as a White House media consultant. Having once discovered Republican foe Taylor Reid, she's tasked with unearthing the next rising star for the Bartlet administration: a new Press Secretary to fill the shoes of C.J. Cregg. In the meantime, she schools Toby on the subtle art of seducing the press, be it with beard trims, non-hostile posturing, or straightforward answers to their questions. In her media consultant role, Annabeth will prep staff for Sunday morning news shows, offer advice on crafting final-year messages, and occasionally step up to the podium to take on the press herself."
Chenoweth, who received a Tony nomination for her work as Glinda in Stephen Schwartz's Wicked, made her New York theatrical debut opposite Bill Irwin in a production of Molière's Scapin and followed that with a role in Kander and Ebb's Steel Pier. Roles in Off-Broadway's A New Brain, the Broadway comedy Epic Proportions and the City Center Encores! productions of Strike Up the Band and On a Clear Day You Can See Forever ensued. Chenoweth won her Tony for her performance as Sally Brown in the Broadway bow of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
The actress-singer also starred in the TV adaptations of "Annie" and "The Music Man" as well as in her own short-lived sitcom, "Kristin." Upcoming film projects include "The Pink Panther," "Bewitched" and the movie musical "Asphalt Beach." Chenoweth's solo albums include "Let Yourself Go" and the forthcoming "Songs I Grew Up On."
"The West Wing" began its new season Oct. 20. The series about the President of the United States and his advisers airs Wednesdays on NBC-TV, 9-10 PM ET. Check local listings.
Posted by Jo at November 6, 2004 08:09 AM