Kristin Chenoweth took the stage at the sold out Performing Arts Center April 25, sparkling from her platinum blonde hair and rhinestone dress, all the way down to her bedazzled high heels.

Chenoweth’s Emmy and Tony Award winning performance, “An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth,” was the final installment of this school year’s Woodbine Productions concerts. Woodbine Productions is made possible by an anonymous benefactor, who pays for all concert expenses, which allows all profits to go toward scholarships for South Dakota State music students.

Chenoweth’s opening song, “Should I Be Sweet?” showcased her vocal range and introduced her personality through the lyrics “peppy,” “sweet,” “sex appeal” and “charm.”

With a flirty demeanor, Chenoweth told stories about herself in her nasally Oklahoma drawl. She shared that, although this is her first time in South Dakota, she already felt as if they’re “my kind of people.”

Chenoweth said she couldn’t wait for the show to be over, so she could eat SDSU ice cream. 

“I’ve got three words for you: cookies and cream,” Chenoweth said. 

Chenoweth expressed multiple times how excited she was about Brookings and SDSU devoting $50 million to the PAC expansion, which is currently underway. 

“It is terrific for our students to have the opportunity to share the stage with such a great role model and a great musician,” said David Reynolds, head of the Department of Music. 

The concert’s pieces ranged from comedic songs, such as “Taylor the Latte Boy” to songs representing her Christian values. Chenoweth sang “Popular,” from her original role in the Broadway show “Wicked,” which she dedicated to Mariah Carey’s New Year’s Eve performance meltdown.

Eight members of the SDSU Concert Choir joined Chenoweth onstage for her final two songs as a supporting chorus.

Freshman music education major Braden Paulsen described the octet’s role as a “gospel choir.”

Junior music education major Miranda Mack said she was nervous to perform with a celebrity, but Chenoweth’s “warm” demeanor eased her nerves. Mack described the experience as “unforgettable.”

Chenoweth gave her appreciation back to the students.

“They [the students] say, ‘You inspire us,’ but they inspire me,” Chenoweth said.

Chenoweth’s show ended with an encore of “Smile” by Nat King Cole and a standing ovation.

“This night has filled me up in a way that you cannot imagine,” Chenoweth said. “Thank you.”