Adorable is OK. And perky can have its moments. But an artist who embodies both always runs the risk of turning in performances just this side of a root canal.
Why, then, was Kristin Chenoweth's concert Sunday at the Greek Theatre such an exquisite experience? She is adorable and perky. And she, herself, has referred to her "Betty Boop" sound.
The answer stems from her extraordinary musicality, commanding stage presence, remarkably pliable voice and irresistible likability. And the actor's skills she brought to every song, transforming each into a miniature one-act play with music.
In the case of a piece such as "The Girl in 14G," Chenoweth provided an auditory view of someone who has an opera singer living a floor above and a scat singer living a floor below. Chenoweth sang the story, inserted operatic arias and brisk scat singing, sometimes switching from one to the other in a single beat, and did it all with superb comedic timing and astonishing musical versatility.
