In celebration of my 26th birthday, Aryn took me to see The Apple Tree at Studio 54 last night. Knowing nothing of the original 60’s show, I wasn’t familiar with the story or the music, but I was there pretty much just to see and hear the lovely Kristin Chenoweth. And she was there. And she did sing. Although the songs themselves were decidedly less showy, and perhaps less memorable than something like Wicked, she performed them so flawlessly, and had so much fun with them, that it’s hard to say anything bad about the show. Throughout the night, Chenoweth showcases her versatility by playing three characters, jumping from a chesty vibrato to a piercing nasal voice and everywhere in between.

In addition to her crazy mutant vocal range, she has perfect comedic timing, whether going for something subtle or completely over the top. In the end, the show itself might be a little fluffy and insubstantial, but her performance is so captivating and she is so charasmatic, that everyone from the hip locals (us) to the out-of-towners in sweatpants (directly in front of us) gave her a standing ovation at the end.

My birthday also featured lunch at Swich and dinner at Burgers & Cupcakes. And I think I had oatmeal for breakfast. Overall a good day. The Apple Tree ends its limited engagement next month, so if you’re unable to see it, I recommend that you make it to the next show Kristin Chenoweth is in, whatever it may be. Just don’t wear sweatpants, that’s not cool.