Dylan Mulvaney, an acclaimed trans activist and actress, has shared a heartfelt story about how Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth inspired her to pursue a career in musical theatre. Set to make her West End debut later this year, Mulvaney fondly recalls the pivotal role Chenoweth played in her journey as a young artist.
As a preteen, Mulvaney found solace and inspiration in the world of musical theatre, particularly through the iconic soundtrack of Wicked. The music provided a safe haven for her while she navigated her identity and aspirations. Kristin Chenoweth, who portrayed Glinda the Good Witch in the original Broadway cast of Wicked, became a beacon of hope for the young Mulvaney.
Discovering a Safe Space in Theatre
"I would listen to the Wicked cast album on repeat, and Kristin’s performance as Glinda was a revelation to me," Mulvaney shared in an interview with MTV UK’s Queerpiphany. Despite Chenoweth having completed her run as Glinda by the time Mulvaney discovered the soundtrack, her performance left a lasting impression.
At the tender age of 12, Mulvaney mustered the courage to reach out to her idol. "I was a huge fan and I started writing her letters. I even asked her to coffee," Mulvaney recounted. To her surprise and delight, she received a response—an email that would change her life.
An Unforgettable Encounter
The email Mulvaney received was beyond her wildest dreams. It read: "Kristin has never received a better letter in her life. She can't meet you for coffee, but she’d love to invite you backstage at Promises, Promises." This invitation marked a pivotal moment in Mulvaney’s life.
Mulvaney had the chance to see Chenoweth perform live and meet her backstage. During their encounter, Chenoweth offered words of encouragement that would resonate with Mulvaney for years to come. "She told me, ‘You’re going to sing with me one day and you’re going to do this with your life. I can already see it,’" Mulvaney recalled. "Her words were like a blessing, urging me to pursue musical theatre passionately."
This interaction not only bolstered Mulvaney’s confidence but also provided guidance in her journey of self-discovery, faith, and coming out as trans. Chenoweth’s influence was profound, as Mulvaney explained, "Even when I was struggling with my identity and navigating my adolescence, theatre and the inspiration from Kristin always brought me back to my true self."
Faith and Identity: Embracing Both
Mulvaney also reflected on the unique relationship Chenoweth has with faith and the LGBTQ+ community. "Kristin has a special connection with a higher power. She loves queer people and embraces her faith, which was incredibly inspiring to me," Mulvaney noted. Raised in a religious environment, she found hope in Chenoweth's example that one could embrace both their faith and their identity.
"For me, Kristin was the embodiment of the message that being queer and being loved by a higher power are not mutually exclusive," Mulvaney said. "She gave me the courage to believe that I too could be loved for who I am."
Mulvaney’s journey from a starry-eyed young fan to a successful actress making her West End debut is a testament to the power of mentorship and representation in the arts. Her story is a beautiful example of how the arts can be a refuge and a catalyst for personal growth and acceptance.
The full episode of Dylan Mulvaney’s inspirational journey, including her tribute to Kristin Chenoweth, is available on MTV UK’s YouTube channel, offering viewers a deeper insight into her life and career.
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