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PrintNonfiction artistic influences
Newly released books that recognize a few Oklahomans (and honorary Oklahomans) to admire.
Who influenced you? A common profile question. Here are threenonfiction books about Oklahomans who influenced thousands. One may beyour hero.
Kristin Chenoweth, with the help of writer Joni Rodgers,offers an autobiography about how she made it on Broadway. “KristenChenoweth: A Little Bit Wicked. Life, Love, and Faith in Stages” (Simon& Schuster, 2009, $25) should encourage any aspiring actor/singer.
Chenowethgrew up in Broken Arrow, singing at Baptist conventions in front ofhundreds as easily as you and I sing in the shower. Oklahoma CityUniversity and the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia grounded herway to stardom. Once headed for the opera, Chenoweth auditioned in NewYork on a whim and got a musical role. She soon earned a role as Sallyin “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” which earned Chenoweth a TonyAward. Then came “Wicked,” in which she originated the Galinda role. Inbetween, she has acted in many award-winning parts on television and inmovies.
“The Garth Factor: The Career Behind Country’sBig Boom” (Center Street, 2009, $24.99) is a road map for countrysinger wannabes. His biography by Patsi Bale Cox describes howBrooks changed the Nashville music business. You, too, can reach forstardom and shine as bright. Brooks came from humble Oklahomabeginnings and, in full circle, has closed the Grand Ole Opry door andsettled in his home state. In 10 years, Brooks went from being anunknown to the top-selling solo artist in history with 128 millionalbums sold. He retired in 1999, at his professional zenith, to be aconstant in his three daughters’ lives. Sure, the book has someglitterati gossip, but more important is what you can learn about acountry music career.
Of the three books noted in thispiece, “Roman Jasinski: A Gypsy Prince from the Ballet Russe” (TulsaBallet, 2008, $24.95) is by far the best written. Writers Cheryl Forrest and Georgia Snoke were personal and professional colleagues of Jasinski. Both trained as dancers and continue to perform cameo roles.
Thisbook is a must-read for ballet dancers on the way up or down. Anyreader will enjoy this fascinating story of a dedicated artist fromWarsaw who spent his early professional days vagabonding around Europe,dancing in hardship surroundings avoiding Nazi censorship.
In 1956, Janinski and his wife, Moscelyne Larkin, created the Tulsa Ballet, now acclaimed as one of our nation’s best. He died in 1991.
These three individuals exemplify bravery, each in their own way. They all overcame the odds and won. Read, dream and triumph.
