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Kendar Kassebaum has performed the role of Glinda on Broadway and throughout North American. In fact, she has performed the role more than any other actress since the show’s inception. Kendra received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for her portrayal of Glinda in the North American Tour of Wicked. Recently, she appeared in the film "Love and Other Impossible Pursuits" directed by Don Roos opposite Natalie Portman and Lisa Kudrow, and starred off-Broadway in The Receptionist at Manhattan Theatre Club. Kendra created the role of Sam in the workshop production of Leap of Faith directed by Taylor Hackford. On Broadway, she appeared in the Tony Award-winning production of Assassins directed by Joe Mantello and Rent. Tours include A Chorus Line and Grease. Recordings include the Grammy-nominated cast album of Assassins. Kendra is a native of St. Louis and earned a B.F.A. in Performance from Southwest Missouri State University.
 What was the casting process like for you for the role of Glinda? Fun! I remember it being very playful. Wayne Cilento, the choreographer, injected such an excitement about this new project in the room. The dance call is what stands out. Drums. Playing with different shapes and movements on your body. Feeling like you could make no mistakes. When you left this particular audition you were hungry to be a part of what was about to happen. What have you found to be the most challenging aspect of the role? And, the most enjoyable? I've been with the Wicked family for a good amount of time and this experience has been one big classroom for me. I'm learning so much as an actor and about myself. That never stops! How lucky am I?
Do you have a specific warm-up routine? Whether in New York or San Francisco....walking to work clears my mind. I'm an early bird at the theater and warm up in my dressing room. Nothing fancy, just to check in with myself.
 How long does it take to get into hair and makeup to be transformed into Glinda? Mark Hoyer who is our wig supervisor here (brilliant), pin curls my hair as a prep for my wig while I put on my make up. After some good laughs and chats I'm pretty much Galindified in 30 minutes. Besides Wicked, what are your top five favorite musicals and why? Jesus Christ Superstar: I grew up with that amazing brown album. The Who's Tommy: The first Broadway show I have ever seen. Assassins: My first working encounter with Stephen Sondheim. Rent: My first Broadway contract! Measure your life in LOVE!!!! Next to Normal: No words. Just see it.
What is the first role your ever performed? Leader Of the Pack in High School. Packed gym with family and friends. I did not have any lines, rather ONE word.....get ready, "Nope!" That was it! I had a blast! What advice would you give young aspiring musical performers?
Love yourself. Know the business. Tell the story. Have fun!!!
 When you have down time, what are your guilty pleasures? I go into a trance when I watch HGTV. I love bookstores and buying books. Reading them......well, I'm working on that. I love flower arranging. Okay. Here we go......QVC! Again...a trance thing happens.
What are your enjoying the most about San Francisco?
The people.The different vibes from one neighborhood to the next. Hopping in a car and going on an magical day trip. The shopping and designers here are incrediblly talented!
What do you think is important, culturally, about live performance?
The human spirit is shared.
For more about Wicked, click here.
Show photos: Joan Marcus
Head shot courtesy of Kendra Kassebaum
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