Kristin Chenoweth

Chenoweth and Sean Hayes during a rehearsal. Chenoweth made her made mark in theater with comic portrayals, but in “Promises, Promises” she portrays a woman who has an affair with her married boss, then slides into depression and attempts suicide.  (Jennifer S. Altman / For The Times)

Director Rob Ashford, left, works with Chenoweth and Hayes. “I think the role ... for me is probably closer to home than I’d like to admit,” Chenoweth says.  (Jennifer S. Altman / For The Times)

Chenoweth, in rehearsal, was apprehensive about accepting the role. “I told them, very honestly, that I’m scared,” she says. “I’m very open about insecurities with people I trust. And people just expect me to do comedy, comedy, comedy.”  (Jennifer S. Altman / For The Times)

Kristin Chenoweth’s celebrity skyrocketed when she played Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked.”  (Kathy Willens / Associated Press)