Tony Award-Winner Kristin Chenoweth Sings with Two TJC Students at Tyler Show

Tyler, Texas — Broadway icon Kristin Chenoweth gave two TJC musical theatre majors the thrill of a lifetime on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, when she asked them to join her onstage and sing. The Tony Award-winning star of “Wicked” performed at the UT Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra.

TJC second-year students Jamie Luna and Christiana Carlyle came to see Chenoweth as part of an outing with the College’s Las Mascaras student organization. Chenoweth’s dynamic performance included the song “For Good” from the role she originated on Broadway as Glinda in “Wicked.” Preparing for the duet, Chenoweth asked the audience if anyone knew the song and could sing the other part. Luna and Carlyle stood up to volunteer, among many others. But Chenoweth took notice of the TJC students, asking both to join her. The resulting trio delighted the audience.

“As a musical theatre major, I’m used to being onstage and having eyes on me. But to be up there with an absolute Broadway icon l’ve grown up watching was something else entirely,” said student Christiana Carlyle of Diana. “Just such a liberating and beautiful experience that I’ll never forget!”

Both students said they were surprised — but ready to jump at the chance — when asked by Chenoweth to perform.

“Getting to sing on stage with an amazing orchestra, the lights shining in my eyes, and with an idol who is just so amazing and talented was a dream come true,” said Jamie Luna of Ferris. “Before the show some of our friends joked how amazing it would be if she would pull us up there to sing together. So, you can imagine how in shock we were when it happened.”

Donations from the Elizabeth “Bitsy” Wright Trust and Sharon and James Wynne provided tickets for 300 East Texas students to attend the performance, including many from local arts programs. That support helped ensure a student-filled audience for Chenoweth, giving her a reason to ask for young volunteers who could sing. Derrith Bondurant, who is a member of the President’s Circle at TJC, and a community champion, helped facilitate the experience for students to see Chenoweth.

TJC faculty Julianne Casey, director of choral music, said Luna and Carlyle worked hard for that special, spontaneous moment, and that “both students are quite unique and deserving as TJC musical theatre majors. I’m so proud to be a TJC alumnus and to share my knowledge with our students. Jamie and Christiana fulfilled our teachings during this performance, without a doubt.”

Dr. Juan E. Mejia, TJC president and CEO, and his wife, Meela Mejia, were in the audience. They were greatly impressed by the performance and how the students proudly told Chenoweth they attended TJC. After sharing their delight with the students, the Mejias offered each of the singers a $1,000 scholarship to put toward their continued education.

From classroom instruction to once-in-a-lifetime moments onstage, TJC’s Musical Theatre program prepares students to perform with confidence and learn about careers related to the field. To learn more about the program and the opportunities available to students, visit TJC.edu/MusicalTheatre.

About TJC

Tyler Junior College is a comprehensive public community college located in East Texas. It was founded in 1926 and is celebrating its 100^thanniversary, offering a wide range of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training. TJC offers more than 140 programs of study in areas including arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology and trades, and it helps both traditional students and adult learners.

TJC serves almost 23,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with more than 19,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC strives to provide an outstanding educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.

Throughout its 145-acre central campus and multiple sites, TJC features rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, stellar fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, along with organizations and clubs that promote student engagement and diversity.

For more information visit: TJC.edu.