Have you investigated the careers of the women who have preceded Chenoweth in being a major force in musical theater performance?
Gwen Verdon? Barbara Cooke? Helen Gallagher? Alison Fraser? Nanette Fabray? My favorite is probably Susan Johnson. Pearl Bailey is amazing, too.
You seem to respond more to performers than writers. I am more driven by writers. You should consider investigating these original cast recordings, and reading about the shows as you go:
Gwen Verdon - Sweet Charity, New Girl in Town (a true star that few can compare to)
Barbara Cooke - Candide, She Loves Me (shows her amazing range)
Helen Gallagher - Hazel Flagg (Gallagher struggled to become a full-fledged star, but she was a hard worker and had a featured role in Sweet Charity)
Alison Fraser - Romance/Romance, March of the Falsettos (wonderful comedienne and actress with a distinct voice)
Nanette Fabray - Make A Wish (I wish more of her performances were recorded)
Susan Johnson - The Most Happy Fella, Oh Captain! (an unparalleled belter who deserved to break through, but never quite did)
Pearl Bailey - House of Flowers, St. Louis Woman (Two beautiful recordings with amazing star quality from Bailey!)
Extra credit: Priscilla Gillette - Out of This World, The Golden Apple (an accomplished soprano who figures strong on both of these recordings. The Golden Apple is a musical everyone should know, and can serve as a guide to some of the most impressive performers of the 1950s)
Love to share the love! Best!
With Irma you gotta do something!