Idina Menzel Honored with National Medal of Arts at White House!

Posted on by Heather

Idina Menzel was one of the recipients of the 2022 National Medal of Arts at the White House yesterday! The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists by the federal government. It is awarded by the president of the United States to individuals or groups who are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support, and availability of the arts in the United States.

The medals were awarded in a private ceremony inside the Oval Office but there was a public reception with remarks by President Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, National Endowment for the Arts Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, and National Endowment for the Humanities Chair Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). The reception streamed live & you can watch it below. You can’t really see Idina but there was a moment when the recipients stood for acknowledgement and you can see that here.

I particularly loved this part of President Biden’s speech:

“Just let me say this – you have broken barriers, you’ve blazed new trails, you have redefined culture. You’re the truth-tellers, the bridge builders, the change seekers, and above all, you’re the masters of your craft. You have made us a better America for all you’ve done. […] Bringing new characters to life to influence who we all can be, you also help us find meaning and purpose in the ordinary, as well as the extraordinary, providing hope, wisdom and laughter when we need it and we need a way forward.”

It’s so true and a great reflection on the impact Idina and her fellow honorees have had on the world. Idina has had such a huge impact on me and if you’re here, I know you feel the same way. Congratulations, Idina on this well-deserved honor!

Reception remarks:

Defying Gravity Charts in The UK!

Posted on by Heather

With the release of the indie exclusive Elphaba-shaped picture disc 12” vinyl single on September 6, “Defying Gravity” by Idina Menzel & Kristin Chenoweth charted on the UK music charts this week!  It debuted at #3 on the Official Vinyl Singles chart and #4 on the Official Physical Singles chart. It also reappeared on the Official Singles Sales chart at #86, a new peak.

Obviously, Wicked premiered over 20 years ago, so that’s quite an accomplishment! Congratulations, Idina!

 

Take Me or Leave Me Tour Recap!

Posted on by Heather

After performing in 21 cities in 1 month, Idina Menzel’s TAKE ME OR LEAVE ME tour wrapped up on in Greensboro, NC on Sunday!

On Tuesday, Idina posted on social media:

I’m having withdrawal already. This is an extraordinary group of people. I’m so proud of this show and hope to revisit it. I love you, band and crew! #TMOLMTour

I’m excited that she would like to revisit it! It was definitely my favorite show she’s done and I absolutely loved the show’s arc. She started the show in a very elaborate costume and slowly removed layers, her hair extensions, makeup and even her lashes until we were Brave[ly] left with the real Idina and her Heart on [Her] Sleeve. Take her or leave her!

I’ve added lots of photos to the gallery and you can see them all here. If you have some great pics and would like to share them, please email me at heather[at]idina-here.com. Here’s a sample of some of the great images that have been added so far:

If you didn’t get a chance to buy tour merch, you can still shop on Idina’s website! They are also selling the tee that the band and crew are wearing in the photo Idina shared above.

Next up is REDWOOD! Idina will be working on it in the coming months before previews start at the Nederlander Theatre in NYC on January 24. Tickets are on sale now.

Setlist

Continue reading “Take Me or Leave Me Tour Recap!”

Idina Menzel’s Redwood Heads to Broadway January 2025!

Posted on by Heather

Idina Menzel will officially return to Broadway in January 2025! Redwood will begin previews at the Nederlander Theatre on January 24, 2025 and will officially open on February 13! As you may know, the Nederlander is the former home of Rent!

“I made my Broadway debut at the Nederlander Theatre in RENT almost thirty years ago, so to be returning there with Redwood is very emotional for me as it feels like a real homecoming. It has been such a gift to collaborate with Tina and Kate on this show, and I’m so proud to bring it to Broadway.” – Idina Menzel

I’ve mentioned it a lot but in case you don’t already know, Redwood is “a transportive new musical about one woman’s journey into the precious and precarious world of the redwoods. Jesse (Menzel) seems to have it all — a successful career and devoted family — until a life altering event drives her far from everyone and everything she knows. When she finds herself at the foot of the redwoods in Northern California, a chance encounter and a leap of faith will change her life forever. Redwood explores the lengths — and heights — one travels to find strength, resilience and healing.”

The Redwood creative team for Broadway was also announced today, and includes Haley Bennett (Music Director), Jason Ardizzone-West (Scenic Designer), Toni-Leslie James (Costume Designer), Scott Zielinski (Lighting Designer), Jonathan Deans (Sound Designer), Hana S. Kim (Media Designer) and Melecio Estrella/BANDALOOP (Vertical Movement & Vertical Choreography). Additional cast for the Broadway production of Redwood will be announced at a later date.

Beginning tomorrow (July 17) at 10 am ET, Audience Rewards members and fans who have signed up for early access via the show’s official website at RedwoodMusical.com will be able to purchase pre-sale tickets (starting at $79.00), through July 19, 2024 at 9:59 am ET. Tickets will go on sale to the general public via Broadway Direct on July 19, 2024 at 10 am ET.

The performance schedule for Redwood previews (January 24 – February 12, 2025) is as follows: Tuesdays – Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm & 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Beginning February 14, 2025, the performance schedule will shift as follows: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 7 pm, Wednesdays at 2 pm & 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm & 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.

One additional tidbit is that Loudmouth Media, a company founded by Idina, is listed as a producer. Per the press release, Loudmouth Media “seeks to amplify stories of empowerment, compassion, and acceptance through traditional and innovative storytelling mediums. Working alongside Head of Development, Stephanie Newman-Smith and Oscar-nominated producer, Caroline Kaplan, Loudmouth develops and produces content across all genres and formats by visionary creators with the message of embracing your power and accepting one’s true self.” Sounds right up Idina’s alley, yeah?

Finally, if you’re seeing Idina on tour, you’ll get to hear songs from the show!

Idina Menzel & James Marsden’s ‘Enchanted’ Song Leaks!

Idina Menzel & James Marsden’s ‘Enchanted’ Song Leaks!

Posted on by Heather

 
Good things come to those who wait! It’s taken almost 17 years but Idina Menzel and James Marsden’s duet from the 2007 film Enchanted has leaked!

We all know Idina famously didn’t sing in the film and she’s always said that when she was hired, Nancy wasn’t supposed to sing. Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz, the film’s composer & lyricist, did ultimately write a song for Nancy and Prince Edward called “Enchanted” but it was cut from the film due to pacing. Later, Alan Menken revealed that it would be included on the DVD but that didn’t happen. Idina confirmed that they filmed the scene while promoting the sequel, Disenchanted.

The video above is a reconstruction of the scene. Enjoy!

UPDATE
Here’s the deleted scene!

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