REDWOOD starring Idina Menzel begins previews at the Nederlander Theatre in NYC in less than 8 weeks! Promo is starting to ramp up & Idina & the REDWOOD team have been hard at work behind the scenes, so I figured it was a good time to recap! Idina appeared on Morning Joe to talk about the show on Wednesday. You can watch that interview on her Instagram.
Many years we have waited for…a WICKED movie! WICKED was officially released in theaters on November 22, more than 21 years after the Broadway musical opened at the Gershwin Theatre. As we all know, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have stepped into the shoes of Elphaba and Glinda but I know I wasn’t alone in hoping for a cameo from our original leading ladies.
So, do Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth have a cameo? The answer is:
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. Idina’s medal was presented with the following citation:
For magical songs that lift our spirits and stir our souls. From Broadway stages to movie screens, Idina Menzel’s powerful voice has sold out shows, topped Billboard charts, and above all, empowered millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds to be strong, use their voice, and lead with their hearts.
Beautiful, right?! Here’s what Idina had to say about the honor:
“This is such an incredible honor. I started my singing and acting career when I was a young girl in the hope of being able to entertain people but never in my wildest dreams did I think that it would one day take me to the White House to be recognized by the President of the United States. This is such a special moment for me in my career and I’m humbled that they’re awarding me with this medal.”
After the private ceremony 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 posted a few clips on Instagram, as well.
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!
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!
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.
