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.
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!
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.
Idina Menzel is heading back to Broadway early next year in her brand new musical, REDWOOD! The show is a “transportive new musical about one woman’s journey into the precious and precarious world of the redwood forest”. As we know, the show is extra special because Idina co-conceived it alongside writer & director Tina Landau and she’s credited with “additional contributions”.
“I’m so thrilled to be returning to Broadway, and the fact that I get to do it with Redwood, a musical that means so much to me, makes it even more special. This show has lived in my bones for fifteen years, from the very first time Tina and I discussed working together. Finally getting to do it on Broadway is really a dream come true.” – Idina Menzel
The score features music by Kate Diaz and lyrics by Tina & Kate. Per the New York Times, the production will be produced by Eva Price (“& Juliet”), Caroline Kaplan, a film producer, and Loudmouth Media (a company founded by Idina) and is being capitalized for up to $16 million.
A theater and additional casting have not been announced yet, so stay tuned. You can sign up for ticket notifications at RedwoodMusical.com.
I was lucky enough to see the sold out run in La Jolla, CA and I’m so excited to see it on Broadway! Also, if you’re seeing Idina on tour this Summer, she said she will be singing songs from the show!
‘Let It Go’ has been certified Diamond (10,000,000 units in the US) by RIAA! Idina Menzel was presented with the certification on American Idol Sunday night! Congratulations, Idina!! What an accomplishment!
Idina’s other RIAA certifications are:
For The First Time In Forever (Frozen) – 3x Platinum
For The First Time In Forever Reprise (Frozen) – Platinum
That Time of Year (Olaf’s Frozen Adventure) – Gold
Into The Unknown (Frozen II) – 3x Platinum
Show Yourself (Frozen II) – 2x Platinum
Some Things Never Change (Frozen II) – Platinum
Holiday Wishes – Gold
Gold certification represents 500,000 units and Platinum represents 1,000,000 units. For certification purposes, digital downloads count as 1 unit and 150 on-demand audio and/or video streams count as 1 unit.
