Category: News

Idina Menzel Performs Redwood’s ‘Great Escape’

Idina Menzel Performs Redwood’s ‘Great Escape’

Posted on by Heather

 
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.

On Thanksgiving, Idina performed part of the newest version of “Great Escape” at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. As with any show in development, changes are happening all the time. I listen to the live version from the La Jolla production all the time and while most changes are subtle, the biggest change is the way she ends the song. I really like the new ending and I’m excited to see all the tweaks and changes on stage. You can listen to the new version in full here. Before getting on her float, Idina spoke with Al Roker about REDWOOD and appearing in the WICKED movie. If you haven’t already done so, get your tickets to see Idina in REDWOOD here.

You can watch a “making of” video here. This is not to be missed! The video includes footage of Idina at the top of a real redwood:

 
Finally, a new commercial:

 

How WICKED’s Special Cameos Came Together

Posted on by Heather

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:

Continue reading “How WICKED’s Special Cameos Came Together”

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. 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!

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!

 

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!

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