Archive of letters from Idina’s official website, IdinaMenzel.com. I’m also including her autobiography that was featured on the site. Everything is preserved as it was written/appeared on the site. An attempt was made to include photos when available!
Autobiography
I was born in New York City to Stuart and Helene Mentzel (no that’s not a spelling mistake). I took out the t because everyone always pronounces it wrong. Now it’s like Menzelle – like French, but not.
We moved from Queens to New Jersey but by the 2nd grade we settled in Woodbury, Long Island, where I lived until I went to NYU. I always knew I wanted to sing. I was 5 and in summer camp where we were singing “Cat’s in the Cradle” and I was somehow harmonizing by accident; all of the counselors made a big deal. Later I brought down the house in this talent show where I performed “The Way We Were” with the biggest Long Island accent you’ve ever heard (I’m still made fun of today for that). Coincidentally, in the 5th grade I was Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” and Mabel in “The Pirates of Penzance” – the latter was pretty challenging for elementary school. I went to a voice teacher when I was 8 and I sang some songs from “Annie” and she said I was screaming so much that she didn’t want me to hurt myself, so she took me on.
By the time I got to Syosset High School, I was cast as 60-year old nettie in “Carousel”; our director felt that my voice sounded the most mature. At that time, I was studying classically with Mr. Arnold but found myself wanting to listen to and imitate R&B singers: Aretha, Chaka Kahn, Etta James and the list goes on.
Instead of working at the local delicatessen, I auditioned for a wedding band, lied about my age and got hired as the lead singer. I had to buy a black cocktail dress and learn everything from jazz to rock to motown. I started writing my own songs and when I got to NYU, I focused less on class and more on trying to get a record deal and keep my own band together which isn’t a very easy thing to do when you have very little money and no name. Then on a whim, I auditioned for a show called “Rent” which I thought would fit perfectly into my calendar being that January and February are slow months for weddings. But that year, December 1995 New Year’s Eve was my final wedding gig at the Four Seasons in Philly.
“Rent” went to Broadway and I had a new, wonderful family. The show allowed me the opportunity to record my own album and tour with it. I played at Lillith Fair, started working on a second album, got dropped by my record label, cried a lot and then went right back to the theater where I have always felt so comfortable. I was in a fabulous show called “The Wild Party,” by Andrew Lippa and got to be on stage with my (now) husband whom, as some of you may know, I met in “Rent.”
Since then I ‘ve been trying to go wherever the water is warm; whether it be music or theater or film, I’m just trying to do what I love. One day I heard about a new musical based on the book “Wicked”, so I put on green lipstick and smokey black eye shadow and went to audition for the green girl. I got the project and I’ve been working on it ever since (almost 3 years). And now I ‘m living in one of the sweetest times of my life. Just the sweetest.
Thanks for caring. xoxo, Idina.
December 2003, Appeared on IdinaMenzel.com
Early 2004, Appeared on IdinaMenzel.com
Late 2004, Appeared on IdinaMenzel.com
Q&A
Why did you audition for Wicked?
I needed a job. I was very nervous because I didn’t know if they would see me in the role. At the audition, I messed up one of the notes in one of the songs, I don’t remember which one and I cursed in front of all the people at the table. I was humiliated and I went home and cried. I’d never felt so unprofessional. Apparently it didn’t matter.
What got you interested in the role of “Elphaba?”
I had heard some of the music and read the novel and I felt very connected with the character. I really felt I could bring something unique to her. Also, knowing that Stephen (Schwartz) and Joe (Mantello) were involved, I just couldn’t go wrong. Even if the show were to close in a week, it would still be an amazing experience to get to work with such great teachers.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Rocky Road!
What do you do to get ready for the show?
I go to yoga class all the time because it truly helps me relax. I also sit in a chair in my steamy shower with the water very hot (pointing away from me) and I sing along to my vocal exercises. Even on a two-show day, I have to warm up with the steam. And I can never nap between shows because my voice falls asleep so easily and I can’t wake it back up in time.
What’s some advice you can give someone pursuing a career in the theatre?
Be yourself. I know that sounds cliche, but we all have seriously quirky things about us that may make us feel like an outsider or different, but those are the things to really celebrate. They’re what make us unique.
2005
2006
