Idina Menzel is returning to her Broadway roots with the highly anticipated new musical Redwood, taking the stage at the Nederlander Theatre nearly thirty years after she made her debut there with the groundbreaking musical Rent. The show, which is currently in previews and opens officially on February 13, 2025, showcases Menzel not only as the lead actress but also as a co-creator of the production.
Set against the backdrop of the towering California redwoods, Redwood centers around the character Jesse, portrayed by Menzel. According to the synopsis, Jesse's life is turned upside down by a seismic event, leading her on a poignant quest for meaning and personal transformation within the magnificent forest. Menzel describes this return to the Nederlander Theatre as "very emotional, like a homecoming," reflecting on her past performances, especially her debut role as Maureen Johnson in Rent, which earned her acclaim and nominations for prestigious awards.
"Honestly, it’s been very emotional, like a homecoming," Menzel said during her discussions with The New York Times, where she elaborated on the nostalgia of performing at the venue. This new role embodies her growth as both an actress and as a storyteller. After her breakout role, Menzel has captivated audiences with performances ranging from Wicked, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress, to various film and television roles, including her noted portrayal of Elsa in Disney's Frozen.
The creative vision of Redwood is crafted from Menzel’s collaboration with celebrated director and co-writer Tina Landau. Known for her innovative staging approaches seen previously in productions like SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, Landau's influence is evident through the show's unique incorporation of music, dance, and deeply personal storytelling. Alongside Menzel, the cast includes De’Adre Aziza, Michael Park, Zachary Noah Piser, and Khaila Wilcoxon, among others, showcasing both seasoned performers and rising stars.
Musically, Redwood features songs by Kate Diaz, along with lyrics assisted by Landau. Notably, the show introduces avant-garde elements including vertical choreography by Melecio Estrella and the performance group BANDALOOP, renowned for their boundary-pushing aerial dance techniques. This integration signals the potential for dynamic and visually exhilarating stage moments, metaphorically linking the heights of redwood trees with the emotional arcs of the characters.
Fans were treated to previews of Menzel's hauntingly beautiful song "In the Leaves" during her recent appearance on the Today Show, captivating viewers with its blend of folk and pop influences. The song encapsulates Jesse’s introspective state, with themes of renewal threading through the lyrics, much like the turning of leaves and the cyclical nature of life. The track is poised to become one of the standout features of the musical, showcasing Menzel’s vocal prowess alongside fresh material.
"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," Menzel expressed, emphasizing the pride she feels as she steps back onto the stage as both performer and co-creator of Redwood. With its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse earlier this year, the musical received positive audience feedback, showcasing its emotional resonance and innovative narrative structure.
Despite the challenges posed by the current Broadway climate, Redwood embodies the growing trend and appetite for original musicals. Menzel’s commitment to developing new stories resonates with audiences, as the industry seeks fresh narratives beyond adaptations of established works. By combining rich storytelling with whimsical staging and evocative music, Redwood offers audiences not just entertainment, but also moments of reflection and connection.
Beyond the story, the spirit of the production promises to reconnect audiences with their own life journeys and emotional milestones, much like the characters it portrays. With its official opening fast approaching, the anticipation for Redwood is building, drawing interest from not only Menzel’s dedicated fanbase but also from theatergoers eager for original theatrical experiences.
Idina Menzel’s return to Broadway is not merely the revival of her illustrious career; it is also the beginning of another chapter, where she hopes to pave the way for contemporary storytelling and complex characters, especially for women as they age gracefully on stage. With the combination of personal narrative, stunning visuals, and powerful music, Redwood is set to embody the essence of what makes theater a transformative art form.
The countdown to February 13 is on, and as excitement swells around the Nederlander Theatre, you can bet this isn’t just another musical—Redwood promises to be the heartfelt and innovative show Broadway has been waiting for.