Idina Menzel is making waves on Broadway again, this time with the breathtaking new musical "Redwood" currently playing at the Nederlander Theatre. Not only is this show significant as Menzel's return to the Broadway stage, but it also serves as a testimony to her extraordinary career, filled with successes, struggles, and iconic performances.
"Redwood," which is directed and written by Tina Landau, tells the story of a workaholic mother who escapes to the immense redwood forest and finds transformative experiences among the towering trees. The show draws inspiration from Julia Butterfly Hill, who famously spent two years atop a 1,000-year-old redwood tree to prevent its destruction. Menzel described her preparation for the role as unconventional, stating, "I don't know what I'm doing!" in reference to her dancing practice at Bandaloop Studios where she learned to dance suspended from ropes.
The themes of the show resonate deeply with Menzel, intertwining notions of support and resilience, as echoed by Landau's observation: "Their roots only go five or six feet deep but intertwine with other trees to support each other." This metaphor reflects not only the natural environment but also Menzel's personal and professional life.
Returning to the Nederlander Theatre feels like coming full circle for Menzel, as it is the same venue where she debuted as Maureen in the groundbreaking 1996 musical "Rent". Menzel shared, "Yeah, it's like a homecoming for me. It's full circle. It's very emotional for me." The recognition she received from her role in "Rent"—which garnered her initial acclaim and even a Tony nomination—propelled her to pursue her passions relentlessly, even when challenges arose.
After her debut, Menzel was poised for stardom. She signed a record deal to create her own album but faced difficulties when it failed to sell. "I got dropped from the label, and by then, my whole kind of momentum had dissipated," she recalled. It was not until her defining role as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the Broadway mega-hit "Wicked" where her career truly soared again.
Reflecting on her time as Elphaba, Menzel said, "Green ears for the rest of my life!" indicating the lasting impact the role has had on her career and identity. The success of "Wicked" allowed her to solidify her position as one of Broadway's leading ladies and brought her even greater fame when she voiced Elsa, the ice princess from Disney's "Frozen." Menzel has been quoted saying, "I still enjoy singing the hit song 'Let It Go', so maybe they think I'm lying when I say I don’t get sick of it—I really don’t!" This shows how her work has created enduring connections with fans worldwide.
Interestingly, the composition for "Redwood" is penned by newcomer Kate Diaz, making her Broadway debut, which Menzel embraced. Diaz said, "What an incredible voice to write for!" This collaboration signifies Menzel's commitment to supporting upcoming talent and introducing fresh perspectives to the Broadway scene.
Menzel has continuously demonstrated resilience throughout her career, from her initial struggles to her triumphant returns to stage. At 53 years old, she stands as a beacon of determination, adapting to the ebbs and flows of show business. "Those magical moments can be fleeting. It can be a struggle," she mentioned during her appearance on "CBS Sundays." These sentiments resonate with many performers who navigate the unpredictable nature of the arts.
Enriching her musical repertoire, Menzel emphasizes the importance of new musicals and original roles. “I pride myself on creating original roles and promoting young composers,” she said, reinforcing her desire to keep Broadway fresh and innovative.
Looking back at her remarkable career, it’s hard to deny the impact Menzel has made on the world of theatre. A Tony Award winner known for her versatility across various forms of art, she has firmly placed herself among the greats. From acting to music, she has left her mark on Broadway through monumental performances, persistence, and yes, some phenomenal songs.
Idina Menzel’s commitment to her craft is palpable, as is her appreciation for the community within the theatre. "Thanks to the redwoods for teaching us about resilience, patience, and nature’s ability to help us heal," she stated, summarizing both the message of her new show and her own life's work. Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to take part in watching Menzel's latest triumph as she graces Broadway once more, embodying the spirit of creativity and the power of connection—all under the towering, supporting branches of the redwood forest.