‘Emotional Like a Homecoming’: Idina Menzel Returns to Broadway With New Musical on Same Stage She Made Her Debut 30 Years Ago

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Idina Menzel emotionally comes back to her original stage with the recently premiered Broadway production “Redwood” at Nederlander Theater in NYC, where she first appeared on musical stage almost 30 years ago during “Rent”. In this play, Menzel portrays Jesse, a high-achieving individual who experiences significant life alterations following a significant incident.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve found myself on an unexpected journey after a life-altering event forced me to distance myself from my familiar surroundings. My wanderings led me to the majestic California redwoods, where I crossed paths with something extraordinary that would forever redefine my existence.

In an interview with The New York Times, Menzel shared that revisiting the venue after almost three decades was a deeply emotional experience, akin to coming home. She explained that reconnecting with her past sparked feelings of reflection about her personal life and professional journey.

The first time the actress appeared on Broadway was in the 1996 rock musical “Rent,” written by Jonathan Larson, for which she received a nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Musical at the Tony Awards. This marked the beginning of Menzel’s successful career in theater, opening up numerous chances for her in stage productions.

Following her tenure with Rent, she went on to act in musical productions such as The Wild Party and Aida. She then originated the role of Elphaba in the initial Broadway run of Wicked. Her portrayal of the green-skinned, strong-willed, and powerful witch in Wicked garnered her the 2004 Tony Award for Outstanding Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.

In addition to her outstanding performances in stage plays, Menzel has also excelled in various film adaptations of musicals. Notably, she starred in the Fox musical-comedy series Glee, the family musical movie Enchanted, and is most recognized for voicing Elsa in Disney’s animated musical Frozen and its sequels.

She played her Rent character again for the 2005 musical version, but the Tony Award winner has expressed a deeper affection for live theater. “The stage will always embrace me,” she shared with The New York Times. Menzel stated that actresses in their later years often receive more substantial roles in stage productions, and the emphasis is more on an actor’s talent rather than their appearance.

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2025-01-28 22:37