Idina Menzel Reaches New Heights — and Defies Gravity — in Touching Broadway MusicalRedwood

Mar. 15, 2025

Idina Menzel in ‘Redwood’.Photo:Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

After nearly 30 years of dominating Broadway, thenew musicalRedwood, somehow, showsIdina Menzelat her best.

The Tony Award-winning actress is known for bringing her powerhouse mezzo-soprano vocals and commanding stage presence to the forefront of every role she plays — including Elphaba inWickedand Maureen Johnson inRent, two iconic stage characters she originated. But she reaches new heights inRedwood, leading the powerful piece as Jesse, an emotionally complex, grief-stricken and often misguided mother who flees to the forest in a desperate move for solace after the death of her son.

It’s a character unlike anything Menzel has played before, and one that calls upon her strengths as an actress and singer. She co-conceived the musical with Tina Landau, who also served as its book writer, lyricist and director. Kate Diaz, a newcomer, wrote the music.

Idina Menzel waves to Broadway audiences on opening night of ‘Redwood’ the musical.Alyssa Greenberg/WWD via Getty

Alyssa Greenberg/WWD via Getty

All received rapturous standing ovations on Thursday, Feb. 13, when the musical opened at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City after a run last spring at La Jolla Playhouse.

Among the stars in the crowd, Menzel’sUncut GemsandYou Are So Not Invited to My Bar MitzvahcostarAdam Sandler, as well asAmy Poehler,Gayle King,Ingrid Michaelson,Patrick Wilsonand others.

The special evening also brought out Menzel’s originalRentcostarsAnthony Rapp,Wilson Jermaine HerediaandFredi Walker. They all posed withRentdirector Michael Greif on the red carpet outside the Nederlander,where the rock opera opened 29 years earlier.

Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Fredi Walker, Anthony Rapp and Michael Greif at the opening night of ‘Redwood’ on Broadway.Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty

Stephanie Augello/Variety via Getty

That musical launched Menzel’s career on Broadway.Redwoodmarks her returns to the boards for the first time since 2015’sIf/Then.

Khaila Wilcoxon, Michael Park, Idina Menzel, Zachary Noah Piser and De’Adre Aziza in ‘Redwood’.Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Amid her first climb, Jesse feels a spiritual connection to nature and is left aching for more, belting out songs of her new revelations and ambitions. Not wanting to leave, she’s torn between her old life and a new one free from trauma.

But as everyone knows, in order to heal from pain, one must go through it — not escape it. As Jesse navigates this new world, she begins to see her son in every young man she meets. And though she’s a master at putting on a mask to disguise her true feelings, Jesse is finally forced to confront her true self and learn to forgive herself for her supposed shortcomings in order to see what lies ahead.

Idina Menzel in ‘Redwood’.Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

For theatergoers who have been through a loss like Jesse’s,Redwoodwill hit at full force.

Menzel — who also provided additional contributions to the piece — effortlessly balances the different sides of her character, building something that feels deeply tangible yet fragile and completely unique. Her portrayal is raw and open, but also steadfast and tight-lipped. She crafts a character that is smart and witty, and someone one can’t help but root for.

Park and Wilcoxon are perfect complements to Menzel. The skilled stars perfectly strike the blend of comedic relief and moving moments of wisdom.

And then there’s Zachary Noah Piser, a veteran ofDear Evan Hansen, WickedandKPOP. As Jesse’s son Spencer, as well as a few walk-on parts, Piser is a standout, delivering a moving performance — particularly in the penultimate musical number as he guides his mother to accept reality.

Zachary Noah Piser and Idina Menzel in ‘Redwood’.Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

But perhaps the most awe-inspiring character inRedwoodare the trees themselves, on display in LED screens that wrap the theater. In the center, an oversized monitor displaying the trunk of one tree — Jesse’s favorite and our star sapling — that rotates 360-degrees and extends beyond the audience sight-line.

Khaila Wilcoxon and Idina Menzel in ‘Redwood’.Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Media

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Media

Much like the tall trees in California,Redwoodis a sight to be seen. Come for Menzel — who is a blazing force — and stay for the incredible ensemble, earwormy score and inventive stage setting.

With emotional themes of burnout and grief, and the strong messages of altruism and mysticism, it’s a show that feels like a great escape of its own.

Tickets forRedwoodare now on sale.

source: people.com