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Idina Menzel

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BIO

Idina Menzel rose to fame for her role as Maureen in the popular Broadway musical “Rent,” and her career took off when she won a Tony® Award for her role as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in the smash musical “Wicked.” Menzel recently starred as Jodi in the West Coast premiere of Joshua Harmon’s “Skintight”; the show is a follow up to the off-Broadway performance that opened to rave reviews at Roundabout Theatre Company. Additionally, she joins Adam Sandler, Eric Bogosian, Lakeith Stanfield and Judd Hirsch in the Safdie Brothers’ A24 film “Uncut Gems.”



A skillful songwriter, Menzel’s prolific recording career includes multiple cast albums and the solo albums: “Still I Can’t Be Still,” “Here,” “I Stand,” and her latest album, “idina.,” which was released September 2016 by Warner Bros. Records. “idina.“ marks Menzel’s first original studio album since 2008’s “I Stand,” and its first two singles “I See You” and “Queen of Swords” are available everywhere now. The album is produced by Eric Rosse (Tori Amos, Sara Bareilles) and Greg Wells (Katy Perry, OneRepublic). “idina.” is Menzel’s first album since her October 2014 release of “Holiday Wishes,” a Christmas album produced by GRAMMY® Award-winner Walter Afanasieff (Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey). The album was met with rave reviews, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Holiday Albums Chart and gave Menzel a top-10 album on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart. Menzel has received the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award at Billboard’s annual Women in Music event, and recently completed a worldwide tour that included Asia, the U.K. and North America. Menzel also sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIX.

In January 2017, Menzel was seen in Lifetime’s remake of “Beaches,” in which she portrayed CC, the role made famous by Bette Midler. Her other film credits include Disney’s “Enchanted,” opposite Susan Sarandon, Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams; Maureen in Chris Columbus’ film version of “Rent”; and Robert Towne’s “Ask the Dust,” opposite Salma Hayek and Colin Farrell. On television, Menzel appeared in the recurring role of Shelby Corcoran, Rachel’s biological mother, on Fox’s “Glee.”

Menzel was previously seen on Broadway in the original production “If/Then,” for which she earned her third Tony nomination. “If/Then” played at the Richard Rodgers Theatre through March 2015, which was followed by a nationwide tour with Menzel and several cast members. Menzel also appeared as Sheila in the Encores! production of “Hair” and starred as Amneris in Broadway’s “Aida.” In London, she premiered the Broadway hit “Wicked” in the West End and received the Theatregoers Choice Award for best actress in a musical. She also starred in Michael John LaChiusa’s musical “See What I Wanna See,” directed by Ted Sperling at The Public Theater. Other Off-Broadway credits include the pre-Broadway production of “Rent” and “The Vagina Monologues.”

Menzel is consistently lauded for her strong yet emotional live performances. Accompanied by world-renowned symphonies, Menzel has played to sold-out audiences and demonstrated why she is one of the great performers of her time. In March 2012, Menzel released a CD and DVD entitled “Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony,” a live concert with an orchestra led by legendary composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch, filmed at The Royal Conservatory’s Koerner Hall in Toronto, Canada. The concert also aired nationally on PBS stations. Her highly successful international concert tour has also included sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall, and a New Year’s Eve 2012 performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Philanthropy is also important to Menzel, who co-founded the A BroaderWay Foundation in 2010. The organization is dedicated to offering girls from underserved communities an outlet for self-expression and creativity through arts-centered programs. The emphasis is on building self-esteem, developing leadership qualities and striving for personal and social achievement. In 2014, Menzel was recognized as one of Variety magazine’s Power of Women honorees for her work with the organization.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2025
Jesse

[West End]
Original London Production, 2021
Elphaba

[Los Angeles]
Geffen Playhouse West Coast Premiere, 2019
Jodi Isaac

[Off-Broadway]
Roundabout Off-Broadway Premiere, 2018
Jodi Isaac

[US Tour]
First National Tour, 2015
Beth/Elizabeth

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Elizabeth

[West End]
2012
Performer

[Broadway]
Reunion Concert, 2006
Maureen Johnson

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2005
An Actress

The Wife

Kesa

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Elphaba

[San Francisco (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2003
Elphaba

[Broadway]
Actors' Fund Concert, 2002
Fanny Brice

[New York]
Workshop, 2002
Elphaba

[New York]
Reading, 2001
Elphaba

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2001
Sheila

[Chester, CT (Regional)]
World Premiere, 2000
Dorothy

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2000
Amneris [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2000
Kate

Kate

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1999
Performer [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1996
Maureen Johnson

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1996
Maureen Johnson

Maureen Johnson

Writing

Additional Contributions
Conceived by

Movies

Kissing Jessica Stein
[ 2001 ] Bridesmaid
Water
[ 2004 ] Jessy Turner
The Tollbooth
[ 2004 ] Raquel Cohen-Flaxman
Rent
[ 2005 ] Maureen Johnson
Ask the Dust
[ 2006 ] Vera Rivkin
Enchanted
[ 2007 ] Nancy Tremaine
Frozen
[ 2013 ] Elsa
Ralph Breaks the Internet
[ 2018 ] Elsa
Uncut Gems
[ 2019 ] Dinah Ratner
Frozen II
[ 2019 ] Elsa
Josh Groban Bridges Live from Madison Square Garden
[ 2019 ] Self
Cinderella
[ 2021 ] Vivian
American Murderer
[ 2022 ] Melanie
Disenchanted
[ 2022 ] Nancy Tremaine

TV Shows

Hercules
Circe
Rescue Me
Carol
Kevin Hill
Francine Prescott
Private Practice
Lisa King
Wonder Pets!
The Queen of Hearts
Glee
[ 2010-2013 ] Shelby Corcoran
Lego Frozen Northern Lights
Elsa
Beaches
CC Bloom
Rent: Live
The Original Broadway Cast

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama League Awards - 2018 - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre

Idina Menzel


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2014 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Idina Menzel, If/Then

Drama Desk Awards - 2014 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Idina Menzel, If/Then

Drama League Awards - 2014 - Distinguished Performance Award

Idina Menzel, If/Then

Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Idina Menzel, If/Then


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2004 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical

Idina Menzel, Wicked

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Idina Menzel , Wicked


winner
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Idina Menzel, Wicked


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2003 - Outstanding Actress - Musical

Idina Menzel, Wicked

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical

Idina Menzel, Rent

Videos

News


Jelani Remy, Emily Skeggs, and More Will Lead THE APPLE BOYS Industry Reading

THE APPLE BOYS, a new fast-paced musical comedy set in Gilded Age Coney Island, with book by Jono Lyons and music and lyrics by 2017 Jonathan Larson Grant recipient Ben Bonnema, will have industry presentations on Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24 in Manhattan at Ripley Grier 38th St. Studios.
Anya-Taylor Joy Names Elsa from FROZEN as Dream Disney Role: 'I Would Love to Do a Musical'

In a new interview, actress Anya Taylor-Joy expressed an interest in tackling musical theatre- specifically Frozen. 'I would love to do a musical because I’m a bit addicted to hard work,' the Furiosa star said.
Video: Exclusive Look at Trailer for THE ARRIVAL, Starring Peter Bradbury and Pooya Mohseni

Peter Bradbury and Pooya Mohseni star in the new film THE ARRIVAL. Watch the exclusive trailer and learn more about the digital release here!
RENT to be Presented at Jaxx Theatricals in October

Jaxx Theatricals will present RENT as the next show in its 18 Year Anniversary season. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Shaina Taub Will Host Broadway for Harris Community Launch

Shaina Taub, creator and star of Broadway’s Tony-winning Suffs, will host the Broadway for Harris Community Launch Call tonight, Monday, August 26 from 6:00-7:00pm ET. The call will take place over Zoom and is open to the public.
70+ Broadway Stars Unite in Support of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

New York’s theater community is organizing to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 presidential election. Broadway for Harris is a volunteer coalition of industry professionals and theater enthusiasts united to elect Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and down ballot Democratic candidates this November.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 19, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 19, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed over the weekend.
Video: Idina Menzel and Adrienne Warren Perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' From RENT

During her concert at New York City's Beacon Theatre last night, August 15, Idina Menzel called onstage a special guest, much to the surprise of her fans in attendance. Adrienne Warren took the stage alongside Menzel to perform 'Take Me or Leave Me' from Rent. Check out the video here!
'Let It Go' From FROZEN Reaches RIAA Diamond Status

'Let It Go” from Walt Disney Records’ Frozen Original Soundtrack has been RIAA® certified Diamond, signifying 10 Million in sales. At D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, Disney Music Group President Ken Bunt presented a Diamond plaque to Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez.
Frozen 3 Coming in 2027

This weekend at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, Walt Disney Animation Studios CCO Jennifer Lee showed off the first look at the third installment of the much-loved Frozen franchise. Lee also confirmed that Frozen 3 will hit theaters in 2027.
Pop Music Triple Threat YDE Releases New Single 'Defense of Love'

Pop music’s triple threat YDE serves up a brand new single entitled “Defense of Love.” The track was co-written by Justin Tranter and Mattman & Robin and produced by YDE. It heralds her upcoming 8 EP arriving later this summer.
Britney Spears Biopic In The Works From WICKED Producer Marc Platt & Director Jon M. Chu

Britney Spears took to Facebook today to announce she is working on a 'secret' new project with WICKED producer Marc Platt.
Artist Submissions And Class Of Cabaret Applications Now Open For Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2025

Artist submissions and Class of Cabaret applications are now open for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2025, inviting performers to showcase their talents at this renowned event.
54 Below Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month with Jaime Lozano, Mauricio Martínez, and More

54 Below will honor the Latine and Hispanic performers, producers, and artists who are vital members of our artistic community this Hispanic Heritage Month.
Broadway Buying Guide: July 22, 2024- Long-Running Hits Dominate with Summer Tourists

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, July 22, 2024.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld July 17, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is July 17, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Broadway Jukebox: Iconically Idina Menzel

Can't wait for Idina Menzel's return to Broadway? Sing along to this playlist featuring just 50 of her greatest hits. Enjoy songs from musicals like: Wicked, The Wild Party, If/Then, Frozen, Rent, See What I Wanna See, and more!
REDWOOD Starring Idina Menzel Sets Broadway Theatre and Dates

Redwood, the new, original musical starring Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, has set its Broadway theatre and dates! Learn more about when and where you can catch the musical here!
Y. Dolly Fox Joins Producing Team For DOROTHY DANDRIDGE! THE MUSICAL

Y. Dolly Fox joined the producer team for DOROTHY DANDRIDGE! THE MUSICAL. Learn more about the show!
Jane Lynch's A SWINGIN' LITTLE CHRISTMAS to Play Steppenwolf Theatre in December

Classic holiday tunes come to life as Steppenwolf Theatre presents Jane Lynch’s A SWINGIN’ LITTLE CHRISTMAS. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Idina Menzel been in?

Idina Menzel has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.

How many West End shows has Idina Menzel been in?

Idina Menzel has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was Idina Menzel's first West End show?

Idina Menzel's first West End show was Idina Menzel Live in Concert which opened in 2012

What awards has Idina Menzel been nominated for?

Idina Menzel has been nominated for several prestigious awards throughout her career. These include: - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for If/Then - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for If/Then - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for If/Then - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for If/Then - Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Wicked - Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Wicked - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Wicked - Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Wicked - Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Rent.

What awards has Idina Menzel won?

Idina Menzel has won several prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre from the Drama League Awards. She received the Best Leading Actress in a Musical award from the BroadwayWorld Awards for her performances in If/Then and Wicked. Additionally, she won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical for her role in Wicked. Menzel was also honored with the Outstanding Actress - Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for her performance in Wicked.

How many shows has Idina Menzel written?

Idina Menzel has written 1 shows including Redwood (Additional Contributions).

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