Idina Menzel on Wicked, Redwood, and a Colorful Tale of Defying Odds in a Sweatsuit
The magical world of Wicked has captivated audiences for nearly two decades, and the iconic role of Elphaba, the misunderstood and fiery witch, remains synonymous with Idina Menzel's powerful vocals and impressive acting skills. As the movie adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande begins to make waves, the original Broadway star, Idina Menzel, takes a step back and reminisces about her beginnings and the lessons she learned along the way. In an exclusive interview, Menzel opened up about her upcoming projects, including her sixth Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance and the movie premiere of Wicked. However, it is her anecdote about her early days as Elphaba that truly stole the show. In a hilarious twist, the now-famous performer revealed that she was forced to wear a bright red sweatsuit to work on set during the early stages of Wicked's production. While it may seem unusual for such a dynamic and enchanting actress to envision the 'Wicked' witches in such a casual and sporty attire, Menzel’s offbeat account of her journey as the original Elphaba adds a welcome layer of personality to a character often viewed through a fantastical lens. This quirky narrative, along with her sharp wit, showcases the person behind the curtains and broadens our understanding of Idina Menzel as an artist. But why, exactly, was Menzel dressed in a sweatsuit on-set, you may ask? Further emphasizing her bond with the character, Menzel recalled performing the demanding song 'Defying Gravity' without having access to the costume she would eventually wear as the Wicked Witch of the West. That anecdote has an additional level of significance considering the news of Lea Michele singing the same song while pregnant with her second child, reinforcing the growing connection between contemporary Glee alumna and long-standing Broadway icons like Idina Menzel. Several stars are known for using their fame to highlight issues affecting the show business community, tackling topics which range from lifestyle to more mundane problems like motherhood and ageism, etc. In contrast to the age-defying elegance demonstrated by legends such as Kristin Chenoweth or Patti LuPone, Menzel is a subtle kind of icon. If the case of former Glee actress Lea Michele is anything to go by, many female music stars have learned to promote themselves in the media while negotiating pregnancy and their return to work life. Taye Diggs, Lea Michele’s co-star and onetime husband, hasn't always navigated that phase with success. Menzel carries herself with a seasoned composer's gravitas, effortlessly stepping in and out of the light. A blend of dignity and humorous charm serves her well, allowing her to hold down conversations that feel intimate while never crossing over into self-indulgence. Reflecting on the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Idina quipped, "Look, I think the pressure to appear as Elphaba [the Wicked witch] must be significant and it is stressful at times," but looking forward to being part of that celebration for the sixth time must reassure her that it was a risk worth taking. Based on her extensive theater credentials, six Thanksgiving Day Parade appearances in would mark an apex of Menzel's accomplished career. From her musical theater fame to movie credits and appearances, her humility is a quiet confidence, radiating while opening up about Wicked. With other movie biopics such as Enchanted, Menzel took more challenging tasks to win critics over who gave her a second chance on making great emotional turns like this newer movie, Redwood. There will hopefully be more significant Idina Menzel performances to follow this example - whether Idina has her clothes on or in bright red sweats.#Entertainment