Idina Menzel: A Look from the Eastern Sky
March 2009
Known for jumping over the moon and defying gravity, Broadway powerhouse Idina Menzel (original cast member of Rent and Wicked) drew sell-out crowds to her latest tour promoting her third solo album, I Stand.
Despite battling an illness during her stop at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA, Menzel never showed signs of weakness, delivering the quality performances audiences and fans have accustomed themselves to expect from the Tony-winning actress.
A combination bohemian flower child and rocker chick, Menzel’s flirtatious, manic energy hypnotizes. No matter how large the venue or how ground-shaking her voice, Menzel seduces the audience into a space which alternates between a speakeasy cabaret and an intimate glimpse into her private bedroom dance party.
In two hours, Menzel managed to pack in approximately 20 songs, although less than half reflected her own catalog. However, fans were not disappointed with a variety of covers ranging from classic standards and showtunes to Pat Benetar and U2.
Though the ex-cashier “couldn’t handle the pressure” of mastering a register, Menzel triumphs in her ability to connect with loyal listeners. “I’m a control freak. I feel like I have to reach everyone everywhere,” she admitted.
Song breaks never lulled as Menzel charmed with personal reflections and her own brand of bawdy humor – from asking the Philadelphia audience where to grab a post-show cheesesteak to discussing the subject of hidden talents. “I can curl my tongue, and that always comes in handy!” she dead-panned with a cackle of her infectious laughter.
Also, with the recent announcement that she and husband Taye Diggs (“Private Practice,” Rent) are expecting their first child, Menzel practiced her mothering skills with a special patron, little five-year-old Wilson…who incidentally, slept soundly the majority of the show.
“You’re a horrible mother. You’re going to wake up your child!” Menzel teased to the parent in the front row who subjected her boy to such a loud concert.
Highlights of the not only loud, but engaging concert included her cover of Benetar’s “Heartbreaker,” which she infused with a sultry, sexified hard rock vibe and Judy Garland’s heart-wrenching ballad “The Man That Got Away.”
Additionally, Menzel introduced a song entitled “Spiraling” written just days prior in sound check. “[It’s] about desperate, obsessive, intoxicating, too many tequilas love,” she described.
Similarly desperate, eager Rentheads could be heard throughout the night “moo”-ing to provoke a performance of “Over the Moon.”
“I feel like I’m not in the mood to ‘moo’ right now,” Menzel replied to the bovine chorus, but could not sway their determination. “It’s like the damn circus!” she joked, before eventually spouting a few verses from the song that she admits “makes no sense.”
Of course, the best (not to mention tear-jerking) moments came with Menzel’s rendering of such signature hits: a beautiful acoustic portion of “Another Day,” an a capella version of “For Good,” and the literally show-stopping finale, “Defying Gravity.”
The opportunity to experience live one of the greatest voices we have today exceeds any and all expectations. Fans can be assured that because we know her, we have been changed for good.
With emerald lights cascading around her, Menzel noticed Wilson stir from his slumber. Walking to the edge of the stage, she formally introduced herself to the tyke she had so fondly adored. “Do you know who I am?” she asked. “I’m the green girl.”
Links: Official Site | Facebook | Twitter
Despite battling an illness during her stop at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA, Menzel never showed signs of weakness, delivering the quality performances audiences and fans have accustomed themselves to expect from the Tony-winning actress.
A combination bohemian flower child and rocker chick, Menzel’s flirtatious, manic energy hypnotizes. No matter how large the venue or how ground-shaking her voice, Menzel seduces the audience into a space which alternates between a speakeasy cabaret and an intimate glimpse into her private bedroom dance party.
In two hours, Menzel managed to pack in approximately 20 songs, although less than half reflected her own catalog. However, fans were not disappointed with a variety of covers ranging from classic standards and showtunes to Pat Benetar and U2.
Though the ex-cashier “couldn’t handle the pressure” of mastering a register, Menzel triumphs in her ability to connect with loyal listeners. “I’m a control freak. I feel like I have to reach everyone everywhere,” she admitted.
Song breaks never lulled as Menzel charmed with personal reflections and her own brand of bawdy humor – from asking the Philadelphia audience where to grab a post-show cheesesteak to discussing the subject of hidden talents. “I can curl my tongue, and that always comes in handy!” she dead-panned with a cackle of her infectious laughter.
Also, with the recent announcement that she and husband Taye Diggs (“Private Practice,” Rent) are expecting their first child, Menzel practiced her mothering skills with a special patron, little five-year-old Wilson…who incidentally, slept soundly the majority of the show.
“You’re a horrible mother. You’re going to wake up your child!” Menzel teased to the parent in the front row who subjected her boy to such a loud concert.
Highlights of the not only loud, but engaging concert included her cover of Benetar’s “Heartbreaker,” which she infused with a sultry, sexified hard rock vibe and Judy Garland’s heart-wrenching ballad “The Man That Got Away.”
Additionally, Menzel introduced a song entitled “Spiraling” written just days prior in sound check. “[It’s] about desperate, obsessive, intoxicating, too many tequilas love,” she described.
Similarly desperate, eager Rentheads could be heard throughout the night “moo”-ing to provoke a performance of “Over the Moon.”
“I feel like I’m not in the mood to ‘moo’ right now,” Menzel replied to the bovine chorus, but could not sway their determination. “It’s like the damn circus!” she joked, before eventually spouting a few verses from the song that she admits “makes no sense.”
Of course, the best (not to mention tear-jerking) moments came with Menzel’s rendering of such signature hits: a beautiful acoustic portion of “Another Day,” an a capella version of “For Good,” and the literally show-stopping finale, “Defying Gravity.”
The opportunity to experience live one of the greatest voices we have today exceeds any and all expectations. Fans can be assured that because we know her, we have been changed for good.
With emerald lights cascading around her, Menzel noticed Wilson stir from his slumber. Walking to the edge of the stage, she formally introduced herself to the tyke she had so fondly adored. “Do you know who I am?” she asked. “I’m the green girl.”
Links: Official Site | Facebook | Twitter
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