Tony-winner Idina Menzel will return to Broadway next year in the new musical Redwood written and directed by Mother Play director Tina Landau, producers announced today.
The musical, which features music by Kate Diaz and lyrics by Landau and Diaz, was conceived by Landau and Menzel, with additional contributions by Menzel.
Redwood, which was well-received at a sold-out world premiere engagement earlier this year at San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse, is described as “a transportive new musical about one woman’s journey into the precious and precarious world of the redwood forest.”
“I’m so thrilled to be returning to Broadway,” Menzel said in a statement, “and the fact that I get to do it with Redwood, a musical that means so much to me, makes it even more special. This show has lived in my bones for fifteen years, from the very first time Tina and I discussed working together. Finally getting to do it on Broadway is really a dream come true.”
Redwood will be produced by Eva Price, Caroline Kaplan and Loudmouth Media, founded by Menzel.
A venue, production dates, additional cast and creative team members will be announced at a later date.
Menzel will play Jesse, a successful businesswoman, mother and wife who, according to the synopsis, “seems to have it all, but inside, her heart is broken. Finding herself at a turning point, Jesse leaves everyone and everything behind, gets in her car and drives… Thousands of miles later, she hits the majestic forests of Northern California, where a chance meeting and a leap of faith change her life forever. With its deeply personal story, refreshingly contemporary sound, and awe-inspiring design, Redwood explores the lengths –and heights– one travels to find strength, resilience and healing.”
Redwood was originally developed and produced by La Jolla Playhouse (Christopher Ashley, Artistic Director & Debby Buchholz, Managing Director).
Menzel will perform a few songs from the show during her career-spanning North American tour this summer. She won a Tony Award in 2004 for her role as Elphaba in Wicked.
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