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Defying Gravity: 5 Shocking Revelations Idina Menzel Shared About Elphaba, The Wicked Movie, And Her 2025 Broadway Return

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Idina Menzel's legacy as the original Elphaba in the Broadway phenomenon Wicked remains one of the most powerful and enduring performances in modern musical theatre history. As of December 24, 2025, the powerhouse vocalist is not only celebrating the show’s enduring 20-year run but is also making headlines with fresh details about her highly-anticipated return to Broadway and candid reflections on the upcoming two-part film adaptation.

The conversation around the "Green Girl" is more vibrant than ever, especially as Menzel prepares for her 2025 run in the new musical Redwood and shares exclusive insights into the *Wicked* movie, offering a poignant handover of the broomstick to the next generation of performers. Her recent interviews provide a crucial, up-to-date look at her career, the iconic role that defined it, and the future of the Land of Oz.

Idina Menzel: Complete Biography and Profile

Idina Kim Menzel is an American actress, singer, and songwriter who has cemented her status as a Broadway legend and a global vocal icon.

  • Full Name: Idina Kim Mentzel (later Menzel)
  • Date of Birth: May 30, 1971
  • Place of Birth: Queens, New York, U.S.
  • Education: New York University (BFA)
  • Key Broadway Roles:
    • Maureen Johnson in Rent (1996) - Tony Award nomination.
    • Elphaba in Wicked (2003) - Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.
    • Elizabeth Vaughan in If/Then (2014) - Tony Award nomination.
  • Key Film/TV Roles:
    • Elsa in Disney's Frozen franchise (voice) - Performing the Oscar-winning song "Let It Go."
    • Nancy Tremaine in Enchanted and Disenchanted.
    • Shelby Corcoran on the TV series Glee.
  • Awards: Tony Award, Daytime Emmy Award, and a National Medals of Arts award (honored by former President Biden).

The Enduring Legacy of Elphaba and the 20th Anniversary Reunion

Menzel’s portrayal of Elphaba, the misunderstood "Wicked Witch of the West," alongside Kristin Chenoweth’s Glinda, launched Wicked into a cultural phenomenon that has run for over two decades. The sheer vocal power and emotional depth Menzel brought to songs like "Defying Gravity" and "The Wizard and I" set an impossibly high standard for every actress who followed.

A Historic Reunion at the Gershwin Theatre

The bond between the original witches is still strong. In 2023, Menzel and Chenoweth reunited at the Gershwin Theatre in New York City to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary on Broadway. The reunion was a major event, featuring the two stars reflecting on their shared experience, discussing everything from hitting those famously high notes to navigating onstage technical glitches and the low rumors that circulated during the original run.

The Iconic "Defying Gravity" Moment

Menzel’s performance of "Defying Gravity" is arguably the most iconic moment in the show's history. The song, which closes the first act, is a vocal and emotional powerhouse that showcases Elphaba's transformation. Menzel’s belt on the final notes is legendary, and the song’s theme of self-acceptance and rebellion continues to resonate with audiences globally. The musical’s enduring success is a testament to the foundation laid by the original cast, the music by Stephen Schwartz, and the book by Winnie Holzman.

Menzel's Candid Insights on the Two-Part Wicked Movie

With director Jon M. Chu's two-part film adaptation of Wicked—starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda—set for release, Menzel has been a frequent subject of conversation, offering her unique perspective on the transition from stage to screen.

1. Her Crucial Advice for Cynthia Erivo

Menzel has publicly offered her support and encouragement to Cynthia Erivo, the Oscar-nominated actress taking on the role of Elphaba. Menzel’s core advice, which she shared in late 2024, was simple yet profound: Erivo must "find her own" Elphaba. She emphasized that Erivo should not try to replicate the Broadway performance but rather bring her own unique, powerful interpretation to the character. This sentiment mirrors the advice Kristin Chenoweth gave Ariana Grande, urging the new cast to make the roles their own.

2. Details of the Cameo in the First Film

While the original stars initially downplayed their involvement, it was revealed that both Menzel and Chenoweth have a cameo in the first *Wicked* film. The details are a sweet nod to their legacy. The cameo involves Menzel and Chenoweth interacting with their cinematic counterparts, Erivo and Grande. Menzel even got the chance to recreate her famous Elphaba battle cry during the filming of her scene, providing a moment of emotional connection between the original and new "Green Girls."

3. Confirmation of No Return for 'Wicked: For Good'

Despite the excitement over their appearance in the first installment, Menzel and Chenoweth have confirmed that they will not be returning for the second film, *Wicked: For Good*. This decision allows the focus to remain squarely on the new cast and the continuation of the story, which will feature new original songs written specifically for the film by Stephen Schwartz.

Menzel's 2025 Broadway Return in 'Redwood'

Beyond the Oz-related news, one of the most exciting updates for fans in 2025 is Idina Menzel's return to the Broadway stage in the new musical *Redwood*. This project marks her first Broadway appearance since If/Then a decade ago and is a major highlight of the 2024–2025 season.

Redwood is a passion project for Menzel, which made its world premiere earlier in 2024. The musical is described as an eco-conscious story, with Menzel discussing the show at events like the Hearst Eco-Conscious Living Summit. The cast album for Redwood is already available on streaming platforms and CD, allowing fans to get a taste of her new work before the official Broadway run. This return to the stage solidifies her commitment to new, challenging theatrical work, moving beyond the shadow of Elphaba while still honoring her roots.

The Undeniable Impact on Broadway and Pop Culture

Idina Menzel's influence extends far beyond the Gershwin Theatre. Her voice, characterized by its powerful belt and dynamic range, has become synonymous with strong, complex female characters, from Elphaba to Elsa in *Frozen*. Her career is a masterclass in transitioning between stage, film, and music, making her a true multi-hyphenate. As the *Wicked* film brings the story to a massive global audience, Menzel's original, Tony-winning performance will forever be the benchmark, and her continued involvement in the Broadway community, through projects like *Redwood*, ensures her legacy remains fresh, current, and—most importantly—still popular.

idina menzel wicked
idina menzel wicked

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