Exclusive: Idina Menzel talks Glee, Wicked, and her Upcoming Cabaret Tour
As the coach to Vocal Adrenaline and Rachel’s mom, Shelby Corcoran, played by film and stage veteran Idina Menzel, is a little harsh and not exactly what you would call warm and fuzzy, quite the opposite of Idina herself. As she prepares for another stint of her tour with symphonies across the US, Idina flew in to New York City for a ‘tweet up’ where she revealed what it took to take off the green make up, how she balances work and motherhood, that she is “dying to get back to musical theater,” and, of course, lots on Glee.
Having seen her in concert twice, I can assure that her concerts are an amazing evening of music ranging from her Broadway hits to some songs from her CD “I Stand,” and, of course, some additions from her Glee repertoire. Becoming somewhat comedic, Idina says singing “Poker Face” with an orchestra gives it a whole new vibe. Check out the schedule and be sure not to miss her if she is coming to a city near you. And for fans in the UK, plans are in the work to hopefully bring the tour across the pond soon!
It was, in part, the fans Idina said that got her onto Glee initially and also guided her story line to include being Rachel’s mom. She said she didn’t think that was what Ryan Murphy first had planned for the Shelby, that she was just the coach, but he “wanted to make the fans happy,” so he wrapped the two story lines together. As for whether Idina will be back for season two, she hopes to be!
Although she admits she is dying to get back into musical theater, Idina jokes, “I just don’t think I am the revival girl,” but she is working on a couple of projects in the beginning stages. Idina said, “I’ve made my career on originating roles and those kind of things take a lot of nurturing and years and they don’t come often.” Having originated two roles, Maureen in Rent and Elphaba in Wicked, she is looking for another opportunity to work on a project from its early stages, like with Jonathan Larson and Stephen Schwartz, which is a process she really enjoys. “I’ve done it twice and they have both been such magical and life changing experiences for me I wonder I’m I going to have another one like that? But you can’t think like that, you just have to keep doing the stuff that you love,” Idina said.
With an amazing episode of duets on Glee, Idina said if she could record duets with anyone it would include Bono, Jeff Buckley (if he were still alive), Annie Lenox, Barbara Streisand, Michael Buble, Christina Aguilera and of course Taye Diggs.
And what about Wicked the movie? Idina said that both she and Kristin Chenoweth have been told they would be “too long in the tooth” to play the roles they originated on Broadway, although she joked she might could play the witches mom. She thought this was absurd until she was asked to play Rachel’s mom on Glee! Her idea, “I tell the producers just do it like Avatar. I’ll be this amazing, gorgeous, exotic green women and it can be the essence of me and my voice and my movement… just less crows feet.” But don’t get too excited, the movie is still a ways away but fans might expect to see it in 3D and talks have begun with Ryan Murphy, among others, to possible direct the film.
Watch the entire interview with Idina to find out what she thinks of her character Shelby, what she watched this week instead of Private Practice and where she keeps her Tony.
For me what I love about New York is that when you are lonely or when you’re feeling depressed you can get out and walk it off and see other people that might feel the same way. In California, in L.A. you are stuck in a car all by yourself …the last thing I need to do is sit in a car by myself listening to sad music, in traffic… you know you go on an audition or important meeting you obsess. Here (NYC) that happens but then you get out and walk and see people from all walks of life and you get perspective, you don’t see a big billboard of the show you didn’t get.
For me as an artists I feel like I am always trying to be as authentic and as transparent as possible; and, if you can’t see my soul whether I am in green make up or on stage doing an original song your not going to get goose bumps or feel that connection to me so it is always the same adrenaline, the same nerves because it is me up there.
Wicked the Movie? That would be awesome! :D
Idina seems like a very fun and nice person. It’s great to read news on her. :D
The voice is amazing, and I would love to see Wicked come to the big screen. I mean they’ve done all sorts of renditions of The Wizard of Oz, so why not Wicked’s version. The songs are just amazing!!!
gLee gLee gLee…what more can I say?
Idina is just the epitome of awesomeness! It’s like she gets cooler and cooler with every interview…
And Rob up there said it all…
regarding the Wicked movie, who cares if she and Kristin don’t look “college” anymore, I’m pretty sure fans wouldn’t mind that. They are Elphie and Glinda. I only wish they’d filmed the Broadway show with the original cast… (I mean pro-shot)
wicked was a great musical. loved it and love glee too
Wicked sounds awesome, I’d loved to see it and would be even better if Idina was in it!
“Too long in the tooth”?
Oh, who cares how old she is. She and Kristin Chenoweth are the only Glinda and Elphaba.
There are tons of other amazing actors and singers, yeah, but only the originals can play it best!
I hope they’re able to star in the movie. It’s unlikely, but we can hope, right?
Idina is amazing.
Love Idina on the show!! And this interview :)
Idina is an amazing singer/actress! she has an amazing voice and i enjoyed watching her on glee! she was amazing as shelby
I got to see her perform live and she was so great. Unfortunately, there was no stage door to try and get an autograph at =(
Idina and Wicked and Glee are awesome!!
Idina is the best! Really!
Recently, her songs were my soundtrack, because thanks to her I decided to put a great effort on some projects of mine. Until them, I hadn’t the courage. Now, the projects are working out and I am sure that the inspiration she gave me was not vain. Trying to be ‘brave’ or ‘defying gravity’ isn’t easy, but since ‘still I can’t be still’ I tried to gathering the strength to spin ‘straw into gold’.
Idina, you’re awesome! Great interview!
I wish she would come over to the west coast of America….I saw her in Chess in London and was awestruck….would love to see her in a full length concert!
all i can say is Rent is one of my fav movies of all time!! But then again everything Idina has been invovled in have been amazing.. shes got amazing talent
I love her in Rent and Wicked so to have her on Glee is just perfect.
Long live Maurine, Elphaba, and Shelby!!!
Idina is fantastic =D
Good luck to everyone with this cool contest =)
Idina is so talented and congrats to her on her new show
PICK ME. I’m asking for a Glee calendar for Christmas. Good contest and interview.
I really wish I could’ve seen Wicked when I had the chance at the Pantages… but whatever Idina is still amazing! i hope i win X)
She’s awesome!!!
A Wicked Movie?? Idina and Kristen could still play the roles for sure!
I want her back on the show! Maybe for some romance with Mr. Schuester?
I love Idina, I think the definitely need her back on Glee. Rachel needs a Mom and Puck needs to see his daughter. Can’t wait for Idina’s next project.
She’s beautiful, talented and such a nice person… of all the people in showbiz she is, by far, my absolute favorite.
I would love to see her concert. I will have to see where she is going on the East Coast to see if she is close by. I will have to go get an iTunes card to get her album. I didn’t know she had a CD out to be honest and now I am really happy that she does. I love her voice! (:
Ms. Idina you have INSPIRED ME to take on singing and acting!! I’m def game and am going to achieve my goals! And one of them is to meet you!!! Your voice is goosepimple amazing!! I LOVE YOU!!!! =o)
I would love to see Idina live! A concert by her would truly unforgettable!
Idina is uber talented.
This woman is amazing!!!! She can do it all!
Oh my gosh, I HOPE they bring Idina back! Shelby is such an interesting character.
Idina is so funny, love her! She makes me laugh, haha, “just like Avatar” that’s the spirit!
Too bad she probably won’t play Elphaba in the Wicked movie :P
If they make a Wicked movie, I will die happy. I am so impressed by Idina and the characters she originates. I also love her and Lea together, so I hope that if Idina doesn’t get to be in the movie, Lea will be.
I think it’s silly to say Kristin and Idina are too old to repraise their roles. Majority of Wicked fans have clearly expressed their desire to see them cast as Galinda/Glinda and Elphaba. Plus Idina has clearly expressed that she wants it. I wish directors would stop stressing over maximizing their dollar and just give the majority what they want – heck many of us never had the chance to even see Idina and Kristin in the roles! Who cares about a few silly wrinkles make up is amazing and besides they aren’t in school forever a large part they are adults. I personally want Kristin and Idina too!
I would be the happiest girl in the world if i got a signed calendar, really hope i have a chance! Love Idina and Glee…and now Idina is on glee :D Hope she comes back to our TV screens soon.
OMG!
I love Wicked!
I want a calendar!
Pleeeeese!
Loves it. I want her back on the show!
wow! she has an amazing voice! very impressive!
How does she do it all!?!?! Wow, she is such an amazing woman!
Alot of my friends said that they thoroughly disliked Idina and Lea’s Poker Face, they said it was just…weird. I disagree. Frankly, I loved it. No disrespect to the original though – for me they’re both as equally awesome. You can’t really compare them as they’re entirely different. it’s like comparing High School Musical and West Side Story…
nuf said.
I love Idina Menzel and she was great character on glee, come back Idina your one of my fav characters on there lol :) (hope to win :) )
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