Idina Menzel in the “Redwood“
One of Broadway’s most admired actresses, Idina Menzel has never been afraid to impersonate unusual characters moving into uncommon situations, or, as she described them, “women who have a really deep vulnerability and need to go through a journey in order to harness their power”. Following her remarkable debut in “Rent” in 1996, she has enjoyed a sparkling career in several stage and screen productions, including “Wicked”, in which she created the role of Elphaba, the unorthodox “If/Then”, the memorable “The Wild Party”, the controversial “The Vagina Monologues”, before lending her characteristic vocal delivery in films like “Frozen”, in which she sang the hit “Let It Go,” “Enchanted” and “Cinderella” to name a few.
She is back on Broadway in the much-anticipated “Redwood”, an unusual musical that takes place for the most part in a forest, which she conceived with the writer and director Tina Landau, author of the book who also wrote the lyrics with Kate Diaz, composer of the music. The tight creative relationship between these three artists has resulted in a cohesive and poetic work, unconventional yet highly seductive.
For 23 years, Jesse (Menzel) and Mel (De’Adre Aziza, already seen to best advantage in “Women on the Verge …”) have lived together in New York and raised Spencer (Zachary Noah Piser), Jesse’s son from a previous relationship. When Spencer leaves their home and moves to California where he finds an unanticipated death, Jesse is devastated. In search of solace and redemption, she tries to follow his steps and eventually ends in a redwood forest where she meets Finn and Becca, two rangers, who help her find the calm and tranquility that provide the emotional quietness she was seeking.
At its core, “Redwood” also proves to be an anthem to nature and to one of its most striking expressions, the sublime giant trees, imaginatively designed on stage in the realistic videos of Hans S. Kim, that give it the visual impact it needs to seduce the audience. It turns “Redwood” into a breathtaking production that distances itself from most shows seen on Broadway.
Obviously, Idina Menzel is its main attraction, and while the narrative takes some time to explain Jesse’s motivations and ultimate goals (she spends several months alone way up to the sky on a platform attached to a redwood she has named Stella), she succeeds in being so attractive in the role that the audience remains rapt by her performance.
As Finn, the forest ranger, Michael Park is a solid addition to the cast and proves equally in control of his importance to the message contained in the show whenever he appears on stage, a comment that applies also to Khaila Wilcoxon, as Becca, who is at first reluctant to help Jesse but eventually understands what is happening to her and becomes a friendly support.
While the stage is bare and brightly lit at first, the forest designs (Scott Zielinski’s lighting, Jason Ardizzone West’s scenic, and Jonathan Deans’ sound) provide an atmosphere that looks sparkling and natural.
The songs by Tina Landau and Kate Diaz complement the action, but it takes some time to get the best of their content and appreciate how they add the necessary tone that turns the production into a catchy musical. Landau’s tight direction also adds an element of precision that helps appreciate the work that went into it to make it so memorable. “Redwood” is an unlikely musical diversion, but the tight cast and particularly the presence of Idina Menzel make it an unusual attraction that should be around for some time to come.
Music Supervision: Tom Kitt • Music Direction: Julie McBride • Vertical Choreography: Melecio Estrella, Bandaloop • Scenic Design: Jason Ardizzone-West • Video Design: Hana S. Kim • Costume Design: Toni-Leslie James • Lighting Design: Scott Zielinski • Sound Design: Jonathan Deans • Dream Sequence: Jennifer Weber • With: Idina Menzel (Jesse), De’Adre-Aziza (Mel), Michael Park (Finn), Zachary Noah Piser (Spencer), Khaila Wilcoxon (Becca)
Cover photo: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman