IDINA MENZEL BIOGRAPHY


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Idina Menzel Biography
Review The Artist (13)

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Source: http://www.idinamenzel.com/

I was born in New York City to Stuart and Helene Mentzel (no that's not a spelling mistake). I took out the t because everyone always pronounces it wrong. Now it's like Menzelle - like French, but not.

We moved from Queens to New Jersey but by the 2nd grade we settled in Woodbury, Long Island, where I lived until I went to NYU. I always knew I wanted to sing. I was 5 and in summer camp where we were singing "Cat's in the Cradle" and I was somehow harmonizing by accident; all of the counselors made a big deal. Later I brought down the house in this talent show where I performed "The Way We Were" with the biggest Long Island accent you've ever heard (I'm still made fun of today for that).

Coincidentally, in the 5th grade I was Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" and Mabel in "The Pirates of Penzance" - the latter was pretty challenging for elementary school. I went to a voice teacher when I was 8 and I sang some songs from "Annie" and she said I was screaming so much that she didn't want me to hurt myself, so she took me on.

By the time I got to Syosset High School, I was cast as 60-year old nettie in "Carousel"; our director felt that my voice sounded the most mature. At that time, I was studying classically with Mr. Arnold but found myself wanting to listen to and imitate R&B singers: Aretha, Chaka Kahn, Etta James and the list goes on.

Instead of working at the local delicatessen, I auditioned for a wedding band, lied about my age and got hired as the lead singer. I had to buy a black cocktail dress and learn everything from jazz to rock to motown. I started writing my own songs and when I got to NYU, I focused less on class and more on trying to get a record deal and keep my own band together which isn't a very easy thing to do when you have very little money and no name. Then on a whim, I auditioned for a show called "Rent" which I thought would fit perfectly into my calendar being that January and February are slow months for weddings. But that year, December 1995 New Year's Eve was my final wedding gig at the Four Seasons in Philly.

"Rent" went to Broadway and I had a new, wonderful family. The show allowed me the opportunity to record my own album and tour with it. I played at Lillith Fair, started working on a second album, got dropped by my record label, cried a lot and then went right back to the theater where I have always felt so comfortable. I was in a fabulous show called "The Wild Party," by Andrew Lippa and got to be on stage with my (now) husband whom, as some of you may know, I met in "Rent."

Since then I 've been trying to go wherever the water is warm; whether it be music or theater or film, I'm just trying to do what I love. One day I heard about a new musical based on the book "Wicked", so I put on green lipstick and smokey black eye shadow and went to audition for the green girl. I got the project and I've been working on it ever since (almost 3 years). And now I 'm living in one of the sweetest times of my life. Just the sweetest.

Thanks for caring. xoxo, Idina.

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Review about Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel is my hero. | Reviewer: Lauren | 9/14/09

Idina Menzel is my hero. She has always worked so hard for what she wants and never gives up. I saw the play Wicked when she preformed in it, and fell in love with her, and her voice. She has an amazing voice and I'm proud to say she is my hero.

OMG!!!! | Reviewer: Julia | 4/26/09

You are my idol!!!! I went to a Mets game yesterday and I saw a girl who looked exactly like you and I asked her if she was you and then she said no and moved to a different seat. But i don't even care. i want to be just like you when I grow up.

You are my role model | Reviewer: Avery(I AM A BROADWAY FREAK) | 3/5/09

Before I ever heard songs from wicked, I wasnt interested in broadway. I heard popular,and what is this feeling and now i will never be the same. I fell inlove with Idinas Voice. I LOVE IDINA MENZEL!!!! I plan to become a broadway singer when I grow older.

ahh | Reviewer: diego | 2/25/09

omg i love u i went to see wicked i went crazy so i really love u i have the wicked ticket on my door the playbills a folder with wicked stuff the book and so i sing defying gravity i love it i love no one mourms the wicked i love u u are the best i dont have the soundtrack for wicked cause it is expensive n i am 11 and have no money my bday is april 30 1997 so well g2g wicked was the best o n sorry to here about ur ribs that got hert so bye u da bomb lolzz

! | Reviewer: Sherri | 2/22/09

Idina is one of my favorite actresses. I also saw her on Broadway in Wicked, and she gave me chills! I cried during "Defying Gravity" because her voice is so powerful. Maureen is my absolute favorite character in Rent. I love Idina Menzel!

YAYITSIDINA | Reviewer: Anonymous | 11/29/08

YAY. love you idina! i think her voice is probably the best i ever heard, in my opinion. i love her acting, and even when shes talking i just love her voice. anyway, i think shes a great actress and i hope they'll make a movie of wicked with the original broadway cast like they did with rent. yay!

heyyyyy | Reviewer: Lisa | 9/18/07

I am such a huge fan of Idina's. Wicked and Rent deffinetly have some of my favorite songs in them! I would really love to go see one of those shows, but right now we really can't afford much, so we can't. I've never been to a broadway show, but hopefully i will go to one very soon! Idina has an outstanding voice. One day I hope I will get to meet her and tell her how much I admire her. I'm in theatre and she's my number one idol. I tell all my friends how amazing she is and when they hear her sing, they always agree! =]

OMG! | Reviewer: j lanning | 9/14/07

I really love Wicked! It's my favorite musical EVER! Elphaba's my favorite character! I also love RENT! Your voice was amazing in No Good Deed, Defying Gravity (broadway and remix), and Over the Moon! Your sooo cool!!!

Dream come true. | Reviewer: Diane | 7/21/07

I absolutely love your voice, i performed 'what is this feeling' with a friend at college in a show that was before i knew anything about Wicked really. Then i listened to the soundtrack and fell in love. I couldn't afford to get tickets for the show but im going this year in London for my 18th birthday, im just gutted that i won't get to see Idina Menzel, one of the most amazing performers on the planet :( Maybe one day! xxx

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Review the Artist Idina Menzel