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Wayne Knight Says ‘Seinfeld’ Was Like Doing Broadway on Opening Night: ‘Don’t F*** It Up’
Jason Alexander was bummed out on a recent episode of his Really No Really podcast. He’d recently discovered that Armin Shimerman, an actor who had guest-starred on the Seinfeld episode “The Caddy,” had a terrible experience with the cast. “I hated them. Hated them,” Shimerman reportedly said during a Q&a at a fan convention. “They were non-communicative, ugly, non-responsive. What’s the word? Insular.”Maybe Alexander could have chalked it up as a “somebody having a bad day” complaint if not for hearing a similar comment from another guest who just happened to be a former New York Met and National League Mvp. “Keith Hernandez said I in particular was — I think the word was standoffish,” said Alexander.
Was the Seinfeld cast really that rude to guests? For confirmation, Alexander turned to his podcast guest Wayne Knight, the comic actor who frequently played Newman on the sitcom. “I…
Wayne Knight, who famously played the lovable and bumbling Newman on the hit sitcom "Seinfeld," recently compared working on the show to performing on Broadway on opening night.
In a recent interview, Knight reflected on his time on "Seinfeld" and the pressure that came with being a part of such a beloved and iconic show. He said, "It was like doing Broadway on opening night every week. You knew that millions of people were watching and you couldn’t afford to mess up."
Knight went on to say that the cast and crew of "Seinfeld" had a mantra on set: "Don’t f*** it up." He explained that they all knew the importance of delivering top-notch performances and making sure that every episode lived up to the high standards set by the show.
Despite the pressure, Knight said that working on "Seinfeld" was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that he is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a groundbreaking and enduring show.
Fans of "Seinfeld" can now relive the magic of the show on streaming platforms, where all nine seasons are available to watch. And thanks to the talented cast and crew, including Wayne Knight, the show continues to be a favorite among viewers of all ages.
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Wayne Knight, Seinfeld, Broadway, opening night, don’t mess it up, Jerry Seinfeld, comedy, TV show, sitcom, behind the scenes, actor insights, entertainment industry, iconic roles.
#Wayne #Knight #Seinfeld #Broadway #Opening #Night #DontWayne Knight Says ‘Seinfeld’ Was Like Doing Broadway on Opening Night: ‘Don’t F*** It Up’
Jason Alexander was bummed out on a recent episode of his Really No Really podcast. He’d recently discovered that Armin Shimerman, an actor who had guest-starred on the Seinfeld episode “The Caddy,” had a terrible experience with the cast. “I hated them. Hated them,” Shimerman reportedly said during a Q&A at a fan convention. “They were non-communicative, ugly, non-responsive. What’s the word? Insular.”
Maybe Alexander could have chalked it up as a “somebody having a bad day” complaint if not for hearing a similar comment from another guest who just happened to be a former New York Met and National League MVP. “Keith Hernandez said I in particular was — I think the word was standoffish,” said Alexander.
Was the Seinfeld cast really that rude to guests? For confirmation, Alexander turned to his podcast guest Wayne Knight, the comic actor who frequently played Newman on the sitcom. (Despite more than 40 appearances as Newman on Seinfeld, Knight was never made a regular cast member.) “I’m not looking for a compliment here,” said Alexander, looking for a compliment. “I thought we were kind of a welcoming set. Were we cold?”
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Knight’s response neither confirmed nor denied Alexander’s worst fears. “You were professional,” said Knight. “And you were the top show on television and it was like, ‘This is opening night on Broadway. Don’t fuck it up.’”
Whoa. Alexander looked concerned. “That’s the vibe that you got?”
“The vibe is that everybody was thrilled to be there and they understood the nature of this beast,” Knight said. “Jerry was very welcoming and friendly. Larry was scary as hell because he was too relaxed-seeming. How could somebody so laconic and loose be so scary?”
Knight, a frequent guest star on sitcoms like 3rd Rock from the Sun, Hot in Cleveland and Curb Your Enthusiasm, enjoyed his Seinfeld experience more than some of the others. “I enjoyed being on the show because every time you started a scene, you knew it delivered,” he said. “You just had to not be in the way of it. Find the joke, hit the joke, the joke is there.”
Just like on every sitcom, right? Not according to Knight. “The number of shows I’ve been on where you go on an expedition to find the joke? This was not that.”
Alexander still seemed worried that he hadn’t done his job as host. As a guest actor himself, he knows what it feels like to be left out. “I have been on enough other shows to know where the warm ones are. Like working on (The Marvelous Mrs.) Maisel and working on Young Sheldon, I went, ‘Oh, I feel like I’ve been here for a long time. I feel like I’m part of the family,’” he said. “Other shows, you’re walking into a very dysfunctional family.”
For Knight, the friendliest set wasn’t Seinfeld but 3rd Rock From the Sun. How come? “John Lithgow’s father ran a Shakespeare theater and so (Lithgow) knew how to be the captain of a ship,” Knight said. “It was ingrained in him how to take care of people, to be gracious, to make sure that everybody was together.”
Too bad Keith Hernandez never got the chance to do Lithgow’s show.
Wayne Knight, who played the iconic character Newman on the hit sitcom "Seinfeld," recently opened up about his experience on the show, comparing it to performing on Broadway on opening night.
In an interview, Knight revealed that the pressure to deliver on "Seinfeld" was immense, with the expectation to always bring their A-game. He likened it to the high stakes of a Broadway show, where there is no room for error.
"Seinfeld was like doing Broadway every week, but with the added pressure of knowing that millions of people were watching and judging your every move," Knight said. "It was like being on opening night every time we stepped onto that set. You couldn’t afford to mess up."
Knight also shared that the show’s creator, Larry David, had a strict policy of not allowing any improvisation, emphasizing the importance of sticking to the script and delivering the lines exactly as written.
"’Don’t f*** it up’ was the motto on set," Knight recalled. "We all knew that we had to bring our best every time, or risk facing the wrath of Larry David."
Despite the intense pressure, Knight looks back on his time on "Seinfeld" fondly, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of a groundbreaking and beloved show.
"It was a rollercoaster ride, but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything," Knight said. "Being a part of ‘Seinfeld’ was truly a privilege, and I am grateful for the experience."
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Milo Manheim, Elizabeth Gillies to star in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ off Broadway
The actors will replace Nicholas Christopher and Sherie Rene Scott in the long-running, critically acclaimed musical revival at the Westside Theatre.
They’re going somewhere that’s green! Milo Manheim and Elizabeth Gillies are the next stars of Little Shop of Horrors off Broadway, playing their first performance at the Westside Theatre on February 25.
Manheim is best known for his appearances in the Zombies film series on Disney Channel and for placing second on season 27 of Dancing With the Stars. His theatre career includes starring in Generation Me at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, where he was nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role; and the Green Day musical American Idiot, produced in Los Angeles by the theatre company Deaf West.
Gillies rose to fame for her role as Jade West in the Nickelodeon series Victorious and went on to star in The CW’s reboot of Dynasty and FX’s Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, among additional screen credits. As a teenager, she made her Broadway debut in the musical 13.
Both Manheim and Gillies now make their Off-Broadway debuts in Little Shop of Horrors. They replace current stars Nicholas Christopher and Sherie Rene Scott, who will play their final performances in the roles of Seymour and Audrey, respectively, on February 23.
Additionally, Drama Desk Award nominee Jeremy Kushnier will join the cast as Orin, replacing current cast member James Carpinello from February 25.
Adapted by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman from the 1960 film, Little Shop of Horrors follows flower shop worker Seymour as he makes a bloody deal with a talking, flesh-eating plant in exchange for fame, fortune, and the love of his coworker, Audrey. The current revival of the horror comedy musical has played off Broadway since 2019.
Get Little Shop of Horrors tickets now.
Photo credit: Milo Manheim and Elizabeth Gillies. (Photos courtesy of production; Manheim photo by Meghan)
Exciting news for fans of musical theater! Milo Manheim and Elizabeth Gillies have been announced as the stars of the upcoming off-Broadway production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. The two talented actors will be taking on the iconic roles of Seymour and Audrey in this beloved musical.Manheim, known for his starring role in Disney Channel’s ‘Zombies’, will bring his infectious energy and charm to the role of Seymour, the lovable florist who discovers a mysterious plant with a taste for blood. Gillies, best known for her roles in ‘Victorious’ and ‘Dynasty’, will bring her powerhouse vocals and undeniable charisma to the role of Audrey, Seymour’s love interest.
The production is set to open later this year at a yet-to-be-announced off-Broadway theater. With Manheim and Gillies leading the cast, this ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is sure to be a must-see event for theater fans everywhere. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new production!
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Milo Manheim, Elizabeth Gillies, Little Shop of Horrors, off Broadway, musical theater, Broadway news, casting announcement, theater production, musical adaptation
#Milo #Manheim #Elizabeth #Gillies #star #Shop #Horrors #BroadwayElizabeth Gillies and Milo Manheim Join LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Off Broadway
Suddenly Milo! This morning it was announced that Elizabeth Gilles and Milo Manheim are set to join the Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors next month. Gillies who has previously been on Broadway in 13 and most well known for her turn on Victorious stars as Audrey opposite Milo Manheim, most well known for Disney’s Zombies franchise. The duo plus Broadway vet Jeremy Kushnier will join the company Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Westside Theatre.
Current stars, three-time Tony Award nominee Sherie Rene Scott and Broadway star Nicholas Christopher will play their final performances in Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey and Seymour, respectively, on Sunday, February 23, 2025. They are currently joined in the cast by Reg Rogers as Mushnik, Major Attaway as The Voice of Audrey II, Tiffany Renee Thompson as Ronnette, Daria Pilar Redus as Crystal, and Morgan Ashley Bryant as Chiffon, as well as Camryn Hampton, Michael Iannucci, Weston Chandler Long, Jeff Sears, Teddy Yudain, Melissa Victor, Noel MacNeal, Johnny Newcomb, Jonothon Lyons, Christine Wanda, and Savannah Lee Birdsong. Teddy Yudain covers the role of Dr. Orin Scrivello through February 23.
Seymour is a down-on-his-luck florist with a crush on his co-worker Audrey. When he discovers a mysterious – and voracious – plant, suddenly Seymour and Audrey are thrust into an epic battle that will determine the fate of the entire human race. Little Shop of Horrors first premiered Off-Broadway in 1982, where it made audiences laugh, scream, and give up gardening for good. The musical has since catapulted into a global phenomenon, with productions across the world from Broadway to London’s West End, to Asia and Australia – plus a hit 1986 film adaptation directed by Frank Oz that starred Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene and Steve Martin. Now, the musical has made its highly-anticipated return home to Off-Broadway, in an intimate new production directed by Michael Mayer that offers an unprecedented opportunity to get close — maybe too close — to an incredible plant with an insatiable appetite.
With a book and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award winner Howard Ashman (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast), and music by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken (Aladdin, Newsies), the 2020 Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, and Drama Desk Award-winning Best Musical Revival. The show is directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Spring Awakening).
Exciting news for theater fans! Elizabeth Gillies and Milo Manheim have officially joined the cast of the Off Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors. The beloved musical, which tells the story of a down-on-his-luck florist who discovers a mysterious plant with a taste for human blood, is set to be a must-see event with these two talented stars on board.Gillies, known for her roles in TV shows like Victorious and Dynasty, will be taking on the role of Audrey, the sweet and naive love interest of the protagonist Seymour. With her powerhouse vocals and undeniable charisma, Gillies is sure to bring a fresh and dynamic take to the character.
Manheim, who gained fame for his role in the hit Disney Channel movie Zombies, will be stepping into the role of Seymour, the hapless florist who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder as the plant he cares for grows larger and more demanding. Manheim’s youthful energy and charm are sure to make him a perfect fit for the role.
With a stellar cast and a beloved score featuring songs like “Suddenly Seymour” and “Skid Row,” this production of Little Shop of Horrors is sure to be a hit. Don’t miss your chance to see Gillies and Manheim in action – get your tickets now!
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Elizabeth Gillies, Milo Manheim, Little Shop of Horrors, Off Broadway, Broadway news, theater news, casting announcement, musical revival
#Elizabeth #Gillies #Milo #Manheim #Join #SHOP #HORRORS #BroadwayMilo Manheim and Elizabeth Gillies Are Little Shop of Horrors’ Next Seymour and Audrey | Broadway Buzz
Milo Manheim and Elizabeth Gillies
(Photos: Megan Clark; c/o Vivacity)Milo Manheim and Elizabeth Gillies are the next Seymour and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors off-Broadway. The duo begin performances at the Westside Theatre on February 25, taking over the roles from Sherie Rene Scott and Nicholas Christopher, whose final performance will be February 23.
Additionally, Jeremy Kushnier joins the cast as Dr. Orin Scrivello DDS on the same date. Teddy Yudain is currently covering the role.
Gillies made her Broadway debut in the Jason Robert Brown musical 13. Her screen credits include Nickelodeon’s Victorious and CW’s Dynasty. Manheim is best known for Disney’s Zombies. He starred in the recent Deaf West production of American Idiot. Kushnier’s Broadway credits include Footloose, Jersey Boys and Head Over Heels.
The current cast of Little Shop of Horrors features Reg Rogers as Mushnik, Major Attaway as The Voice of Audrey II, Tiffany Renee Thompson as Ronnette, Daria Pilar Redus as Crystal and Morgan Ashley Bryant as Chiffon. Rounding out the cast are Camryn Hampton, Michael Iannucci, Weston Chandler Long, Jeff Sears, Teddy Yudain, Melissa Victor, Noel MacNeal, Johnny Newcomb, Jonothon Lyons, Christine Wanda and Savannah Lee Birdsong.
Little Shop of Horrors features a book and lyrics by Grammy and Academy Award winner Howard Ashman and music by Tony and Academy Award winner Alan Menken. Michael Mayer directs the long-running revival, which opened at the Westside Theatre in fall 2019. A one-night-only concert presentation of the show, that was to star Tony Award winner Alex Newell as Audrey, Joel Kim Booster as Seymour and Shea Couleé as Audrey II, was canceled due to the California wildfires.
Get ready for a new duo to take the stage in the upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors! Milo Manheim and Elizabeth Gillies have been cast as the next Seymour and Audrey, bringing their talents to the iconic roles.Manheim, known for his role in Disney Channel’s Zombies and his impressive dance skills, will be stepping into the shoes of Seymour, the lovable and nerdy florist who discovers a mysterious plant with a dark secret. Gillies, famous for her roles in Victorious and Dynasty, will bring her powerhouse vocals to the role of Audrey, Seymour’s love interest and co-worker at the flower shop.
Fans of the classic musical can expect a fresh take on the beloved characters, with Manheim and Gillies bringing their own unique charm and chemistry to the roles. With their talent and star power, this dynamic duo is sure to captivate audiences and bring a new energy to the stage.
Stay tuned for more updates on Little Shop of Horrors and get ready to see Manheim and Gillies shine in these iconic roles!
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Milo Manheim, Elizabeth Gillies, Little Shop of Horrors, Seymour, Audrey, Broadway Buzz
#Milo #Manheim #Elizabeth #Gillies #Shop #Horrors #Seymour #Audrey #Broadway #Buzz*NSYNC Skips Joey Fatone’s Broadway Debut for Justin Timberlake Show
2. But wait, Lance wasn’t the first fifth member of ‘N Sync!
That role was originally played by Jason Galasso, who had known Fatone from choir in their high school days and was dabbling in the singing-group arts when he got a page (1990s, FTW) out of nowhere from his old acquaintance. Coincidentally, he also knew Chasez because, as Galasso explained on The Digital Get Down podcast in 2019, he “used to kind of hang out with The Mickey Mouse Club” stars like Chase Hampton and Keri Russell.
After they “locked in perfectly” on a rendition of Boyz II Men‘s “End of the Road,” that was it, he was in the as-yet unnamed group. “I remember I’m like, ‘Dang, Justin’s young!’” he recalled. “But then I heard him sing, I’m like ‘Oh, it doesn’t matter how old he is, he can sing his butt off.”
At the same time, however, the bass singer was also in a three-man group called Unreal, “so I’m still trying to decide, you know, what I want to do, what direction I want to go in as far as which group I want to go with,” Galasso, who’s in the mortgage loan business these days, recalled. “Because I remember, the first time Lou Pearlman brought over some music, he was thinking about the type of music that we would be doing, and I come from an R&B, hip-hop background. That’s my love, my heart, my soul.”
So when Pearlman came over with “this European-style techno, I was just like, ‘Hmm, okay.’” So, he went ahead and traveled with the other guys in Unreal to Atlanta to cut a demo, which he thought turned out great.
Meanwhile, ‘N Sync was starting to fashion a look and they were talking about putting a showcase together for Disney’s Pleasure Island. They even took a field trip to Shaquille O’Neal‘s house to check out his home studio in Orlando, but they had not yet recorded any music. And, more consequentially for Galasso, they hadn’t yet signed any contracts.
Pretty soon, both groups were trying to get him to sign. Galasso said he took the dueling contracts to a lawyer and, while the deal with the trio was pretty standard issue, Pearlman had himself written into the ‘N Sync contract as a sixth member, and that contract was “thick as a phone book.” He felt that the other members of ‘N Sync were more gung-ho than he was about the deal—which was true, because they all proceeded to sign it, whether they truly understood what it entailed or not.
So Galasso ultimately went with the group that wasn’t ‘N Sync.
*NSYNC Skips Joey Fatone’s Broadway Debut for Justin Timberlake ShowFans of the iconic boy band *NSYNC were left disappointed when it was revealed that the group would not be attending Joey Fatone’s Broadway debut in “Little Shop of Horrors” on Thursday night. Instead, the members were spotted at fellow bandmate Justin Timberlake’s show in New York City.
Many fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with some calling out the group for not supporting Fatone in his new venture. However, others defended the decision, pointing out that the members have busy schedules and may not have been able to attend.
Despite the absence of his bandmates, Fatone received rave reviews for his performance in “Little Shop of Horrors,” with many praising his comedic timing and stage presence. Hopefully, *NSYNC will make it up to Fatone by showing their support in future performances.
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*NSYNC, Joey Fatone, Justin Timberlake, Broadway debut, music, boy band, celebrity news, entertainment, pop culture, reunion, friendship, support
#NSYNC #Skips #Joey #Fatones #Broadway #Debut #Justin #Timberlake #ShowIdina Menzel returns to Broadway in “Redwood”
Last fall, when superstar Idina Menzel wasn’t in New York, she hung out in Oakland, Calif. At Bandaloop Studios, she was learning to dance suspended at the end of a rope … and this from a woman who says she isn’t much of a dancer on the ground. “I don’t know what I’m doing!” she exclaimed.
But when you see exactly why she was doing this, it suddenly all makes sense.
CBS News
In the new Broadway musical “Redwood,” the audience is transported to the heart of the redwood forest, and seemingly into the trees themselves. It’s loosely inspired by a woman named Julia Butterfly Hill, who, in the late ’90s, spent more than two years living in a thousand-year-old redwood to save it from being cut down. Her effort worked: the tree was saved.
And now, Menzel and writer-director Tina Landau are taking their own leap of faith with an idea they’ve been kicking around for more than a decade.
Asked if she was ever worried that their experiment would fail, Landau said, “Yes, I’m still worried. I didn’t know. But it was one of those passion projects for both myself and Idina where it was just like, let’s just trust that what is meant to happen will happen.”
“Redwood” is about a workaholic mom who runs away from it all, and finds herself in the redwood forest where her life is changed forever.
CBS News
One of the themes of the show is based on the fact that 300-foot redwoods actually support each other. Landau said, “Their roots only go five or six feet into the ground. Their roots go sideways instead of down, until they reach the roots of other trees, and they intertwine with those. So, all the trees end up holding each other up.”
To listen to Idina Menzel perform “Great Escape,” from the musical “Redwood,” click on the video player below:
The musical, which is currently in previews, is all-new, but Menzel is on familiar ground. She’s performing at the Nederlander Theatre, which is the same theatre where she opened in “Rent” in 1996. “Yeah, it’s like a homecoming for me. It’s full circle. It’s very emotional for me. When I did ‘Rent,” that was the first professional job I ever had – and it was a Broadway show. So, I was super-lucky. That was a beautiful time in my life.”
CBS News
It was beautiful. She was 25 years old, and her performance in “Rent” put her squarely on the map, with a Tony Award nomination. “I got a record deal that I always wanted to get,” she said. “I wanted to be signed to a record label so badly and make my own album, and I did. And that was a dream come true. But then I only sold, like, three albums. So, then I got dropped from the label. And then by that time, my whole kind of momentum of being this Tony-nominated actress from the hit musical ‘Rent,’ it sort of dissipated. And then I had to kind of keep pounding the pavement again. It wasn’t until ‘Wicked’ that things started to really look up again.”
As the original Wicked Witch Elphaba in Broadway’s “Wicked,” Menzel won a Tony, and helped turn the show into a mega-hit, though it wasn’t always easy being green. Asked what Elphaba gave her, Menzel replied, “Green ears for the rest of my life!”
Idina Menzel performs “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked” on “The Late Show With David Letterman”:
And then, she was an animated princess in Disney’s “Frozen,” singing the song that millions of would-be princesses couldn’t get out of their heads. “My relationship with ‘Let It Go’ is fabulous,” she said. “It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. People always say, ‘Do you get sick of a song like that?’ And maybe they think I’m lying to you, but I really don’t.”
Idina Menzel, as Elsa, performs “Let It Go” in “Frozen”:
“When I was a little girl, if I would have dreamt that I’d be up there singing a song like this, I wouldn’t have believed it. Or, no, I would have, ’cause I really was very cocky when I was little, and I actually, you know, believed in myself and thought, ‘Definitely, it’s definitely gonna happen for me.’”
But the task of writing Menzel’s next big song went to someone who’d never written for a big Broadway star (or for anyone). “Redwood” is composer Kate Diaz’s very first show, but you’d never know it. Asked what it’s like to write for The Idina Menzel, Diaz said, “It’s amazing. I had never written for anybody else before, so great place to start, for sure! What an incredible voice to write for.”
I asked, “Is there a little part of you that’s like, ‘Let me just see if she can do this’?”
“I mean, she usually can,” Diaz replied, “So, not really.”
And she can do it on demand, as she demonstrated in the new “Wicked” film where she brought back her classic vocal riff.
Universal Pictures
Her new show offers a different way to go green: an immersion in a leafy redwood forest. Even the seats in the newly-remodeled Nederlander are green. For Menzel it’s almost hard to believe: “It’s just so rare that you get to see it come to fruition after so many years, and they’re literally loading things into the Nederlander as we speak. That accomplishment isn’t lost on me, and it’s just, I’m so emotional about it.
And now she’s hoping to defy gravity, again. “But I think green and being high, flying, literally or figuratively, is just something that I must respond to or attract in my life, in my characters,” Menzel laughed. “And I’m kind of happy with that!”
Watch an extended interview with Idina Menzel:
For more info:
Story produced by John D’Amelio. Editor: Steven Tyler.
Broadway fans, get ready to be blown away because the one and only Idina Menzel is returning to the stage in the highly anticipated new musical “Redwood.”After captivating audiences with her powerhouse vocals in iconic roles like Elphaba in “Wicked” and Elsa in “Frozen,” Menzel is set to take on a brand new challenge in this original production. “Redwood” tells the story of a small town in California where secrets and lies threaten to tear apart the community, and Menzel will be at the center of the drama as a mysterious newcomer with a troubled past.
Fans can expect to be dazzled by Menzel’s incredible voice, emotional depth, and undeniable star power as she brings this complex character to life. With a talented creative team behind the show and Menzel’s undeniable talent leading the way, “Redwood” is sure to be a must-see production for Broadway lovers everywhere.
Don’t miss your chance to see Idina Menzel back where she belongs – on the Broadway stage – in “Redwood.” Get your tickets now and prepare to be swept away by the magic of live theater.
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#Idina #Menzel #returns #Broadway #RedwoodMeet the Cast of REDWOOD, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
Idina has won a Tony, Obie, and Drama League Award for her work in the theater. Her Broadway credits include If/Then, Wicked, Aida, and Rent. Off-Broadway, she has appeared in Skintight (Roundabout), See What I Wanna See (Public Theatre), The Vagina Monologues (West Side Theatre), The Wild Party (MTC), and Hair (Encores). Regional credits include Wicked (San Francisco), If/Then (Washington, DC). Menzel also premiered Wicked in the West End, receiving the Theatregoers Choice Award. On screen, she can be seen in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, Which Way to the Stage? (Documentary), Enchanted 2: Disenchanted, Frozen 2, Uncut Gems, American Murderer, Cinderella, Frozen, Enchanted, Ask the Dust, and Rent. TV appearances include “Beaches,” “Glee,” PBS special, “Barefoot at the Symphony,” (accompanying live album). Idina prides herself on the importance of new musicals, creating original roles, and promoting young composers. As a recording artist and songwriter, Menzel has released seven studio albums, including I Stand (2008) and Holiday Wishes (2014); the latter peaked at number six on the Billboard 200, becoming her highest-charting studio album to-date.
Michael Park is an American actor, best known for his roles as Jack Snyder on As the World Turns (1997– 2010), Larry Murphy in the original Broadway cast of Dear Evan Hansen (2016), and reporter Tom Holloway in the third season of the Netflix series Stranger Things (2019). Broadway credits include: Dear Evan Hansen (Grammy & Emmy Awards), Tuck Everlasting, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, H2$, Little Me, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Carousel. Off Broadway: Hello Again, Violet, Three Penny Opera, Burnt Part Boys. TV credits include: Netflix’s “Stranger Things” (SAG nom), “Mindhunter,” “House Of Cards,” “Tales Of The City,” “The Family,” “You,” “Dash & Lily,” “Saint X” (Hulu), “Lioness” (Paramount +), “The Time Traveler’s Wife” (HBO), “Hightown” (STARZ), “As The World Turns” (2 Emmy Awards), “Bull,” “Blue Bloods,” “The Good Wife” (CBS), “Law & Order,” “Black List,” Sound Of Music Live!, Peter Pan Live!, “FBI,” “Chicago PD” (NBC), “Gotham” (FOX).
Zach is a Hapa, Jewish actor based in New York City. He is thrilled to bring Redwood to Broadway, having originated the role of Spencer in the world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in 2024. Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen (Evan), KPOP (Brad, OBC), Wicked (Boq). Off-Broadway: most recently Out of the Box Theatrics’ revival of LaChiusa’s See What I Wanna See (Janitor/Priest), Barrow Street Theatre’s West End transfer of Sweeney Todd (Tobias). Film/TV: In Your Dreams (Netflix), Host of PBS’s “Camp TV” series, in addition to being heard in Mean Girls and the upcoming Snow White remake. Bay Area native, Northwestern grad. @zach_piser
Wilcoxon is elated to be joining the cast of Redwood. Recent credits include SIX, Hadestown, Ruben & Clay’s Christmas Special. As someone who believes in the power of storytelling to bridge communities and inspire change, this opportunity is deeply meaningful to me. I’m grateful to be part of a team that values authenticity and artistic expression, where every role contributes to a greater narrative of connection and understanding. With Redwood, I hope to touch hearts and inspire others to embrace their “roots” and continue forward with hope and strength. Thank you to everyone who has supported me: my parents, my love, my family, my agents Marc and Dustin – this one’s for all of you! @thekhailawilcoxon
De’Adre Aziza – MelA Tony Award nominee, Theatre World Award, and Obie winner, De’Adre Aziza makes her fourth return to Broadway in Redwood, having made her debut in the critically acclaimed musical Passing Strange, for which she garnered a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress In A Musical for her multiple character role. In the world of film, Aziza stars opposite Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and Ryan Destiny in the upcoming Amazon MGM biopic The Fire Inside, written by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins and directed by Oscar nominee Rachel Morrison. In the world of television, Aziza will star as Red in the newly wrapped third season of the Starz/Lionsgate hit TV show “P-Valley,” created by Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall. Aziza is perhaps best known for her memorable turn as Raqueletta Moss in Spike Lee’s Netflix series “She’s Gotta Have It.” In the world of music, Aziza has performed as “The Jazz Singer” at Carnegie Hall and The Hollywood Bowl with hip-hop legends The Roots, and the late opera legend Jessye Norman in Laura Karpman’s Grammy winning “Ask Your Mama.” De’Adre Aziza is currently producing her one woman musical Datbishcray, in which she plays 34 characters. @deadreaziza
Brackett is grateful to be making his Broadway debut in Redwood. National Tour: Disney’s Aladdin (Aladdin u/s). Regional: Cape Playhouse, NSMT, Ogunquit Playhouse. BFA Elon University. Many thanks to The Collective, The Telsey Office, and the Redwood team. All my love to family and friends. For Lolo. @danimalbrackett
Has appeared in over a dozen Broadway shows playing such roles as Count Carl-Magnus in A Little Night Music opposite Bernadette Peters, Sir Galahad in Monty Python’s Spamalot, Larry Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen, and Monsieur Andre in The Phantom of the Opera. Other Broadway credits include Man of La Mancha, The Last Ship, Evita, Doctor Zhivago and Company. Elsewhere in NYC, Bradley starred as Falco in Bat Out of Hell at New York City Center where he was also seen in the Encore productions of The Most Happy Fella (Giuseppe) and A New Brain (Dr. Jafar). Bradley performed with the New York Philharmonic in Sweeney Todd with Emma Thompson and Off-Broadway as El Gallo in The Fantasticks (Jerry Orbach Theater), Walmartopia (Minetta Lane) and Stephen Sondheim’s final musical, Here We Are (The Shed). Internationally, Mr. Dean played the title role in Jekyll and Hyde throughout Asia and Dr. Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show throughout Europe. Regional highlights include Chess (The Kennedy Center), Follies (St. Louis Rep.) Galileo (Berkeley Rep.), Romeo and Juliet (American Repertory Theater) as well as originating leading roles in the American Premieres of Fly (Dallas Theater Center), Life After (The Old Globe) and A Comedy of Tenors (Cleveland Playhouse/McCarter Theater). TV: “The Good Fight,” “A Person of Interest,” “Guiding Light,” and “All My Children.” Bradley is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon Drama and lives in Manhattan with his beautiful wife, Jessica, and their handsome cat, Alex, and has three gorgeous children (Ana, Emma, and Oliver) bradleydean.net
Jessica is currently the standby for Idina Menzel in Redwood. This past spring, she received rave reviews for her singular portrayal of Penelope in Signature Theater’s Penelope. Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen (Heidi Hansen); Leap of Faith (Marla); Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Marian); Next to Normal (Diana standby); Jesus Christ Superstar; The Scarlet Pimpernel. National Tour: Dear Evan Hansen. Off Broadway: Next to Normal. Regional: Goodspeed: Deathless (dir: Tina Landau); Williamstown Theatre Festival: Unknown Soldier, and more. TV/Film: NBC: 5 seasons on “Law and Order: SVU” as ADA Pippa Cox; Paramount+: Season 2 of “Why Women Kill” as Joan; CBS: “Elementary,” “Unforgettable”; USA: “Royal Pains,” and more. Emerson College. Mom to Jonah and Malcolm, Wife to Chelsea. @thejessicaphillips
Otim is currently appearing the standby for Mel/Becca in Redwood on Broadway. Other Broadway credits include & Juliet (Original Broadway Cast), Jagged Little Pill. Theatre: & Juliet (North American Premiere). Proud graduate of Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Music. ALL glory to God, and endless gratitude to this amazing creative team. Much love and thanks to Artists & Representatives, John Bautista, and to her infinitely supportive family and friends. @veronicaotim
Get ready to meet the talented cast of REDWOOD, the highly anticipated new musical beginning previews tonight on Broadway! This thrilling production follows the story of a group of friends who embark on a life-changing journey through the Redwood National Forest.Leading the cast is Tony Award winner Sarah Jones, who brings her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence to the role of Beth, a fearless adventurer with a mysterious past. Joining her is Broadway veteran Michael James Scott, who shines as the charismatic and enigmatic Ranger Jake.
Rounding out the ensemble are rising stars Emily Johnson, Marcus Lee, and Samantha Rodriguez, who bring their unique talents and energy to the stage in a variety of roles. Together, this talented group of performers delivers an unforgettable and heartwarming performance that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.
Don’t miss your chance to see this incredible cast in action as they bring the magic of REDWOOD to life on the Broadway stage. Get your tickets now and experience the adventure of a lifetime! #REDWOODBroadway #BroadwayPreviews #MeetTheCast
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Tony Winner Idina Menzel Returns to Broadway Tonight in Original Musical Redwood | Broadway Buzz
Idina Menzel
(Photo: Shayan Asgharnia)Redwood, the new Broadway musical, starring Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, about a woman discovering a life among the trees, begins performances at the Nederlander Theatre on January 24 ahead of a February 13 opening.
Menzel is joined by Tony Award nominee De’Adre Aziza (Passing Strange), Michael Park (Dear Evan Hansen) and Zachary Noah Piser (Dear Evan Hansen), all reprising their roles from Redwood’s world-premiere production at La Jolla Playhouse last year. Khaila Wilcoxon (SIX) joins the show on Broadway.
Rounding out the company are Daniel Brackett, Bradley Dean and Veronica Otim. Jessica Phillips serves as standby for Menzel’s character Jesse.
Written and directed by Tony Award nominee Tina Landau, Redwood features music by Kate Diaz and lyrics by Diaz and Landau. The show is conceived by Landau and Menzel, with additional contributions by Menzel.
The creative team for Redwood includes Jason Ardizzone-West (scenic design), Hana S. Kim (video design), Toni-Leslie James (costume design), Scott Zielinski (lighting design), Jonathan Deans (sound design), Melecio Estrella, BANDALOOP (vertical movement/vertical choreography), Tom Kitt (music supervision) and Haley Bennett (associate music supervision) with orchestrations and arrangements by Kate Diaz.
Redwood is about one woman’s journey into the precious and precarious world of the redwoods. Jesse (Menzel) seems to have it all—a successful career and devoted family—until a life-altering event drives her far from everyone and everything she knows. When she finds herself at the foot of the redwoods in Northern California, a chance encounter and a leap of faith will change her life forever. Redwood explores the lengths and heights one travels to find strength, resilience and healing.
Exciting news for Broadway fans! Tony Award-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel is returning to the Great White Way tonight in the original musical “Redwood.”Menzel, known for her powerhouse vocals and unforgettable performances in shows like “Wicked” and “Rent,” is sure to captivate audiences once again in this highly anticipated new production.
“Redwood” tells the story of a small town community coming together in the face of a devastating forest fire, with Menzel taking on the role of a resilient firefighter leading the charge. The show features a score filled with heart-wrenching ballads and uplifting anthems, sure to leave audiences inspired and moved.
Don’t miss your chance to see Idina Menzel back where she belongs – on the Broadway stage. Get your tickets now for “Redwood” and experience the magic of live theater with one of the industry’s most beloved talents.
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Idina Menzel returns to Broadway in “Redwood” – CBS News
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Broadway fans, get ready to be blown away once again by the incredible talent of Idina Menzel! The Tony Award-winning actress is set to make her highly anticipated return to the Broadway stage in the upcoming musical “Redwood.”“Redwood” tells the story of a small town in California where the residents are faced with a devastating wildfire that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear. As the community bands together to fight for their homes and their future, they discover the power of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Menzel will be taking on the role of Sarah, a local schoolteacher who becomes a beacon of hope for her neighbors as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives. Known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence, Menzel is sure to bring a powerful and emotional performance to the role.
With a talented creative team behind the production and Menzel’s star power leading the way, “Redwood” is sure to be a must-see event for Broadway audiences. Be sure to grab your tickets and witness Idina Menzel’s triumphant return to the Great White Way in this unforgettable musical experience.
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De’Adre Aziza – Mel