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Idina Menzel Biography
Review The Artist (7)
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. |
Would you please submit the latest Idina Menzel biography to me? Thank You.
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Review about Idina Menzel
heyyyyy | Reviewer: Lisa | 9/18/2007I 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! =]
heyyyyy | Reviewer: Lisa | 9/18/2007
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 | 9/14/2007
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 | 7/21/2007
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
heart warming moment | Reviewer: Lauren | 5/21/2007
One day I was listening to the Original Wicked soundtrack and I fell in love. Ever since then I've been dying to go see Wicked and I'm going this June! It's hard to believe that Idina is only an alto! The vocal ranges she has are unbelieveable! I only dream of one day meeting her and telling her this in person.
Hello! | Reviewer: Cassandra | 5/10/2007
OMG Idina Menzel is my Idol i wish i was her I can sing, act, and dance but i won't ever make it in life as something this big! I wish i knew someone who cared about what i dream of!
GREAT ARTIST AND ACTRESS! | Reviewer: Amanda | 4/26/2006
I was lucky enough to see Idina Menzel when she was still in "Wicked" and she was phenomenal! I saw it again with another actress who was also talented, but couldn't hold a candle to Idina! She is one of my favorite artist and I recommend her to anyone I meet!
Review the Artist Idina Menzel
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