Idina Menzel Reflects on the ‘Conflict’ Inside Her in Parade’s Intimate and Exclusive Cover Story
Menzel returns to the theater where she made her
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The Tony Award-winning Menzel opens up in the interview – which took place in her dressing room at the
Read the full interview here. Video link here. Notable quotes are below.
On considering retirement: “What I do think about sometimes is leaving the business and just sort of going off the grid—realizing how superficial it all is, and what if I could just take that part that so desires to be loved and liked and not care about it anymore? That [stems from] rejection in this business or criticism, the stress and anxiety I feel all the time about my voice and staying healthy. That kind of stress is sometimes when I think about, ‘What if I just leave it all and get a little farm and take care of old horses?’”
On the challenges of being a role model: “It’s embarrassing because these characters I’m most known for—Elphaba, Elsa—they’re all about embracing who you are and not compromising yourself for anyone. And I don’t know if I’m very successful in doing that. I’m like a role model for empowerment, and I still have to get up every day, [and] remind myself that I’m meaningful and relevant. I’m being honest about that. Honestly, the opportunity I get to be on tour when I go in concert and sing these iconic songs, that’s when I am reminded of how lucky I am and how important it is to sort of embrace every moment and find and to celebrate those things in me that are unique and that are… unique—period.”
On scrutiny she’s faced: “I do feel like mistakes are a gateway for an audience to really see you authentically. And the more we as artists can make ourselves vulnerable, the more we are able to really give an audience a real profound experience. It’s when we are afraid to do that, that I think people aren’t as moved by a performance. It’s a double-edged sword because it’s so scary and terrifying to allow yourself to be stripped down and vulnerable in front of thousands of people. But it’s also what I truly know is the way that I feel I can make a connection.”
On being vulnerable onstage: “I’ve learned that my voice isn’t my entire identity and my big notes and my acrobatics are not my entire identity. Those days where I have been sick and I’ve gotten on stage, and I haven’t had a range and I’ve had to navigate the melody and make other choices, I’ve had some of the best performances I’ve ever had. Even though I was scared and worried that I was going to let people down, I actually felt like I was more in touch with myself and was able to reach people in a deeper way. So, I’ve found that’s been a gift for me because I really did feel my whole life: All that makes me special is my singing voice. Now I understand that it’s more than just singing. It’s storytelling, and it’s the way that I do that.”
On her early days as a wedding singer: “When I was younger, I had a stronger sense and belief in [myself]. When I was standing up there at a bar mitzvah singing a
On whether her 15-year-old son, Walker, thinks she’s a ‘cool mom’: “I think inside he does, and he’s super proud of me. But on a daily basis, he finds my vocalizing extremely annoying and irritating, and he could care less about the fame and all of that. It’s sort of both sides of the coin with my son because he’s still just a teenager, just doing his own thing. But recently I was given this national honor for the arts at the
On husband
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, the premium legacy entertainment and lifestyle brand, has been enlightening, delighting and inspiring audiences for more than 80 years. Parade is owned and operated by
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