In the new musical Redwood, Idina Menzel plays a New Yorker who finds both healing and a renewed sense of purpose while exploring one of the most magical places on earth: California’s redwood forests.
As a born and bred New Yorker who now lives in the Golden State, Menzel co-created Redwood after being inspired by the real story of an activist who lived for more than 700 days within the branches of a 1,000-year-old tree in Humboldt County. “I’ve fallen in love with the redwoods and everything that they represent,” Menzel told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Their capacity, their endurance, their wisdom, and what we can learn from them as human beings.”
The mesmerizing show, which debuted in 2024 at the La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, will begin previews in January 2025 on Broadway—very familiar terrain for Menzel, who made her name there with Rent in 1996, followed by her Tony-winning turn as Elphaba in Wicked. Of course, the Broadway powerhouse has also found Hollywood fame, letting it go as Elsa in Frozen and starring in movies and TV series from Enchanted to Glee to the Netflix hit You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. Menzel—who was recently awarded a National Medal of the Arts and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—shared with us some of her favorite places to relax and recharge around California.
Where do you live? Los Angeles.
Why there? I’m a New York girl at heart but I moved here many years ago and fell in love with the sunshine. It’s a great place to raise a family.
Who or what is your greatest California love? The Hollywood Bowl—I love performing there.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? Not everyone shops on Rodeo Drive.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? A summer rental at the beach.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? To the redwoods—it’s so beautiful and majestic up there. The trees have been there for thousands of years—they are the symbol of resilience. The Avenue of the Giants, in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, is the most scenic drive of the redwoods.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? Authentic Mexican food from pretty much anywhere in California.
What is your favorite way to play in California? Anything with my family—I love watching my son play basketball at the park.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? I love Vince, which is in West Hollywood.
Best California song? “California Love” by Tupac because my son and I used to listen to it in the car on the way to school, when he was too young to be listening to it.
How would your California dream day unfold? Rent a convertible and drive up the coast. Stop at a vineyard in Napa for lunch. Then head to the redwoods to take in the surroundings. End the day with a glass of wine with my husband watching the sunset from our backyard.
