Idina was born on Long Island, New York, to a Jewish family. Her mother, Helene, is a therapist, and her father, Stuart Mentzel, worked as a pajama salesman. She was raised in Syosset, New York, with her younger sister Cara, and later changed the spelling of her last name (Mentzel) because of constant mispronunciation.
When Menzel was 15 years old, her parents divorced and she began working as a wedding and bar mitzvah singer. A job she continued throughout her time at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Drama at NYU.
In 1995, Menzel auditioned for Rent, which became her first professional theater job and her Broadway debut. Rent opened off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop on January 26, 1996. The show moved to Broadway's Nederlander Theatre due to its popularity. For her performance as Maureen Johnson in the original cast, Menzel received a Tony nomination as Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her final performance in the musical was on July 1, 1997.
Following the success of Rent, Menzel released her first solo album entitled "Still I Can't Be Still" on "Hollywood Records," Menzel also originated the role of Dorothy in Summer of ’42 at Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut, starred as Sheila in the New York City Center Encores! production of Hair, and appeared on Broadway as Amneris in Aida. Menzel earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance as Kate in the Manhattan Theatre Club's 2000 off-Broadway production of Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party. Her other off-Broadway credits include the pre-Broadway run of Rent and The Vagina Monologues.
In 2003, Menzel starred with actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway in Wicked, a musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman loosely based upon the popular 1995 Gregory Maguire novel. Menzel received the 2004 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. On her third-to-last performance of Wicked on January 8, 2005, she fell through a trap door and cracked a lower rib. The injury prevented her from performing in the January 9 show. Menzel did, however, make a special out-of-costume appearance at that performance, performed her final song, and received a 5 minute long standing ovation. Menzel was replaced by Elphaba standby Shoshana Bean.
Following Wicked, Menzel appeared off-Broadway in the Public Theater's production of See What I Wanna See, a Michael John LaChiusa-penned musical whose run ended in December 2005, for which she received Drama Desk Award and Drama League Award nominations. She reprised her Tony Award-winning role as Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked when it opened at London's Apollo Victoria Theater on September 7, 2006. During the run, she joined the ranks of highest paid female performer in the West End at $30,000 per week. Menzel finished her West End run on December 30, 2006. She was succeeded by Elphaba standby Kerry Ellis.
Menzel played the role of Florence in the 21st Anniversary concert of Chess at the Royal Albert Hall, London from May 12–13, 2008, alongside Kerry Ellis, Adam Pascal and Josh Groban.
In 2008, Menzel headlined the Powerhouse Theatre's reading of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik's musical Nero from July 1–11. She performed the role of Nero’s mistress Poppea.
Menzel's film roles include appearances in Just a Kiss, Kissing Jessica Stein, Tollbooth, Water, Ask the Dust, Enchanted, and Rent, in which she and five other original cast members reprised their stage roles. As a singer Menzel is known for her wide vocal range, and her use of the 'belt' technique.
Menzel performed at the 1998 Lilith Fair summer concert festival and continues to write and perform original music. She has toured extensively and frequently performs in various venues throughout New York City. She produced and released her debut album, Still I Can’t Be Still, for Hollywood Records in 1998. One single from the album, "Minuet," made the Radio & Records CHR/Pop Tracks chart at #48 in October 1998.
Her second album, Here, was released independently by Zel Records in 2004. Menzel has contributed to soundtracks, including those for the film The Other Sister and the ABC television dramedy Desperate Housewives. In 2007, she appeared on the Beowulf soundtrack singing the end credits song, "A Hero Comes Home." Also in 2007, Menzel's powerful singing voice lead her to be asked to accompany the baritone British X-Factor runner-up Rhydian Roberts on his debut album, duetting on the song "What If."
Her third solo album, I Stand, was released on January 29, 2008. The CD includes many new songs, including the lead single, "Brave," the title track "I Stand," and a song released on EP, "Gorgeous." The album debuted at #58 in the Billboard 200 making it the first solo album by Menzel to make the charts. There are five versions of this album: the original version, the special limited edition, the iTunes version, the Barnes & Noble edition, and the Borders edition.
On April 1, 2008, Menzel kicked off her "I Stand" tour in support of her new album.
On November 11, 2008, Menzel released a new single in conjunction with Major League Baseball. The single is entitled "Hope" and all proceeds go to Stand Up 2 Cancer.
On November 27, 2008, Menzel performed "I Stand" on the M&M Candies float as part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
On December 10, 2009, it was confirmed that Menzel was in negotiations to have a recurring role on Glee. In Spring 2010, Menzel began playing the role of Shelby Corcoran, the coach of the opposing Glee club, Vocal Adrenaline. She was also revealed as Rachel Berry's biological mother.
When asked about 'Defying Gravity' being sung on Glee, Idina was asked about her musical future. She said that the long-rumored movie version of 'Wicked' would probably not be green-lit until there's a dip in its Broadway grosses.
Idina also said that she had met with Andrew Lloyd Webber about taking the role of Betty Schaefer in his much delayed Sunset Boulevard film adaptation. As of February 2010, it is widely believed that Idina is no longer part of Sunset Boulevard as she wanted the role enlarged, to the refusal of Lloyd-Webber.
Menzel married actor Taye Diggs, her co-star from the original Broadway production of Rent, on January 11, 2003 after 7 years of dating. They have a Yorkshire Terrier named Sammy Davis Jr. and two cats named Ella and Coltrane, whom they call their "Jazz Cats" because they were named after famous jazz performers. On December 6, 2004, it was reported by the New York Post that Menzel and Diggs were threatened with harm in a series of letters because of their interracial marriage. Their son, Walker Nathaniel Diggs, was born on September 2, 2009.
Menzel was an Honorary Chair of the Imperial Court of New York's Annual Charity Coronation Ball, Night of A Thousand Gowns on March 21, 2009. Other Honorary Chairs for the evening's charity event included Sir Elton John CBE, Patti LuPone, John Cameron Mitchell, Joan Rivers and Dame Robin Strasser.
Life of the Party
Idina Menzel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not me.
Who needs fortune or fame?
I don't need a new career
A sympathetic ear
A name.
All I need is time to play
Point me to the mic
I know what I like.
Don't you wanna be
The life of the party?
Don't you wanna be
The cream of the crop?
Don't you wanna feel those shivering fits
'Til someone calls it quits
Or someone calls a cop?
Don't you wanna land
The role of a lifetime?
Well, you better get down on one knee
'Cause you could play the life of the part
If you can pray with me.
Who needs lovers?
Not I.
Who needs Heaven above?
Don't have time for things unsaid
For baking bread
For love.
All I need is room to fight
Hand in fisted glove.
Point me to the sky,
It's my turn to fly.
Don't you wanna be
The life of the party?
Don't you wanna be
The top of the heap?
This is where the jamboree never ends
Why not be counting friends
Instead of counting sheep?
If you wanna join
The Heavenly Choir
Hurry up and get yourself in line.
But don't you pass the life of the party
Until you pass the wine.
Let the drinks pour
Let the crowds roar
Let the Heavens wildly cheer.
'Til the sunrise
Brings the goodbyes
I'll be here.
Never fear.
Who's it gonna be,
The life of the party?
Who's it gonna be,
The king of the hill?
Don't you wanna be there
Running the show
Until it's time to go
Or 'til it's time to kill?
Don't you ever wanna be
Somebody to envy
Don't you wanna be
Footloose and free?
Well, you could be the life of the party
If you
Were
More -
Like me!
The lyrics of Idina Menzel's "Life of the Party" are about someone who enjoys living in the moment and having a good time without worrying about material things or getting tied down to anything. The song's opening lines, "Who needs money? Not me. Who needs fortune or fame?" sets the tone for the rest of the track. The singer doesn't care about material things or society's expectations to be successful.
The singer only wants to enjoy life and have fun. They only need time to play and want to be the life of the party, the cream of the crop, and feel shivering fits. They also want to land the role of a lifetime and be at the top of the heap. The singer encourages others to join in without worrying about passing the Heavenly choir or getting in line for the next life, and instead, pass the wine.
The song has a sense of rebellion and a carpe diem spirit. The track encourages listeners to seize the day and enjoy life to the fullest. "Life of the Party" has a pop-rock sound and features Idina Menzel's powerful vocals that deliver the lyrics with conviction.
Line by Line Meaning
Who needs money?
Money is not important to me.
Not me.
I don't need money.
Who needs fortune or fame?
Achieving fame and gaining wealth is not important to me.
I don't need a new career
I am content with my current work.
A sympathetic ear
I don't need someone to listen to me.
A name.
I am not concerned with having a name for myself.
All I need is time to play
I just want to have fun and enjoy my time.
Only want the game
All I want is to have fun.
Point me to the mic
Give me a microphone so I can sing and perform.
I know what I like.
I have a clear preference for what I enjoy.
Don't you wanna be
Wouldn't you like to be.
The life of the party?
The center of attention at a party/event.
Don't you wanna be
Wouldn't you like to be.
The cream of the crop?
The best of the best in a field or group.
Don't you wanna feel those shivering fits
Don't you want to feel excited and energized.
'Til someone calls it quits
Until someone decides it's time to stop partying.
Or someone calls a cop?
Or the police arrive to end the party.
Don't you wanna land
Wouldn't you like to achieve.
The role of a lifetime?
An amazing opportunity or job that one is perfectly suited for.
Well, you better get down on one knee
You need to make a serious effort to achieve your goals.
'Cause you could play the life of the part
Because you have the potential to be the center of attention at a party.
If you can pray with me.
If you share my ambition and goals.
Who needs lovers?
Relationships are not important to me.
Not I.
I don't need a romantic partner.
Who needs Heaven above?
The idea of an afterlife is not important to me.
Don't have time for things unsaid
I don't have time for unexpressed feelings or ideas.
For baking bread
I don't have time for domestic tasks like cooking or baking.
For love.
I don't have time or interest in love or romance.
All I need is room to fight
All I need is the space to pursue my goals aggressively.
Hand in fisted glove.
I want to be ready for a challenge or opportunity that comes my way.
Point me to the sky,
Direct me towards my dreams and aspirations.
It's my turn to fly.
It's my moment to succeed and achieve my goals.
Don't you wanna be
Wouldn't you like to be.
The life of the party?
The center of attention at a good event/party.
Don't you wanna be
Wouldn't you like to be.
The top of the heap?
The best in a group or industry field.
This is where the jamboree never ends
This is a place where people never stop having fun.
Why not be counting friends
I'd rather have fun socializing than worry about how many friends I have.
Instead of counting sheep?
Instead of trying to fall asleep by counting sheep due to boredom.
If you wanna join
If you want to be part of.
The Heavenly Choir
The afterlife and religious rituals associated with it.
Hurry up and get yourself in line.
Don't delay in preparing for the afterlife.
But don't you pass the life of the party
But don't miss out on having fun and enjoying life on Earth.
Until you pass the wine.
Until you take part in the social gathering and have a drink.
Let the drinks pour
Let people enjoy themselves and drink.
Let the crowds roar
Let people have fun loudly and energetically.
Let the Heavens wildly cheer.
Let everyone enjoy themselves without worrying about consequences.
'Til the sunrise
Until morning comes.
Brings the goodbyes
When the party is over and people must disperse.
I'll be here.
I'll be present throughout the party.
Never fear.
There's nothing to worry about.
Who's it gonna be,
Who is going to be.
The life of the party?
Who will the center of attention be.
Who's it gonna be,
Who is going to be.
The king of the hill?
Who will be the best in their field or group.
Don't you wanna be there
Wouldn't you like to be present.
Running the show
In control of the event or party.
Until it's time to go
Until the event is over.
Or 'til it's time to kill?
Or until things get violent and out of control.
Don't you ever wanna be
Wouldn't you ever like to be.
Somebody to envy
Someone who others will covet and admire.
Don't you wanna be
Wouldn't you like to be.
Footloose and free?
Someone who is unrestricted by social norms or responsibilities.
Well, you could be the life of the party
You have what it takes to be the center of attention and enjoy yourself.
If you
Only if you.
Were
Hypothetically.
More -
Possessed more of certain qualities.
Like me!
Like myself, Idina Menzel.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Amy Nguyen
Who needs money? Not me
Who needs fortune or fame?
I don't need a new career
A sympathetic ear, a name
All I need is time to play
Only want the game
Point me to the Mike
I know what I like
Don't you wanna be, the life of the party?
Don't you wanna be, the cream of the crop?
Don't you wanna feel those shivering hits
'Til someone calls it quits or someone calls a cop?
Don't you wanna land the role of a lifetime?
Well, you better get down on one knee
'Cause you could play the life of the party
If you can pray with me
Who needs lovers? Not I
Who needs heaven above?
Don't have time for things unsaid
For baking bread for love
All I need is room to fight
Hand in fisted glove
Point me to the sky
It's my turn to fly
Don't you wanna be, the life of the party?
Don't you wanna be, the top of the heap?
This is where the jamboree never ends
Why not be counting friends instead of counting sheep?
If you wanna join, the heavenly choir
Hurry up and get yourself in line
But don't you pass the life of the party
Until you pass the wine
Let the drinks pour
Let the crowds roar
Let the Heavens wildly cheer
'Til the sunrise
Brings the goodbyes
I'll be here
Never fear
Who's it gonna be, the life of the party?
Who's it gonna be, the king of the hill?
Don't you wanna be there, running the show
Until it's time to go or 'til it's time to kill?
Don't you ever wanna be, somebody to envy
Don't you wanna be, footloose and free?
Well, you could be the life of the party
If you were more like me
Cara-ailish Bowen
Who needs money?
Not me.
Who needs fortune or fame?
I don't need a new career, a sympathetic ear, a name.
All I need is time to play, only want the game.
Point me to the mic.
I know what I like.
Don't ya wanna be
The life of the party?
Don't ya wanna be
The cream of the crop?
Don't ya wanna feel those shivering fits
'Til someone calls it quits
'Til someone calls a cop?
Don't ya wanna land
The role of a lifetime?
Well, ya better get down on one knee.
'Cause you could play the life of the party
If you can pray with me.
Ooooh
Who needs lovers?
Not I.
Who needs heaven above?
Don't have time for things unsaid,
For baking bread,
For love.
All I need is room to fight,
Hand in fisted glove.
Point me to the sky,
It's my turn to fly.
Don't ya wanna be
The life of the party?
Don't ya wanna be
The top of the heap?
This is where the jamboree never ends.
Why not be counting friends
Instead of counting sheep?
If you wanna join
The heavenly choir,
Hurry up and get yourself in line.
But don't you pass the life of the party
Until you pass the wine.
Let the drinks pour.
Let the crowds roar.
Let the heavens wildly cheer.
'Til the sunrise
Brings the goodbyes,
I'll be here.
Never fear.
Ohhhhhhh
Whose it gonna be?
The life of the party
Whose it gonna be, now?
The king of the hill.
Don't ya wanna be there runnin' the show
Until it's time to go,
Or 'til it's time to kneel?
Don't ya ever wanna be
Somebody to envy?
Don't ya wanna be
Good, loose, and free?
Well you could be the life of the party
If you were more like me.
BWAY14
This NEEDS to be revived! I am so sorry I missed this Gem! Brian, Taye, Idina, and Julia??? This is a dream cast
Teri Raser
BWAY14 it’s criminal how underrated it was. esp w Idina’s performance as Kate. hell, aside from (off) broadway itself, the only place i’ve ever even seen it performed was at my college UM by the theater students.
God i wish there was a revival. its one of my all time fave shows. and the original cast....i mean come on. it doesn’t get any more perfect!
Teri Raser
one of the most underrated musicals ever.
and thank God for idina menzel.
Talia Fisher
AKA THE QUEEN!!
Kali JaguarStar
People who constantly complain that singers nowadays don't sound the same live than on studio, should start watching good Broadway musicals. Idina and good theater singers sound practically the same live. And they dance and act at the same time. People say "only" people like Beyonce can do that. Clearly, those people need to listen to more music.
Quentyn Cole
True, but she's the only one doing in popular culture 🤷🏽♂️ which is a great thing
Quentyn Cole
& I'm sure they didn't include Broadway actors in their assumption - it's Broadway, they obviously do both.
Teri Raser
ur so right
Gileann Tan
This is one of the best performances I've seen from her.
les_rent_phan
Such a small applause for such great talent.