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.
When We're Together
Idina Menzel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(But the greatest present of all was given to me long ago)
It's something I would never trade, it's the family that we've made
('Cause when we're together, I have everything on my list)
(All around the Christmas tree, there'll be dreams coming true)
But when we're together, then my favorite gift is you
I would travel miles and miles and I would follow any star
I'd go almost any place if it's any place you are
'Cause when we're together (when we're together)
I'll forever feel at home
And when we're together (when we're together)
We'll be safe and warm
Doesn't matter where we are if you're there with me
'Cause when we're together, that's my favorite place
To be
'Cause when we're together (together)
It's a holiday every night
And when we're together (together)
Then the season's bright
I don't need the bells to ring (I don't need the bells)
I'll know when it's here (I'll know when it's here)
'Cause when we're together
I could stay forever
And when we're together
(It's my favorite) time of year
"When We're Together" is a heartfelt holiday song performed by Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, and Jonathan Groff. The lyrics tell a story about the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of family and loved ones.
The song opens by acknowledging the joy of receiving beautifully wrapped gifts but emphasizes that the greatest present already exists within the bonds of family. It conveys the idea that material possessions pale in comparison to the love and togetherness shared with loved ones during the holiday season.
The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the significance of being together, stating that it fulfills everything on the singer's wish list and is the favorite gift of all. It expresses the sentiment that dreams come true when the family is united around the Christmas tree.
The second verse conveys a willingness to travel any distance and go anywhere as long as it means being with the person they love. The connection and comfort felt when they are together is compared to being at home, offering a sense of safety and warmth.
The bridge of the song emphasizes that being together creates a feeling of celebration and brightness, regardless of the physical location or the presence of traditional holiday elements like ringing bells. The lyrics also express a desire for time to stand still, as the singer wishes to stay together forever.
Overall, "When We're Together" captures the spirit of Christmas by emphasizing the importance of love, togetherness, and the joy found in the presence of family and loved ones during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Sure, it's nice to open a gift that's tied up with a perfect bow
While receiving a beautifully wrapped gift is pleasant, the truest and most precious gift was given to me long ago.
It's something I would never trade, it's the family that we've made
The bond we share as a family is invaluable, irreplaceable, and something I would never exchange for anything else.
('Cause when we're together, I have everything on my list)
Because when we are united, I feel complete and fulfilled, possessing everything that holds significance to me.
And when we're together, I have all I wished
Being in each other's presence grants me all the desires and aspirations I could ever hope for.
(All around the Christmas tree, there'll be dreams coming true)
Amidst the joyful atmosphere surrounding the Christmas tree, dreams will come to fruition and become reality.
But when we're together, then my favorite gift is you
However, the ultimate treasure I cherish when we are united is having you by my side.
I would travel miles and miles and I would follow any star
Without hesitation, I would embark on long journeys and pursue any guiding star.
I'd go almost any place if it's any place you are
I am willing to venture to nearly any location, as long as it means being in your presence.
'Cause when we're together (when we're together)
Because when we are united, bound by companionship and love,
I'll forever feel at home
I perpetually experience a sense of belonging and comfort.
Doesn't matter where we are if you're there with me
The physical location becomes insignificant as long as I have your companionship.
'Cause when we're together, that's my favorite place to be
Because being together is my most cherished and beloved place to exist.
(It's my favorite) time of year
The period when we unite is my most adored and cherished season.
'Cause when we're together (together)
Because when we are united,
It's a holiday every night
Each evening becomes a celebration and a joyful holiday.
And when we're together (together)
And when we are united,
Then the season's bright
The entire season radiates with brightness and light.
I don't need the bells to ring (I don't need the bells)
The chiming of bells is unnecessary for me to perceive
I'll know when it's here (I'll know when it's here)
I will instinctively recognize the arrival of this cherished time.
And when we're together
When we are united,
I could stay forever
I could happily remain in this state eternally.
And when we're together
And when we are united,
(It's my favorite) time of year
(This cherished period) holds the status of being my most beloved time throughout the year.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kate Anderson, Elyssa Lynne Samsel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
twistvid
Whether Idina and Kristen are singing on film or live, they sound amazing either way. Glad they were able to go through recording sessions together (when their other fellow voice actors weren’t available), especially recording for the two Frozen films. Gives that sense of ambience and realism in a conversation.
JCDragon2819
This one actually has sound. Thank you!
DutchCountryGirl
Love this song
Debes, Ergo Potes
Как красиво.
Long Le hoang
Love!
king anime
Wow so nice that song 👍
Ronan Sullivan
♥idina