The True Story Of Redwood On Broadway: Why Idina Menzel’s Musical Closed So Quickly
Contents
The Complete Broadway Biography and Creative Team of Redwood
The musical *Redwood* was a unique theatrical experiment that blended the raw emotional power of a star vehicle with an intimate, nature-focused story. Its pedigree was undeniable, featuring a celebrated leading lady and an innovative creative team.Key Production Details and Personnel
- Show Title: Redwood (A New Musical)
- Broadway Venue: Nederlander Theatre
- Broadway Start Date: January 24, 2025
- Broadway Closing Date: May 18, 2025
- Star: Idina Menzel (as Jesse)
- Book: Tina Landau
- Music: Kate Diaz
- Lyrics: Kate Diaz and Tina Landau
- Director: Tina Landau
- Choreographer: N/A (Focus on movement/staging)
- Original Production: La Jolla Playhouse (February 2024)
Principal Broadway Cast (Entities)
The core cast brought a wealth of Broadway experience and talent to the stage, led by a legend of the modern musical era.
- Idina Menzel as Jesse (The central character, a workaholic mother on a journey of self-discovery).
- de'Adre Aziza as Mel (A key figure Jesse encounters on her journey).
- Michael Park as Finn (Jesse’s husband).
- Zachary Noah Piser as Spencer (and others).
- Khaila Wilcoxon (Ensemble/Supporting).
- Daniel Brackett (Ensemble/Supporting).
Creative Team (Entities)
The production was helmed by a visionary team, including scenic and lighting designers who were crucial to bringing the immersive redwood forest environment to the stage.
- Tina Landau: The director and co-writer, known for her experimental and visually striking work, including *SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical*.
- Kate Diaz: The composer and co-lyricist, marking her significant Broadway debut.
- Jason Ardizzone-West: Scenic Designer, whose work was critical to the show's visual impact, utilizing massive projections and a simple, effective set.
- Japhy Weideman: Lighting Designer.
- Kai Harada: Sound Designer.
The Short-Lived Run: What Happened to Redwood on Broadway?
The question of "when does *Redwood* open on Broadway?" quickly morphed into "why did it close so soon?" The show's run of less than four months—from its late January opening to its mid-May closing—is considered a remarkably short engagement for a new musical with such a high-profile star. The Early Announcement: The closing announcement came shortly after the show had been running for just over two months, with the final performance scheduled for May 18, 2025. This timing, right after the crucial Tony Awards eligibility window closed and nominations were announced, is often a strong indicator of a show’s commercial viability. The Box Office Challenge: While official, detailed box office numbers are the ultimate determinant, an early closing often signals that ticket sales were not meeting the necessary threshold to sustain the production’s high operating costs. Despite the star power of Idina Menzel—a Tony winner and the voice of Elsa in *Frozen*—the show struggled to find a large enough audience to fill the Nederlander Theatre consistently. New musicals on Broadway require significant capital and sustained ticket demand, which *Redwood* was unable to maintain in a competitive season. Critical Reception vs. Commercial Appeal: *Redwood* was critically praised for its visual design, the strength of Menzel's performance, and its unique, meditative tone. It was recognized as a "New York Times Critic's Pick," a significant badge of honor. However, some reviews, while admiring, questioned whether the intimate, character-driven story of a woman escaping her life to climb a redwood tree was substantial enough for a massive Broadway stage and the mass-market appeal required for a long run. The show’s darker, more introspective dramedy themes may have struggled to compete against more traditional, uplifting, or spectacle-heavy musicals. Idina Menzel’s Heartfelt Response: Following the closing announcement, Idina Menzel shared a heartfelt statement with fans and the theatre community. She expressed immense pride in the production, calling it an "emotionally charged and heart-healing" experience. Menzel’s dedication to the material, even suggesting it was one of her proudest professional moments, underscored the artistic merit of the show, even if the commercial outcome was disappointing.The Legacy of Redwood: A Critic’s Pick That Defied Broadway Norms
The legacy of *Redwood* will not be defined by its length but by its artistic ambition and the conversation it sparked about what a Broadway musical can be. The show dared to be different, using innovative staging, video projections, and a focus on environmental themes and mental health—a significant departure from the typical big-budget, spectacle-driven musical.Topical Authority: The Thematic Entities
The musical’s plot centered on Jesse, a workaholic businesswoman and mother, who embarks on a spontaneous cross-country road trip to the redwood forests of California. This journey was an exploration of several deep, resonant themes:
- Environmentalism and Nature: The immense, ancient redwood trees served as a powerful metaphor for connection, permanence, and healing.
- Mental Health and Escape: Jesse’s sudden departure was a response to profound personal and emotional turmoil, making the show a commentary on modern stress and the need for escape.
- Family and Self-Discovery: The plot explored Jesse’s relationship with her family and her ultimate quest for self-acceptance and peace.
- Innovative Staging: The production was noted for its creative use of large-scale video projections and minimal set design to create the immersive environment of the forest.
What Happens Next for Redwood?
Despite the early Broadway closing, the journey for *Redwood* is likely not over. Many musicals that have short Broadway runs find new life through regional productions, international stagings, or licensing for community and high school theatre. The existence of an Original Broadway Cast Recording further ensures the musical's score and story will live on and reach a wider audience over time.
For fans who missed the short run, the legacy of *Redwood* is cemented in the powerful performance of Idina Menzel and the bold vision of Tina Landau and Kate Diaz. It serves as a reminder that on Broadway, critical success and artistic vision do not always guarantee commercial longevity, but they do ensure a lasting impact on the theatrical landscape.
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