BWW Reviews: Idina Menzel Wows in San Antonio

Idina Menzel recently performed at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas and continues to perform throughout the United States. From the moment she walked out onstage, you knew Idina’s concert was going to be different from any other concert. As Idina walked across the stage, it was apparent that she had no shoes on and was very comfortable on the stage. She immediately connected with the audience. Suddenly you felt as if you were with an intimate group of friends listening to a private performance. Idina sang songs from Rent and Wicked as well as Barbara Streisand songs and even U2. And her version of “Both Sides Now” made famous by Joni Mitchell was beyond words. 

What one can take away from the evening that made it a one-of-a-kind event was the way Idina seemed to make every audience member feel individual and included. The most remarkable part of the connection came when Idina came out into the audience and asked for someone to help her sing, “Take Me or Leave Me” from Rent. Girls from the audience leapt from their seats and rushed towards Idina. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, Idina let them come. She invited a handful to go to the stage and she then found one young man to sing with her as well.

The young man was Dennis Perez. In speaking to Dennis after the show, he told me, “I was completely shocked when she pulled me into the center aisle to sing. It was a once in a lifetime dream come true. I've been looking up to Idina for 6 years now and to be able to perform with one of my idols was mind blowing!”

One of the young ladies invited onstage was Seeley Stephens. I caught up with Seeley and asked her about her experience. Seeley said, “It has been one of my biggest goals in life to sing on stage with Idina Menzel, so when I was waiting there to sing, I could feel my dream coming true, and I couldn't wait to sing for her. When I sang, I had that same excitement and happiness, but I also had the disbelief that it was actually happening to me. When I got her autograph after the show, she told me I sounded great on stage. That one small comment meant more to me than she will ever know, and I will never forget that night as long as I live.”

Idina made a difference in her life and gave her the confidence she needed. Seeley also shared with me that is has been her dream since she was very young to sing on the Broadway stage. “I love to sing more than anything in the world and adding dancing and acting to that on Broadway is all I want to do with my life. I am actually auditioning for American Idol (in San Antonio) to start on my journey that I hope will land me on the Broadway stage in the future.”

Everyone in the audience that evening felt like they made a new friend in the star. As the show ended, Idina stood at The Edge of the stage and sang “For Good” from Wicked a capella and without a microphone. It was beautiful and heartfelt and moving as she sang the lyrics, “You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart and now whatever way our stories end I know you have re-written mine by being my friend...” you knew she meant it and that her life was changed “for good” as well as the audience by this evening to remember.

Menzel continues to perform throughout the United States entertaining and connecting with all her audiences. Go to Idina's website to see where she will be next. This is a concert you shouldn’t miss if you have the chance to see it.

Kathy Strain spent most of her life outside of Philadelphia and has enjoyed Broadway shows for most of her life. Kathy moved to San Antonio, Texas in 2001 with her husband Ken and 3 children. She holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Texas at San Antonio and runs her own Public Relations company. She loves to contribute pieces on the arts to several outlets and enjoys writing about talent and sharing it with the world.

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