Seeing Stars

Written by Brenna Sullivan

Wednesday, 08 September 2010 06:23

Seeing Stars
The local music scene is beginning with a bang this fall, and one big star of stage and screen will "defy gravity" to kick off their new season.

Elphaba, Maureen, Rachel Berry's mom — you may know her as several different names, but Idina Menzel is also a force all on her own. She's lit up the Broadway stage in several acclaimed performances, written her own solo album, and brought beloved characters to life on popular television. What's next on her list? An exciting performance with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra you won't want to miss.

Fresh off last year's national tour promoting her album, I Stand, Menzel embarked on a new performance series Cincinnati is lucky to be included in. Not only will she be a Cincinnati Pops spotlight performer, but Menzel also will be opening the Orchestra's official 2010-2011 season.

With the help of the Pops and award-winning conductor John Morris Russell to back her up, Menzel will showcase her powerhouse vocals on a wide collection of pop favorites, singles from her debut album and musical theater hits from shows like "Wicked" and "Rent."

Menzel began the standout career now bringing her to the Queen City on the off-Broadway stage. One of her first recognized roles was that of the eccentric Maureen Johnson in the production of Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize-winning "Rent." She has since starred as the misunderstood witch Elphaba in Broadway's "Wicked," for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress, and she appeared opposite Patrick Dempsey in Disney's feature film "Enchanted."

You may also recognize Menzel from the television phenom "Glee." On the smash hit, she lends her vocal and acting talent to Shelby Corcoran, the character of Rachel Berry's biological mother and rival glee club coach you love to hate. Check out Menzel and Lea Michele performing Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" on season three of "Glee" here.

She is truly a visionary performer in the worlds of theater and film entertainment. Now that you know all of Menzel's impressive background, you won't want to miss your chance at witnessing this gifted performer in person. Here's the good news: Cincinnatians have not one but three chances to see the Menzel-Pops pairing. Performances will take place Sept. 24, 25 and 26 at Music Hall.

"Deets" to Know

Performances:

Friday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 25, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m.

Ticket Price Range: $26-$99

Location: Music Hall, 1241 Elm St.

PHOTO CREDITS
Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Brenna Sullivan -
	Brenna Sullivan is Cincy Chic's multi media intern. Send her an e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .Read More >>

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