Redwood review

Redwood Review - Broadway musical

Redwood is conceptualized by Landau and Menzel, with additional additions by Menzel. It is written and directed by Tony Award nominee Tina Landau, with music by Kate Diaz and lyrics by Landau and Diaz.

Redwood is Menzel's first theatrical appearance since she made her Broadway debut in the Roundabout Theatre Company's 2018 production of Joshua Harmon's play Skintight, which debuted off-Broadway and then moved to the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles a year later.

Since then, Menzel has been involved in a number of theatrical endeavors, including as the cancelled COVID-19 production of Wild: A Musical Becoming at American Repertory Theatre and Jagged Little Pill, in which she performed as Mary Jane in one of the workshops.

The Tony Award nominee De'Adre Aziza as "Mel," Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as "Becca," Michael Park as "Finn," Zachary Noah Piser as "Spencer," and understudies Aja Simone Baitey, Giovanny Diaz de Leon, and Lance Arthur Smith round out the world premiere cast in addition to Menzel.

A captivating new musical experience, Redwood tells the story of a woman's journey into the fragile and valuable world of the redwood forest. Jesse, played by Menzel, is a prosperous entrepreneur, a wife, and a mother. Though on the outside she appears to have it all, her heart is broken. Jesse, who is going through a transition, gets in her car, drives away, and leaves everyone and everything behind. She travels thousands of miles before arriving in the ancient woodlands of Northern California, where a fortuitous encounter and a leap of faith permanently alter her course in life. Redwood examines the depths –and heights– one goes to find strength, resilience, and healing with its intensely personal story, energizingly modern sound, and breathtaking design.

The Redwood creative team consists of the following: media designer Hana S. Kim, music supervisor Kimberly Grigsby, music director Haley Bennett, scenic designer Jason Ardizzone-West, costume designer Toni-Leslie James, lighting designer Scott Zielinski, sound designer Jonathan Deans, and vertical movement and staging Melecio Estrella, BANDALOOP. The Telsey Office, Patrick Goodwin, CSA/Jacole Kitchen, is in charge of casting; Topaz Cooks serves as assistant stage manager and Lora K. Powell as stage manager.

Forbes, Lois Alter Mark: Anywhere, listening to Idina Menzel sing is pure bliss. You will cry and get chills when you hear her sing at the small La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. The Tony Award–winning star is making her stage debut in Redwood, a world premiere musical that is a must-see. Following in the footsteps of 36 previous La Jolla Playhouse productions, such as Jersey Boys, Come From Away, and The Outsiders, Broadway must be the show's next destination.

The San Diego Tribune's Pam Kragen: The story of "Redwood" is frank and incredibly relatable, and it's presented in a beautiful, singular, and personal way. While many new musicals require additional development before being brought to Broadway, "Redwood" seems ready for prime time. In terms of technology, it seems like the American musical of the future.

ErinMarie Reiter, BroadwayWorld: Ultimately, it's hard to feel fully invested in any of these people since this plot feels both straightforward and convoluted. Regretfully, despite the show's excellent technical and visual qualities and outstanding ensemble, the plot lacks the depth and intrigue it so richly deserves.
Last Update:June, 14th 2024