Everything you need to know about ‘Redwood’ on Broadway, starring Idina Menzel

The Tony-winning actress known for originating roles in Rent and Wicked is leading a New York-premiere musical she co-created with Tina Landau and Kate Diaz.

Beatrice OnionsSeptember 27, 2024, 04:00

Ready for an adventure into the great redwood forest? A decade after her last Broadway appearance, Tony Award-winning performer Idina Menzel is making her highly anticipated return in the new musical Redwood. Menzel plays the lead role of Jesse, a trailblazing businesswoman, wife, and mother who, in a life-changing moment, embarks on a solo quest into California’s redwood forest.

Following a sold-out world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse, Redwood arrives to Broadway in January 2025. Featuring a book by director Tina Landau (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical), songs by Landau and Broadway newcomer Kate Diaz, and additional contributions by Menzel, this production is sure to enchant theatre and nature enthusiasts alike — and anyone looking for a lush story about self-discovery and healing.

“Redwood is visually stunning and immersive,” a review in San Diego Magazine reads. “It feels like the American musical of tomorrow.”

Join Menzel on her adventure in Redwood this spring. Before you go, read more about the show below.

Check back for information on Redwood tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

What is Redwood about?

Redwood tells the story of Jesse (Menzel), a workaholic businesswoman, wife, and mom who appears to have everything under control. But after a heated argument with her wife, Jesse reaches her breaking point. On impulse, she spontaneously sets off on a solo road trip with no plan or destination in mind.

She ends up deep in Northern California’s redwood forests, surrounded by the ancient wisdom of the towering trees and the embrace of a new community. Jesse learns what it means to stop running and start living.

Where is Redwood playing?

Beginning January 24, 2025, Redwood is playing at the Nederlander Theatre at 208 W. 41st St. between Seventh and Eighth Avenues. Originally called the National Theater, the venue was purchased by the Nederlander Organization in 1978.

Plays and musicals that have recently run at the 1,232-seat venue include Shucked, The Who’s Tommy, and The Lehman Trilogy.

How long is Redwood?

Redwood is expected to run approximately 2 hours without an intermission; this was the length of the show's pre-Broadway production in California. The runtime is subject to change as Broadway performances begin, and this article will be updated with the latest information.

What days is Redwood playing?

Redwood plays Tuesday through Sunday, with two performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays and no performances on Mondays. For the complete performance schedule and showtimes, please visit the Redwood page.

Redwood begins performances on January 24, 2025, and the standard performance schedule is subject to differences in its early weeks.

When did Redwood premiere?

Redwood made its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego from February to March of 2024. The Broadway premiere of Redwood is in January 2025.

Who wrote Redwood?

Redwood features a book by Tina Landau, who is also the director. Landau is known for conceiving and directing SpongeBob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical, for which she won a Drama Desk Award in 2018 for Outstanding Director of a Musical.

The songs are by Landau (lyrics) and Kate Diaz (music and lyrics), making her Broadway debut. Diaz is known for her songwriting and composition on cinematic projects such as A Tree of Life (2022), The Beachbuds (2021), and The Last House Standing (2020).

Landau described her co-songwriter's work as “epic and cinematic as well as intimate well-crafted songwriting” with “beautiful melodies and also music that really feels like a film score.”

Additionally, the show is co-conceived and features additional material by its star, Idina Menzel.

Redwood characters

The characters in the Redwood musical are people who, like Jesse, are finding their own answers in the forest. Here are the major characters in the show.

Jesse: The main character in Redwood. She is a mother who encounters new friends in the redwood forest on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Mel: Jesse's wife, who is left at home when Jesse embarks on her own adventure. Mel’s patience is tested as Jesse withdraws into herself.
Finn: A scholar studying climate change and the unique ecosystems within the redwoods with his associate, Becca.
Becca: Finn’s tough-love, tree-scientist associate. While she is focused on her own research, Becca also plays a pivotal role in helping Jesse navigate her emotional journey.
Spencer: Jesse's son.

Who is in the cast of Redwood?

Idina Menzel will star in the lead role of Jesse, with additional cast to be announced at a later date. Menzel is a celebrated theatre legend who made her Broadway debut as Maureen Johnson in Rent (1996-97) before originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked (2003-05), for which she won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

She's also known for voicing the character of Elsa in Frozen and playing Nancy in Enchanted, both for Disney. She was named a Disney Legend in 2022 and also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Redwood songs

Idina Menzel released a live recording of the standout song "Great Escape" on her YouTube channel from Redwood’s sold-out world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego. Below are the rest of the songs from that production. This song list is subject to change for Broadway, and the article will be updated with any changes made as performances begin.

"The Place"
"The Trees"
"Climb"
"Little Redwood"
"Dear Everyone"
"A Little Bit Wild"
"Back Then"
"The Ascent"
"Great Escape"
"Roots"
"Little Redwood (Reprise)”
"Back Then (Reprise)"
"Stella"
"Becca's Song"
"No Repair"
"Let the Fires Come"
"Still"
"Finale"

Major productions of Redwood

Thus far, Redwood has had two major productions: the sold-out, six-week world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in 2024 and the 2025 Broadway production in New York City, which is set to open in January 2025. If the musical is a success on Broadway, it could have a long future, leading to future transfers around the country and world.

Fun facts about Redwood

Redwood is inspired by the story of real-life environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill, who famously lived in a 200-foot-tall, approximately 1,000-year-old California redwood tree for 738 days. Landau and Menzel first discussed her story approximately 15 years before the idea evolved into the current Redwood musical.
Idina Menzel is no stranger to taking on roles that highlight the complexities of being a woman in today’s world. She starred in the pre-Broadway run of The Vagina Monologues, where she tackled issues like gay rights and women’s rights on stage.
The Nederlander Theater was home to the 1996 Broadway production of Rent, so Redwood marks a full-circle return for Menzel, who played Maureen Johnson in Rent’s original cast! Menzel received a Tony nomination for her performance.
Melicio Estrella created the vertical movement and staging for Redwood, which fluctuates between realistic climbing and metaphorical aerial dance.

How to get Redwood tickets

Don’t miss your chance to see Menzel’s exciting return to the stage in a new musical! Venture into the forest without leaving the concrete jungle.