Did that really just happen?
Walking into the Marquis Hotel is like walking into another world. I enter the SOHO complex in Manhattan to interview Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth. The legendary Tony winners are reuniting to host A Very Wicked Halloween: Celebrating 15 Years on Broadway, an NBC special. The original Elphaba and Glinda will also perform.
“It’s such a celebration of women supporting women, of owning who we are, of not being afraid of that thing in us that is really fierce and powerful and being strong and that that’s not ugly or angry and that’s just beautiful,” Idina Menzel said when asked why Wicked is more important today than ever.
The words of Menzel echo in my head, telling me empowerment exists in having the strength to be alone. And alone I am among an impressive array of high prestige; to my right stands Kristen Chenoweth, speaking to a small mob of eager reporters. On my left, Adam Lambert has walked into the room, catching the attention of a particularly excited photographer. Richie Ridge gives me a warm greeting and the room is buzzing with excitement, lit by studio lamps and the constant pop of camera flashes. Standing before me is the woman with whom I am most looking forward to speaking, broadway superstar and green goddess of Wicked, Idina Menzel.
I am standing with a bundle of reporters, who are clamoring to have their questions heard. Idina is asked how she landed the role of Elphaba and she speaks of how she was drawn to the role:
“I really wanted it, there was something inside me that I really wanted to book the role … I knew that it was special in some way. I didn’t know it would become such a phenomenon.”
She tells us how the message of women’s empowerment keeps the musical relevant even fifteen years later and how it remains an important story highlighting “women supporting women.”
The Knockturnal: Finally, the really important question is asked: what does her son think of her as Elphaba in makeup and costume?
Idina Menzel: He calls that-that’s green mommy.
The Knockturnal: What does he think? Does he recognize you?
Idina Menzel: He could care less. He’s a nine-year old boy. All he wants to do is play basketball. He doesn’t care about Elsa or Elphaba. One day he’s going to think I’m the coolest mom, but right now he doesn’t care.
After Idina tells me she is singing Defying Gravity during the special, I ask her if this pivotal song has a different meaning for her now that she is a mom.
She takes a moment to think before she answers: “No, not different. Just the importance of reinforcing that in him…how powerful it is to embrace in him what makes him special.” With a smile, she finishes, “that’s enough.”
It was Idina’s performance as Elphaba fifteen years ago that made the role so iconic and Idina’s ability to bring the character to life was done in such a way that it carried misunderstood passion and internal fire to the front of the stage; a message that is being adored by young women and adults today, around the world.
Meeting Idina in person was a magical experience. The special, which also features Ariana Grande, Pentatonix and Ledisi will air on Monday, Oct. 29 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. It is a can’t miss TV event.
Photo Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC