The previously announced Broadway debut of the new musical Redwood, which made its world premiere in February at the La Jolla Playhouse, will make its Broadway home at the Nederlander Theatre.
The new musical, starring Wicked Tony
winner Idina Menzel, will begin previews January 24, 2025, prior to an official opening February 13. The Nederlander is the former home of Rent (which marked Menzel's Broadway debut) and is currently the home of the revival of The Who's Tommy.
Again directed by Tina Landau, who penned the book and co-wrote the
lyrics,
tickets for Redwood will go on sale July 17 at 10 AM ET for Audience Rewards members and fans who have signed up for early access. Tickets will go on sale to the general public July 19 at 10 AM ET via Broadway Direct.
Menzel—who conceived the project with director Landau—will head the cast in the role of Jesse. Additional casting will be announced. (The La Jolla staging also featured Tony nominee De'Adre Aziza as Mel, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Becca, Michael Park as Finn, and Zachary Noah Piser as Spencer, along with understudies Giovanny Diaz de Leon, Lance Arthur Smith, and Aja Simone Baitey.)
Listen to Idina Menzel Sing 'Great Escape' Live From World Premiere of Redwood Musical
“I made my Broadway debut at the Nederlander Theatre in Rent almost 30 years ago, so to be returning there with Redwood is very emotional for me as it feels like a real homecoming,” Menzel said in a statement. “It has been such a gift to collaborate with Tina and Kate on this show, and I’m so proud to bring it to Broadway.”
Redwood—with a book by Landau, music by Kate Diaz, lyrics by Diaz and Landau, and additional contributions by Menzel—casts the Tony winner as Jesse, a successful businesswoman, mother, and wife who seems to have it all—although her heart is broken. At a turning point, Jesse leaves everyone behind, gets in her car, and drives to the ancient forests of Northern California, where a chance meeting and a leap of faith change her life forever.
The newly announced creative team also includes music director Haley Bennett, scenic designer Jason Ardizzone-West, costume designer Toni-Leslie James, lighting designer Scott Zielinski, sound designer Jonathan Deans, media designer Hana S. Kim, and vertical movement and vertical choreographer Melecio Estrella/BANDALOOP. Casting is by The Telsey Office's Patrick Goodwin.
Eva Price, Caroline Kaplan, and Loudmouth Media will produce the Broadway musical.
Visit Redwoodmusical.com.
Nkeki Obi-Melekwe and Idina Menzel in Redwood
Idina Menzel and De’Adre Aziza in Redwood
Michael Park and Idina Menzel in Redwood
Idina Menzel in Redwood
Zachary Noah Piser and Idina Menzel in Redwood
