Warning: We’re about to go old-school gay. As in full jazz-hands, Broadway gay.
But with a decidedly modern twist.
That’s right. It’s the best of both worlds with the new CD or DVD of Idina Menzel Live: Barefoot at the Symphony, recorded in Toronto for a PBS special.
The versatile star has been on the rise ever since her breakthrough role in the original cast of Rent, as well as the Pretty in Green star of Wicked. She’s broken into film with the movie adaptation of Rent, and on TV in Glee.
And even if you don’t know her face, you’re likely very familiar with her voice. Her incredible voice.
Throughout the live production for this show, she chats with the audience and tells endearing stories. There’s a college crush where they guy turned out to be gay (shocker); her experience with that “bitch” Beyonce; and the night she was possibly praised or potentially snubbed by her idol, Barbra Streisand.
Song highlights include her signature anthem, “Defining Gravity;” a cover of Gaga’s “Poker Face;” and a clever mash-up of Cole Porter’s “Love for Sale” with Sting’s “Roxanne.” Even her take on the sugary sweet “Tomorrow” from Annie is actually quite beautiful (and still stuck in our head, thankyouverymuch).
Just goes to show that listening to show tunes can sometimes be surprising. But be careful how loud you play this disc or every dramatic old queen in the neighborhood will flock to your front lawn and form a chorus line until you let them in for Metamucil Mimosas and finger sandwiches.
$11.99 DVD on Amazon.com
$10.00 CD on Amazon.com
$9.99 on iTunes
www.idinamenzel.com
