"Holiday Wishes" Walter Afanasieff and Idina Menzel

"Holiday Wishes" Walter Afanasieff and Idina Menzel

Perhaps best known today as playing Queen #Elsa in the hugely popular animated movie “#Frozen,” Idina Menzel actually has a long and extensive stage resume.
It all started in 1995, when she auditioned for Rent. #Idina portrayed Maureen Johnson, which eventually earned her a Tony nomination for “Best Featured #Actress in a Musical.” The play opened off-#Broadway but quickly moved to Broadway due its immense popularity. Idina continued to perform in Rent until 1997.
In 1998, Idina performed at Lilith Fair, and continued to write her own music while performing on and off Broadway in numerous musicals like Summer of ’42, Hair, Aida and The Vagina Monologues. Her first solo album entitled “Still I Can’t Be Still”was released in 1998 as well.


In 2003, Idina starred on Broadway with Kristin Chenoweth in the WICKED The Musical, based on the Gregory Maguire novel #Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. She received high praise and a 2004 Tony award for her portrayal of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Unfortunately, Idina would fall threw a trap door in the stage, cracking a rib and preventing her from starring in the final show. She was able to make an out-of-costume appearance in that showing, performing her final song and receiving a 5 minute standing ovation.
Idina released her second album in 2004 and stated contributing to numerous soundtracks. In 2005, she revisited her role as Maureen Johnson in the movie version of Rent, the role in which she became well-known on the big screen.
Idina moved to the small screen, landing a recurring guest star role in the television series #Glee. She plays the coach of the rival glee club, but also the biological mother of lead star Lea Michelle’s character.
Recently, and perhaps more noticeably to kids today, Idina voiced the character of Elsa in the #Disney-animated film Frozen. The film, released in November 2013, became the highest-rate family film of the year. Her performance as the Snow Queen, and her beautiful rendition of “Let It Go” have earned her praise and numerous awards. Also in 2013, Idina made her return to Broadway, starring as Elizabeth in the musical If/Then.
Up next for the talented actress and singer? A new Christmas album. Holiday Wishes, Idina’s first album in 6 years, was recently released in October. The album was released by Warner Bros. Records, and produced by #ISINA’s own President and co-founder, Walter Afanasieff.
Walter Afanasieffis a renowned producer and songwriter, as well as a multi-Grammy winner. He has worked with Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, producing many #Grammy winning records.

#Walter Afanasieff 
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