Kim
[2004-2008]
Me and Idina – 3/21/05
from San Fransisco Bay Area, CA (hella, yo!)
How long have I been a fan of Idina?
Hardcore since Summer 2003 — I first heard of the musical Rent in 1999 when it had one of it’s tours in the Bay Area, but I didn’t see or hear the music until I saw the touring company in 2001 (my birthday present!) – From then on, I began to grow a deep love and respect for theater and music. I fell in love with the entire Rent original Broadway cast from the recording, particularly Idina.
Have I ever seen Idina perform live?
Yep, I saw Wicked twice in New York at the Gershwin while Idina was still performing (I stupidly procrastinated getting tickets to the premiere in SF, so I didn’t get to see it there.) I’m hoping to see Idina again if/when she does a concert here on the West Coast (or if I can get my butt over to New York while something’s going on.)
Have I ever met Idina in person?
Yes, while she was filming Rent in San Francisco back in March 2005, I visited the set and was able to talk to her for a little while — Idina was kind enough to take pictures and sign some things for my friends and I, and it was a great “first meeting” experience.
Click here to read more about my first “Meeting Idina” story
Favorite Idina Show
Definitely The Wild Party, as far as music goes. I really am a fan of darker, passionate shows, and that particular show has such a remarkable cast with vocals that surpass anything I’ve ever heard. Wicked is the only show I’ve seen Idina perform in live, and it really holds a special place in my heart, being the first Broadway show I ever saw. And as Joe Mantello said on her final night in the show, she really will be remembered in history for that remarkable role. But she continues to take part in shows that impress her audiences and build her skills, so I can hardly secure a favorite since she keeps bringing something new to the table.
Favorite Idina Song
I’m a fan of Idina’s original music, particularly the soothing intimate songs on her “Here” album — personal favorites include “If I Told You” for it’s incredible lyrics, and “You’d Be Surprised” for the powerful and emotional vocals. As far as theatre tunes go, there is no denying her astounding singing in “Defying Gravity” in Wicked — But my all-time favorite is her rendition of the Funny Girl tune “Cornet Man” that she sang at a benefit concert in 2002. The fluidity of her belting and the sexiness in her attitude really show off her incredible talent.
Anything else?
Well, I have a twin sister, Stacy, who is equally the theater/film lover that I am — I’m a Film Studies/Screenwriting major at a University near Los Angeles, and I have dreams of adapting Lippa’s The Wild Party for the Silver Screen (what a masterpiece that could be.) — I was involved in theater through High School, and now continue to study it (and of course, get some good, healthy obsessions from it :])
I’m a total film geek, and I’ve seen an incredible amount of movies, of ALL genres. I love classic Hollywood films, in particular, and I think modern filmmakers can learn a lot from those “old black & white pictures”. I also love collecting movies, as well as collecting autographs (a gallery of my collection can be found here.) — Um… I love food. :) Sleep. All the other procrastinating tools that college students thrive on.
Erin
[2008-2011]
Hello! I’m Erin, and I’ve been lucky enough to inherit this great site from Kim! Here’s some info about me:
from New York City
How long have I been a fan of Idina?
Since 2007! I was always a fan of The Wizard of Oz, and a friend of mine recommended I read Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, which led to discovering the musical, and in turn, Idina. I discovered her on YouTube!
Have I ever seen Idina perform live?
Absolutely! I have many favorite concerts, but favorite performances include 1) 2008 in Mamaroneck, NY (my first-ever Idina concert), 2) 2013 at Carnegie Hall, 3) 2014 at Radio City Music Hall, and 4) 2018 at Madison Square Garden.
Have I ever met Idina in person?
Yes, and she’s the sweetest, most gracious artist I’ve ever met.
Favorite Idina Show
I feel like had I seen it, it would be The Wild Party. Though despite also not seeing Wicked, Wicked was my introduction both to musical theater and Idina, so I have to go with Wicked.
Favorite Idina Song
I think the oldies “Jealous” and “It Only Hurts When I Breathe” qualify as my truest favorite Idina songs. There’s no watering down the emotion in those songs – it’s pure, raw feelings and I admire her ability to be brave enough to share those intense emotions with the public.
Anything else?
In 2011 at the turn of the modern social media era, I joined Idina’s official team and now manage IdinaMenzel.com and her official social media profiles collaborating on content strategy and new ideas spanning her multifaceted career.
Find me on Instagram or Twitter! @ErinPrivratsky
Jill
[2011-2014]
Idina & I – March 2009
Hello! I’m Jill and I’m now helping out here!
from Cincinnati, OH
How long have I been a fan of Idina?
I first really took notice of Idina back in the fall of 2000. A college roommate took me to see a touring production of RENT and that spurred my love of musical theatre. Many, many trips back and forth between school and home were spent in the car listening to that cast recording. And then I eventually took interest in that Maureen chick, because she always stuck out to me for some reason. That of course led to discovering her own music, as well as Wicked and the other shows she has been in over the years.
Have I ever seen Idina perform live?
I have! I’ve been lucky to see her several times in concert since she started touring in 2008, although I haven’t been lucky enough to see her acting in a show/musical yet. One day!
Have I ever met Idina in person?
I have also been lucky enough to meet her a few times. Like the others have said, she really is the sweetest person who gives you her full attention in a meet & greet.
Favorite Idina Show
This is a tough question….I think I’d have to choose See What I Wanna See. I love the music and the storyline…basically everything. The Wild Party is a very close second though.
Favorite Idina Song
Still I Can’t Be Still and Think Too Much have always been two of my favorites, and so has Rise Up and Jealous. I love Idina’s music because I feel like I can connect with so many of the lyrics.
Anything else?
Well, I’m not very good at choosing ONE favorite of anything, huh? LOL Well, let’s see for my real-life job I work in the library world and I have the cutest puppy ever named Ruby. She is a Yorkie/Maltese mix and I bet she and Sammy Davis Jr. Jr. would make a really cute boyfriend-girlfriend couple!
I’m going to do my best to live up to the level that Erin and Kim have already set. As corny as it may sound, Idina is truly my idol and it means a lot to me that Erin chose me to continue this amazing site.
Heather
[2015-Current]
from Pittsburgh, PA
How long have I been a fan of Idina?
Since 2010! I saw Wicked and LOVED it, so I bought the cast album and was so intrigued by her voice. I’d known of her for many years and knew basic facts about her, but hadn’t really ever heard her sing. That led me to I Stand, and the rest is history!
Have I ever seen Idina perform live?
I have! Many times! I first saw her perform live in concert in 2011. I love road trips, especially paired with concerts and Broadway musicals, so I try to see her as often as I can.
Have I ever met Idina in person?
Yes! She’s amazing! I’ve met her a few times now and she is so sweet and gracious. She’s always so thankful for her fans and their support.
Favorite Idina Show
I’m a total cliché! Wicked! I probably listened to that album for a year straight and all these years later, I’m still not tired of it. But If/Then also really clicked with me, and it was the first time I saw her perform on Broadway, so it’s a special show for me. I saw it in previews in Washington DC and quite a few times in NYC. I also went to the last show, which was amazing. Being inside the Richard Rodgers that day is something I’ll never forget.
Favorite Idina Song
I can’t choose just one, so I’ll narrow it down to God Save My Soul, Better To Have Loved, & My Own Worst Enemy. I love that she wears her heart on her sleeve through her music.
Anything else?
Hmm, I’m excited about Idina’s upwards trajectory and all the success she’s had over the past few years. I’m excited to be part of the IH team and keep fans updated on everything Idina! Also, I’m a twin and I’m super proud of the fact that I converted my twin into a huge fan when I made her go with me to my first Idina concert a couple of hours away in Ohio!