Three generations of audiences have come of age to Idina Menzel’s voice. She originated the role of Maureen in “Rent,” Elphaba in “Wicked” — both Broadway musicals — and Elsa in the animated film “Frozen.” Her other film roles include everything from “Uncut Gems” to “Enchanted” and its sequel, “Disenchanted,” among others.
A Broadway powerhouse, Menzel gives audiences a peek into her career in her new documentary “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” on Disney+, which goes on the road with her while she tours with Josh Groban. The film traces the arc of her career but also shows her juggling various aspects of her personal life: Being a mother to a young son and embarking on IVF in the hopes of having another child.
“There’s a fine line between how much you want to show the public and how much you want to keep to yourself,” she said of the film. “I do feel like in order to be a good performer, you need be able to take risks and be willing to make yourself vulnerable. Because that’s when people in an audience really connect with you — and I think they can pick up on when you’re inauthentic. So I’m really comfortable letting people in.”
