Additional details have been announced for Idina Menzel’s appearance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Tony Award winner will perform the song “Great Escape” from the new Broadway musical “Redwood” on a new “Wondrous World of Wildlife” float from the Bronx Zoo. The “Wondrous World”’s entry will mark the first time the 125-year-old institution has participated in the parade.
“Great Escape” features music by Kate Diaz and lyrics by Diaz and Tina Landau. As previously announced, Menzel will headline the Main Stem mounting of “Redwood,” which will begin previews on Jan. 24, 2025 and open on Feb. 13 at the Nederlander Theatre.
The Bronx Zoo float will feature depictions of several nature biomes, including the Russian Boreal Forest, the African Savanna and the African Rainforest. The biomes’ respective animal population will be represented as well, with an aim to raise awareness about the vitality of conservation.
Menzel is known for her Tony-winning performance as Elphaba in “Wicked,” and for lending her voice to the role of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen” franchise. Her other Main Stem credits include her Tony-nominated turns in “Rent” and “If/Then,” as well an appearance in “Aida.”
“As a native New Yorker, it’s such a joy to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and to partner with the Bronx Zoo, whose connection to the city and mission to protect nature is very near and dear to me,” Menzel said in a statement. “Conservation is at the heart of my new musical, and an important message for viewers. I can’t wait to connect with my fans on the streets of Manhattan and soon again on Broadway.”
“As one of the best multi-talented performers of our time, we are thrilled to have Idina perform on our Bronx Zoo float,” said Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo. “Idina represents the very best of New York City, and her new musical, ‘Redwood,’ has conservation-driven themes that align with the Bronx Zoo’s mission. We are very excited to see her at the Parade and we’re sure her performance will be unforgettable.”
The 98th annual parade will take place on Nov. 28 in Manhattan and will be broadcast on NBC and simulcast on Peacock from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in all time zones.
