Phillyist Playlist: Idina Menzel at the Mann Center

Call us skeptics, but we're guessing most of you only recognize Idina Menzel from her recent stint as the coach of Vocal Adrenaline (and Rachel's birth mother) on Glee. That's not necessarily a bad thing. However, there is a giant sub-category of Gleeks (Gleeaholics?) that are blatant theatre nerds, and we know her best from the Great White Way.

Menzel originated the roles of Maureen in Rent, and Elphaba (the green witch) in Wicked. Of course the multi-talented singer/actress has also been in a few films, including Disney's Enchanted, a movie musical in which the Broadway superstar did not sing. Anyone else who found this extremely aggravating, please raise your hands now.

Backed by the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra, Idina will be singing songs from her new album I Stand, as well as tunes from Rent and Wicked. As for all you non-theatre nerds, come anyway. You never know, you might recognize "Funny Girl," "I Dreamed a Dream," or "Poker Face" from Glee. And for the record that's actually show tune, show tune, pop song. Welcome to the fold.

Idina Menzel with The Philadelphia Orchestra
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Avenue, Fairmount Park
Thursday, 6/24/10, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 (Lawn) - $95 (Prime Orchestra)