Idina Menzel Performs at Gallo Center for the Arts Tonight, 6/5

Tony Award-winning actress, singer and songwriter Idina Menzel, star of Broadway's Wicked and the original stage production of Rent, makes her debut at the Gallo Center for the Arts at 7:30 pm tonight, June 5, performing her brand new live show. Tickets can be purchased by calling (209) 338-2100, online at GalloArts.org or IdinaMenzel.com, or in person at the Center's ticket office, 1000 I Street in downtown Modesto.

Garnering huge critical acclaim, Menzel reached superstardom on Broadway with her Tony Award-winning performance as Elphaba, the misunderstood green girl, in the blockbuster Wicked and in her Tony-nominated role as Maureen in the revolutionary Rent. This season, Menzel reprised her role on "Glee," FOX's smash hit television series, as Shelby Corcoran, Rachel's biological mother.

"I am so thrilled to be going back on tour this summer. I am eager to reconnect with my audience, perform my favorite songs and explore some exciting new material," said Menzel.

Menzel has a diverse career on the stage, in film, television, and in music. On March 6th, she will release a CD and DVD entitled Idina Menzel LIVE: BAREFOOT AT THE SYMPHONY, a special journey through a diverse repertoire of classic pop and musical theater favorites, including a fresh spin on contemporary songs, led by legendary composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch, filmed at The Royal Conservatory's beautiful Koerner Hall in Toronto, Canada. Idina Menzel LIVE: BAREFOOT AT THE SYMPHONY premieres on PBS stations beginning tonight (check local listings).

Menzel also premiered Wicked in London's West End to rave reviews and received a Theatergoers Choice Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Menzel's talents garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination, as well as a Drama League Award nomination for her role in See What I Wanna See directed by Ted Sperling at The Public Theater. Menzel also appeared in ABC's television series "Private Practice."

Menzel's film credits include Disney's romantic fable, Enchanted where she appeared opposite Susan Sarandon, Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams; Rent, in which she reprised her role as Maureen; and a co-starring role in Robert Towne's Ask the Dust, opposite Selma Hayek and Colin Farrell. For more information about Menzel, visit IdinaMenzel.com.

The Gallo Center's 2010-2011 Premier Partner is Boyett Petroleum.

Photo Credit: Monica Simoes