On Tuesday, May 22nd, New Dramatists honored Tony nominee Tina Landau and Tony winner Idina Menzel at the annual Spring Luncheon Tribute, which was held at the Marriott Marquis in New York.
‘Redwood’
Landau spoke with members of the media about her latest recognition.
She is a Tony-nominated theater director and writer. She had two major musicals debut on Broadway in 2025.
She served as director, book writer, and co-lyricist of the original musical “Redwood,” which starred Tony winner Idina Menzel.
Working with Idina Menzel in ‘Redwood’
On working with Idina Menzel, Landau exclaimed, “Idina is like my heart. What can I say? I love that woman and beyond… both onstage and offstage.”
‘Floyd Collins’
Landau also served as director, book writer and lyricist for the Broadway debut of the cult-favorite musical “Floyd Collins” featuring Tony winning-composer Adam Guettel’s iconic score, which first premiered Off-Broadway in 1996, which won the Lucille Lortel Award for “Outstanding Musical.”
Working with Wade McCollum and Jason Gotay in ‘Floyd Collins’
When asked what it was like to work with Wade McCollum and Jason Gotay in “Floyd Collins,” she remarked, “I love Wade. He is a superstar, mystic poet. In fact, I quoted Wade in my closing night speech of ‘Redwood.’ Wade is a creature and a magical one.”
“Also, Jason Gotay is similar to Wade. Jason is a rockstar… he is fluid and just a really special being to have on stage in the show,” she added.
Hardest part of her job as a playwright and director of two Broadway shows
On the hardest aspect of her job as a playwright and director of two different musicals, Landau said, “The hardest thing really was doing two shows back-to-back on Broadway.”
“Not only did I direct them, but I also wrote them. It was just a lot but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve had a great time doing them,” she noted
Advice for young and aspiring playwrights, storytellers and performers
For young and emerging performers, playwrights, and storytellers, Landau said, “Follow your heart; do what is in our heart. Work from your passion. Don’t tell others tell you who you are or what to do.”
“Just figure out who you are inside and work from there,” she added.
Career-defining moments
On her career-defining moments, Landau shared, “I’ve had so many. I started directing when I was six years old in my basement, and I continued from there. So, I don’t know if I can pick out one single moment right now.”
Stage of her life
On the title of the current chapter of her life, she revealed, “Rest followed by joy.”
Success
Regarding her definition of the word success, Landau concluded, “Being my authentic self and having the ability to touch, help, and connect with others.”
Read More: “Redwood” rave review.
