Idina Menzel is on a roll. Her current show is about the effects of chance and choice, so it's kind of appropriate that a name flub would suddenly turn her into a pop-culture luminary. But the accomplishments are no accident. The former Wicked star has a new lead role on Broadway in If/Then, an Oscar-winning song ("Let It Go" from Frozen) and a Billboard cover story.
Next up, on April 25, Variety's annual Power of Women luncheon will honor the Tony winner with an Inspiration Impact award for her humanitarian efforts as co-creator of A Broader Way, an arts camp program for urban girls.
Variety publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns stated drily that "with celebrations now on both coasts, we have the distinct privilege to continue honoring these incredible women who have influenced our industry and communities, and who are harnessing the power of giving back to inspire others to do the same."
A somewhat more colorful quote from Menzel about her own summer camp days appears on the A Broader Way website: "I sang, I danced, I played sports, I wrote songs. At the time, I had no idea that in the years to come my career would reward me with so many special opportunities to connect with young people."
The evening's other honorees are Sarah Jessica Parker (who got her start on Broadway, replacing Andrea McArdle in Annie), Claire Danes, Susan Sarandon, as well as Iman and A+E Networks president and CEO Nancy Dubuc.
As for me, while the cocktail receptions at Cipriani Midtown sound very nice, I'm especially curious about the "interactive philanthropy bazaar." If I ever get invited to one of those, I promise to tell you all about it.
