Lea Michele shares how Idina Menzel inspired her latest Broadway move

Lea Michele just opened up about the surprising source behind her newest Broadway decision, revealing a personal connection that shaped her next move.

As she reflects on stepping back into the spotlight, Lea points to Idina Menzel as the unexpected force who helped her rethink what Broadway means to her today.

Their shared history, mutual respect, and Menzel’s career choices all played a role in motivating Lea’s latest leap onstage.

Here’s a closer look at the moment that inspired her, the role she’s taking on, and why this Broadway comeback feels so personal.

From Glee Mom to Broadway Muse

Lea Michele has returned to Broadway with a powerhouse role that she credits to an unexpected source of inspiration. Her former Glee costar Idina Menzel planted the seed that blossomed into Michele’s latest stage triumph today.

Speaking exclusively with People Magazine at the opening night afterparty for Chess on November 16, Michele revealed the exact moment she knew she had to take this role. The actress explained, “I heard Idina Menzel sing [the Chess number] ‘Nobody’s Side,’ and I said, ‘I have to sing that song every single night,’ ”

For years, Don’t Rain on My Parade from Funny Girl had been her signature song and personal mantra. Now Michele has found a new anthem that speaks to this chapter of her life and career, moving forward in powerful ways.

The Glee Connection That Started It All

The relationship between Michele and Menzel extends far beyond professional admiration and mutual respect in the theater world. On the hit Fox series Glee, Menzel played Shelby Corcoran. Shelby was the biological mother of Michele’s character, Rachel Berry, in storylines.

That fictional mother-daughter bond has clearly translated into real-life mentorship and artistic influence for Michele. The fact that Menzel’s performance directly inspired Michele’s career decision speaks volumes about their connection. It shows how art imitates life in the most beautiful of ways.

Menzel famously played Florence Vassy in a 2008 London concert staging of the show alongside Josh Groban and Adam Pascal. That performance has since become legendary among musical theater fans and is available as both an album and a concert film recording.

In many ways, Menzel paved the way for Michele’s generation of Broadway performers who crossover into television and film. Both women have conquered stage and screen with their incredible vocal abilities and acting chops. They represent a lineage of powerhouse female performers succeeding today.

The Chess Revival That’s Making Waves

Chess officially opened at the Imperial Theatre on November 16 after beginning previews on October 15. The production features a completely new book by Emmy Award winner Danny Strong. Strong is known for his work on projects like Dopesick and The Butler television shows.

The show features music by ABBA legends Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus with lyrics by Tim Rice. Tim Rice also worked on hits like Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. The score includes powerful numbers like Anthem, Heaven Help My Heart, and, of course, Nobody’s Side throughout.

Michele stars alongside Tony Award winner Aaron Tveit, who plays Freddie Trumper, and Nicholas Christopher as Anatoly Sergievsky. The cast also includes Hannah Cruz, Bradley Dean, Sean Allan Krill, and Bryce Pinkham in supporting roles. Director Michael Mayer brings his signature vision to this exciting new production.

Michele delivers a commanding performance that showcases her technical skill and emotional depth. The review praised her rare combination of perfect technique, clarion tone, vocal power, and exemplary emoting skills.

Balancing Motherhood and Broadway Dreams

Michele opened up about the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood. She revealed that “I have two children. And it’s not easy leaving your kids every day, every night. But I get to do what I love and I get to sing these songs.”

Working with a cast that inspires her makes the time away from her family more meaningful for Michele. She described the opportunity to perform in Chess as a true gift despite the difficulties. Many working mothers can relate to the guilt and joy of pursuing passions.

Her children are her priority, but theater remains her first love and lifelong passion since childhood. Michele has been performing on Broadway since she was eight years old in Les Misérables. She has spent her entire life on stages, so returning to Broadway feels like coming home.

Michele’s transparency about the challenges of working motherhood sends an important message to other women. You can be a devoted parent and still pursue your professional dreams and artistic calling. It requires sacrifice, support, and careful balance, but it is completely possible.

The Legacy of Chess Continues

Chess has had a complicated history since its 1984 concept album and subsequent stage productions. The show premiered in London’s West End in 1986 and transferred to Broadway in 1988. Despite critical praise for the score, the original Broadway production closed after just 68 performances.

However, the show has maintained a devoted cult following thanks to its powerful score and compelling songs. Productions around the world have kept Chess alive with various interpretations and revisions. The 2008 Royal Albert Hall concert starring Menzel, Groban, and Pascal became a definitive version for many fans.

This 2025 Broadway revival represents the first full-scale production on the Main Stem in 37 years. The fact that it’s playing at the Imperial Theatre, the same venue as the original, adds poignancy. Strong’s new book attempts to solve the storytelling problems that plagued productions.

The show tells the story of an American and Soviet chess champion competing during the Cold War. Florence Vassy is caught between the two men in a complicated love triangle. The personal drama unfolds against a backdrop of political intrigue and international tension that remains relevant.

TL;DR

• Lea Michele credits Idina Menzel for inspiring her to join the Broadway revival of Chess.
• Michele heard Menzel sing Nobody’s Side and knew she had to perform that song nightly.
• Menzel played Michele’s biological mother on Glee and performed Florence in a 2008 Chess concert.
• The show features a new book by Emmy winner Danny Strong with music by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus.
• Michele stars alongside Tony winner Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher in the Cold War era musical.
• Michele opened up about balancing motherhood with her Broadway career, calling the role a true gift.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.