Ex-Wicked Star Idina Menzel Gives Album Signing at London's Dress Circle.

The self-styled 'showbiz shop' Dress Circle had an extra special attraction on Saturday when ex-Wicked leading lady Idina Menzel signed copies of her third studio album I Stand

Menzel played the role of Elphaba in both the original Broadway and the West End versions of Wicked. After picking up the Tony Award for 'Best Leading Actress in a Musical' for the role in 2004, Menzel's career really took off. She has produced two popular studio albums and has contributed to the soundtracks of, amongst others, Desperate Housewives and the Paramount motion picture Beowulf.

Detailing the early life of the 'Wicked Witch of the West' from the timeless movie The Wizard of Oz, Wicked has been one of the most impressive and successful new musicals in recent years. Flourishing in both the West End and on Broadway, some of the numbers have already established themselves as some of the best-loved in Theatreland.

Wicked has become such a popular show, that when Samantha Barks sung Defying Gravity on this week's I'd Do Anything she received a clear standing ovation from all the Oliver hopefuls. Coached by Menzel herself, Sam's charged performance was enough to see her through to next week's semi final.

Published by: Nathan Brooker