“Redwood” Closes on Broadway, Leaving Behind Roots That Run Deep

When Redwood officially closes on May 18, 2025, it will mark the end of a Broadway journey that, though brief, left a lasting impression. The musical, starring Idina Menzel and directed by Tina Landau, opened at the Nederlander Theatre on February 13 after a celebrated run at La Jolla Playhouse. While it may not have received the accolades or box office momentum some had hoped for, Redwood offered something increasingly rare in today’s theatrical landscape: an emotionally resonant, visually immersive story about grief, nature, and the human desire for connection.

At its heart, Redwood was always a quiet revolution. From its spare opening moments to the sweeping forest projections that transported audiences into the soul of California’s ancient redwoods, the production carried the emotional depth of a one-woman reckoning wrapped in the rich textures of ensemble storytelling and atmospheric design. Menzel’s portrayal of Jesse—a woman grappling with profound loss and seeking solace among the trees—remained the anchor of the show throughout its run. Her performance, deeply felt and vocally commanding, was the kind that reminded audiences why we turn to live theatre in the first place.

The Broadway staging refined many elements introduced during its developmental run in San Diego. Set design was both minimalist and majestic, with projection mapping used to stunning effect, transforming the bare stage into vast cathedral-like groves. Kate Diaz’s score—at once earthy and ethereal—remained a powerful force, with songs like “Still” and “Let the Fires Come” offering the kind of catharsis that lingers long after the curtain falls.

Despite its artistic merit, Redwood struggled commercially. Opening to mixed-to-positive reviews and facing a highly competitive Broadway season, the production failed to secure a single Tony Award nomination. Just one day after the nominations were announced on May 1, producers Eva Price, Caroline Kaplan, and Loudmouth Media confirmed that the show would close.

“While we had of course hoped for a longer run, we’re incredibly grateful to have been able to tell this beautiful story for the time we’ve been given,” the producers said in a joint statement. “The themes of connection and community have really resonated with audiences, and we’ll take that with us long after the show closes on Broadway.”

Redwood may not have found commercial triumph, but its impact extended beyond the box office. Through collaborations with several nonprofit organizations, the production raised over \$2 million for causes tied to its themes—most notably, \$1.5 million for Save the Redwoods League. In partnership with Redwood Empire Whiskey, over 450 redwood trees were planted in honor of the show’s message and its creative team.

With 127 total performances (including 17 previews), Redwood now joins the ranks of beloved but short-lived shows that offered something vital and true. It reminded us that healing is not linear, that nature can be both witness and balm, and that theatrical success is not always measured in ticket sales or trophies.

For those who experienced it—whether in San Diego or New York—Redwood was a theatrical journey into the wild places we often forget we need. And even as the final curtain comes down, its message will continue to echo like wind through the trees: quietly, persistently, and with deep-rooted grace.