"Redwood," starring Idina Menzel, is a new musical that debuted at the Nederlander Theatre, centering on a woman named Jesse who escapes to the forest after her son's death. While the staging, featuring a giant tree, is impressive, the narrative falls flat. It offers a superficial take on grief, relying on blunt metaphors and predictable character interactions. Jesse's reluctance to embrace nature feels forced, and the dialogue often resorts to clichéd expressions of personal traits rather than developing emotional depth. Despite the visual spectacle, the production fails to resonate with its intended themes.
Jesse's journey towards healing amid the scenic beauty of California is undermined by a narrative that fails to deeply engage with her grief.
The musical's attempts at showcasing the relationship between nature and personal trauma are weakened by its heavy-handed metaphor and shallow character development.
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