Idina Menzel HasFrozenReunions as Kristen Bell and Josh Gad VisitRedwoodon Broadway (Exclusive Details)

Mar. 15, 2025

Indina Menzel shares hugs with Kristen Bell and Josh Gad backstage at ‘Redwood’ on Broadway.Photo:Bruce Glikas/WireImage (2)

Bruce Glikas/WireImage (2)

The cold didn’t botherKristen BellandJosh Gadthis weekend, as the two actors braved the winter weather in New York City to visit their formerFrozencostarIdina Menzelin her new Broadway musical.

PhotographerBruce Glikascaptured the sweet reunions backstage at the Nederlander Theatre, the stars each hugging Menzel and sharing their congratulations with theTony Awardwinner.

“It was nothing but love,” a source tells PEOPLE of the visits. “Idina was so happy to see them and they were praising her on how much they enjoyed her performance. You could see they really care for one another.”

Sadly, Bell and Gad came on different days. He was there for the matinee on Saturday, Feb. 15, while Bell attended the evening performance on Sunday, Feb. 16.

Josh Gad and Idina Menzel pose backstage at the new musical “Redwood”.Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Fans first met the characters whenFrozenpremiered in 2013. A sequel,Frozen II, was released in 2019.

Not much is known about the plots ofFrozen 3andFrozen 4, thoughJennifer Lee, who wrote and directed the first two, will be back again. The third film is set to be released on Nov. 24, 2027.

“I’ve heard a little bit and I can tell you guys, it’s pretty mind-blowing what’s coming,” Gad teased of the film onThe Viewback in November 2023. “It’s pretty exciting.”

Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell pose backstage at the new musical ‘Redwood’ on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre on Feb. 16 in New York City.Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Menzel doesn’t just star inRedwood— which opened on Feb. 13. — but she also co-conceived it with director Tina Landau. Landau penned the musical’s book and lyrics while newcomer Kate Diaz composed the music.

In the musical, Menzel plays Jesse, a grief-stricken mother who flees to the forest after the death of her son. Connecting with the redwood trees helps her confront her trauma and eventually, begin to heal.

A slew of standouts star alongside Menzel, like Tony Award nominee De’Adre Aziza (Passing Strange), Emmy winner Michael Park (Dear Evan Hansen), Zachary Noah Piser (Dear Evan Hansen), and Khaila Wilcoxon (Six). The cast also includes Daniel Brackett (Aladdin), Bradley Dean (The Last Ship), Veronica Otim (& Juliet) and Jessica Phillips (Dear Evan Hansen).

Idina Menzel in ‘Redwood’ on Broadway.Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for Murphy Made

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Redwoodmarks Menzel’s return to the boards for the first time since 2015’sIf/Then. She’s also back in the Nederlander, where she made her Broadway debut inRentnearly 30 years ago.

“Honestly, it’s been very emotional, like a homecoming,” Menzel toldThe New York Timesin January.

Opening night proved to be another homecoming. The special evening brought out Menzel’s originalRentcostarsAnthony Rapp,Wilson Jermaine HerediaandFredi Walker. They all posed withRentdirector Michael Greif on the red carpet.

Tickets forRedwoodare now on sale.

source: people.com