There’s something about a Wednesday evening in the city that feels like a secret. A little bit of rebellion against the workweek, a little bit of magic in the air. We kicked off our midweek escape with a 5pm dinner at Barbetta before heading to see Redwood—the Broadway show starring the incomparable Idina Menzel—at 7pm.
Let’s start with Barbetta. It’s long been one of my pre-theater go-to’s, especially in the summer when you can enjoy a meal under twinkling lights in their lush, private garden. It’s pure New York enchantment when it’s warm out. But this time? A winter visit. And while the food and service were still on point, I’ll admit the interior space doesn’t quite capture the same charm that the garden effortlessly exudes. It felt like seeing a good friend out of their element—lovely, but missing a bit of that signature sparkle.
Now, onto Redwood. I’m honestly a little bummed the show is closing on May 18th. It deserves more time. I really liked it—actually, I might even say I was surprised by how much I liked it. The visuals were spectacular: the stage came alive with CGI effects that transformed the space in surround sound, immersing the audience in the towering forests of Northern California. Watching the actors quite literally climb a redwood tree while belting out emotionally charged verses? Visually arresting. Technically impressive. And more than once, genuinely moving.
Of course, like many others in the audience, I was there for her. Idina. And she delivered. She’s exactly what you hope she’ll be—warm, grounded, charismatic, and with a voice that can part clouds. Her performance was emotionally honest and refreshingly real. There’s something about seeing someone of her stature do a show like this. It feels intimate. Personal. Earned.
That said—and I know this might be an unpopular opinion—I sometimes find myself wishing she’d return to a big-stage musical again. Don’t get me wrong, she shines in these smaller, character-driven pieces, and it’s clear she’s doing what she loves. But there’s a part of me that misses the Wicked-sized stage that lets her fully expand. She has a presence that fills a theater, and in more intimate settings, I occasionally find myself wanting just a bit more room for her to soar.
Redwood as a whole was a poignant experience. The themes were tender and timely—grief, family, healing, growth—all set against the metaphor of the majestic redwood tree. It was quietly powerful in its message, and I left feeling both grounded and uplifted. A rare feat for a Wednesday night in winter.
If you can catch it before it closes, do. And next time I return to Barbetta, I’ll be requesting a garden table—ideally, on a summer night when anything feels possible.
🧑🎨 About Frame of Reference
Written by Sara L. Gable, a lifelong arts advocate and marketing professional, Frame of Reference explores the intersection of creativity, culture, and commerce. With a career spanning two decades in brand-building and a deep personal connection to the arts, Sara brings a unique lens to how we experience, support, and sustain artistic institutions. In 2025, she will begin a Master’s program in Visual Arts Administration at NYU Steinhardt, continuing her journey toward shaping the future of the arts.
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