When Idina Menzel takes the stage, magic happens. The Tony Award-winning Disney princess has embarked on her 2024 "Take Me or Leave Me" tour, captivating audiences across the country with a blend of powerful performances and intimate storytelling. The production and lighting design for the tour needed to strike a delicate balance—elegant enough to honor Menzel's Tony-winning legacy and her roles in iconic musicals like Wicked but intimate enough to create a personal connection with the audience.
The team at Innovative Intensity, led by Production and Lighting Designer Michael Berger, delivered on the vision. "In our initial conversations with Idina, the goal was to help close the physical gap between the stage and her audience. We wanted to create an enviroment that was welcoming to them and felt at home to her onstage. The answer was loose representation of her dressing room backstage. Supported by an incredible wardrobe by Bao Trenchi, we created an environment that Idina used to lead her audience on a journey of "what she's been up to over the past 8 years"!
Whether Idina belts out "Defying Gravity" from her role in Wicked or takes on the emotional depth of songs from Rent, the production and lighting design amplifies the emotion of each performance without overshadowing it. Berger, working closely with Lighting Director and Programmer Ryan Tanker, have crafted a visual narrative that makes the diverse set list feel natural.
Crew List, Gear List, & Full Gallery ⬇️
Crew List //
Production Designer - Michael Berger
Lighting Director (Programmer) - Ryan Tanker
Lighting Director (Touring) - Dionte Mercado
Lighting Chief Tech - Felicia Bower
Art Director - Andrew Leitch
Equipment Provider - Kinetic Lighting
Photos and Videos - Mike Kirschbaum
The lighting rig, provided by Kinetic Lighting, includes Robe MegaPointes and Martin Mac Aura XIPs, offering a dynamic mix of beams and washes that can transform the stage from a Broadway showstopper to an intimate cabaret in seconds. Berger credits the Colorado PXL Curve 12 as the stand out fixture as a part of his floor package. "The lights were initially selected to serve a dual purpose as a drape uplight and eye candy. Throughout the programming process Ryan and I were blown away by the variety of looks we could get out of this fixture. It was a real swiss army knife for creating looks onstage."
Two GrandMA3 Light consoles (yes, running in Mode 3) are running the show. The support of Kinetic Lighting and robust MA3 software have allowed touring Lighting Director Dionte Mercado and Lighting Chief Technician Felicia Bower to easily maintain the consistency and quality of the production throughout the tour.
Gear List & Full Gallery ⬇️
Gear List //
15x - Robe Lighting MegaPointe
32x - Martin Professional Mac Aura XIP
12x - Chauvet Professional Colorado PXL 16
12x - Chauvet Professional Colorado PXL Curve 12
8x - Elation Professional KL Cyc
60x - Astera Black NYX Bulb
15x - Astera White NYX Bulb
4x - 48’ Custom RGB Pixel Festoon Strands
Control //
2x - GrandMA3 Light (Mode 3)
3x - Swisson XES-8G Ethernet Switch
4x - Swisson XND-8 DMX Nodes
2x - Obsidian Neuron EN4 DMX Node
2x - Aurora Transmitter
Atmosphere //
2x - Radiance Hazer Touring Kit
2x - Antari AF-4
Innovative Intensity
Innovative Intensity’s work on Idina Menzel’s 2024 "Take Me or Leave Me" tour perfectly balances grandeur with intimacy, reflecting Menzel’s unique connection with her audience. The team’s thoughtful design and precise execution ensure that each show is both emotionally resonant and visually captivating.
With a well-chosen combination of gear, Michael Berger, Ryan Tanker, Dionte Mercado, Felicia Bower, and Andrew Leitch—supported by Kinetic Lighting—have crafted a tour that honors Menzel’s legacy while delivering a memorable experience for fans across the country.
Idina wrapped up her Take Me or Leave Me tour in mid August. She’ll next be seen back on Broadway in January with her new musical, Redwood. Learn more on her website!
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