Photos via Idina Menzel/St Pete Pride’s Facebook pages.
ST. PETERSBURG | St Pete Pride announced May 17 that international stage and screen star Idina Menzel will headline this year’s Friday Night Concert, scheduled for June 23 at Jannus Live.
Menzel made her Broadway debut in 1996 as Maureen Johnson in “RENT.” The longtime LGBTQ+ ally is also known for originating the roles of Elphaba in “Wicked” and Elsa in Disney’s animated “Frozen” films.
St Pete Pride is the largest LGBTQ+ Pride in Florida and will mark 21 years this June. Its Friday Night Concert is a celebration staple, kicking off its signature weekend of the St Pete Pride Parade and TransMarch on Saturday, followed by the Street Fair on Sunday.
In addition to her accomplishments as an actor, Menzel is also a celebrated recording artist. The singer has six studio albums and announced her upcoming dance project “Drama Queen” this month.
“I am a Drama Queen… I’m dramatic and emotional and passionate,” she said in a statement. “I love the stage and the spotlight. I love the attention and the roar of an audience.
“I have big feelings. I sing my ass off through tears of joy, heartbreak, anger and sadness,” she continued. “This project is the most fun I’ve ever had writing and recording an album. I want everyone to move and sing with me and embrace their inner Drama Queen.”
“Move,” its first single, released May 12. You can listen below:
“I’m so thrilled that the first single, ‘Move’ is coming in time for Pride Month,” Menzel shared at the time. “It’s a celebration of love in all its forms. The LGBTQIA+ community has always been so inspiring to me — watching friends and fans live so courageously, so authentically.”
Menzel will likely perform that and other hits during St Pete Pride. Activist and entertainer Angelique Young will host the Friday Night Concert, which will also feature fellow fan favorites like Brianna Summers, Ashlee T. Bangkx, Girls Rock Camp St. Pete band Anarkitty, Queen Sheba Bethsheba A. Rem and St Pete Pride’s newly crowned court: Miss St Pete Pride Ceazia Giovanni Kreshé , Mr St Pete Pride Mr. Vyn Suazion and Mx St Pete Pride KaMarion Lavish.
“St Pete Pride is incredibly excited to bring the talented Idina Mendel to St. Petersburg as a part of this year’s Pride celebration,” Executive Director Nicole Berman says. “Her performance, featuring six of our local drag performers, is sure to be one you don’t want to miss!”
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St Pete Pride’s Friday Night Concert is scheduled for June 23 from 7-10 p.m. at Jannus Live, located at 200 1st Ave. N., Ste. 206 in St. Petersburg. Doors open at 6 p.m., tickets are $35 and available now. Email Kendall@JannusLive.com for VIP opportunities and for more information, visit StPetePride.org.
