Idina at MOA Arena tonight

IDINA Menzel

Tony Award-winning artist Idina Menzel has been a formidable fixture in the theater scene since she originated the role of Maureen in the acclaimed Broadway musical “Rent.” But it wasn’t until two years ago that her name started to seep into mainstream consciousness, when she became the voice of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen”—now the highest-grossing animated film of all time.

“This business is so hard, especially the music business, and I’ve tried so hard to cross over, to convince people [it’s not true] just because I was in a Broadway show, I didn’t have the street cred to be a rock or a pop singer,” she told the Associated Press.

Now, Menzel, who also originated the role of Elphaba in the Broadway production of “Wicked,” has embarked on her first world concert tour, which includes a stop in Manila tonight at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The 44-year-old artist is expected to sing such fan favorites as “Defying Gravity,” “Take Me or Leave Me” and of course, “Let It Go,” which gave the singer-actress her first Top 10 hit in the Billboard 100 chart.

Accompanying Menzel in the one-night concert is the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. “She was to originally perform with just her touring band. But in a meeting with the concert producers, I mentioned that should Menzel need an orchestra to augment her band, we would be thrilled to work with her,” Mickey Muñoz, the orchestra’s managing director, told the Inquirer.

“It was an easy yes,” he added. “I’m happy that her Manila show will have that added grandeur to match her excellent voice.”

“Idina Menzel: Live in Manila” is presented by Pulp Live World  and PLDT Home Fibr. For tickets, call SM Tickets at 4702222. Inquirer Entertainment will cover it live on Twitter (@InqEnt) and Firechat ( https://firech.at/IdinaMenzelManila ).

‘Ponycon’

“My Little Pony” fan group Philippine Bronies will hold “PH Ponycon: Equestria Games PH” today at the Megatrade Conference Center, SM Megamall Building B, from  11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Freebies will be given to those who attend in costume. Ticket price is P300. Entrance is free for children 10 and below.

“PONYCON”

‘Hennessy Artistry’

An invite-only event, “Hennessy Artistry” is a music platform held in over 40 countries. For access details, visit the Hennessy Philippines Facebook page. The club events will be held at Raven on June 11 (with DJ NY Giant, Nix Damn P!, Motherbass, Toni B, Toons Canoy, LDP, Dan Gil, Alvin Cornista and MC Dash Calzado), and at  Halo @Valkyrie on June 19 (with NERVO, Up Dharma Down, Motherbasss, Abdel, Quest and Silverfilter).

‘Music From Banda Kawayan’

Banda Kawayan will have a show at Shangri-La Plaza on June 12, 7 p.m. at the East Atrium of the mall’s East Wing. Call tel. 3702500 for details.

BANDA Kawayan

‘Bituing Walang Ningning’

“Bituing Walang Ningning the Musical,” based on the hit film, stars Cris Villonco, Mark Bautista and Monica Cuenco. Show starts on June 18 (and ends July 18), at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila. For tickets, call tel. 8919999, 9115555, or 9088000 local 7700.