There’s a powerful appeal to the idea of leaving behind the turbulence of the personal - or for that matter, the political - and escaping to a place of beauty, safety and solace. A separate peace within a natural sanctuary is just what the troubled character of Jesse,

Idina Menzel has real guts. After starring in the megahits "Rent" and "Wicked," most divas on Broadway would appear in a sure-fire revival to burnish their box office status further. Or they might headline a musical based on everyone's favorite movie.

Menzel's love of performing began as a child singing "Edelweiss" in the choir; now she's back on Broadway in a new musical set in a forest and opening Feb. 13