Odds & Ends: Lin-Manuel Miranda Will Make His Own Disney Film, Idina Menzel Shares a ‘Perfect Story’ & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.

Of Course Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Working on Another Thing
With the highly anticipated release of Moana on November 23 as well as his forthcoming role in Mary Poppins Returns and his Little Mermaid-team-up with Disney legend Alan Menken, Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda has officially earned those Mickey Mouse ears. According to New York Magazine, Miranda is in talks with Zootopia co-director Byron Howard to create a brand new animated film. “We literally haven’t gotten in the room yet,” Miranda said. “But we’re plotting.” If Miranda’s ears for music (Mickey or otherwise) are involved, we’re sure he won’t throw away his shot.

Idina Menzel Dishes on Her First Time
Tony winner and Broadway fave Idina Menzel recently stopped by The Late Late Show with James Corden to perform the touching track “Perfect Story” off of her latest solo release .idina. Menzel also told a perfect story of her own. Sharing the Corden couch with Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez, she pivoted Rodriguez’s request for funny man Corden to share his first time story (“My parents are here!!!”) and stepped up to the plate with her own. Atta girl, Elphie. Be sure all of the little Elsas are out of earshot and watch the interview below!


Michelle Williams Set to Play Janis Joplin
Oscar and Tony nominee Michelle Williams has got the Kozmic Blues. E! News reports that she is confirmed to play the late great Janis Joplin in the Sean Durkin-helmed biopic, Janis. The film is based off of Love, Janis, a book by the singer’s sister Laura. Fans can currently catch Williams in Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester by the Sea beginning November 18.

Daveed Diggs Returns with Bars Medley Vol. 2
Hamilton got readers to sink their teeth into Ron Chernow’s intimidating biography; leave it to Hamilton Tony winner Daveed Diggs and fellow #BARS creator Rafael Casal to continue to give book nerds our due cool cred. The musical workshop series returned with The Bars Medley Vol. 2. A slew of Broadway stars, including Tony nominee Adrienne Warren, Javier Muñoz, Anthony Ramos and Jasmine Cephas Jones, recently came together at the Public Theater to present a medley of hip-hop numbers inspired by books like Things Fall Apart, The Alchemist and Beloved. (There’s also a Pride and Prejudice rap battle you didn’t know you needed.) Watch the full performance (shot in one take) below!



P.S. The Broadway community is already in the holiday spirit! Not only can you now gift your loved ones (or, let’s be real here, treat yo’self to) a glittering Patti LuPone ornament to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS; you can also put it on your tree while you listen to Broadway bombshell Megan Hilty’s Christmas album, A Merry Little Christmas, which is now available on iTunes.