Idina Menzel on Marvin Hamlisch- 'He made me feel so special'

On this very sad day, BroadwayWorld.com will be sharing memories from around the theatre industry. This piece was posted by friend of Hamlisch's- Idina Menzel. To contribute your memories, please contact us.

Marvin was a friend and mentor, but often felt like a second father to me. To have shared the stage with such a legend has been some of the most rewarding moments in my career. Not only does he leave us with the most precious of melodies and music, but anyone who has ever shared an after-show drink with him can attest to his hysterical storytelling and deep love for his stunning wife, Terre. My heart is broken. He made me feel so special. I love him so much.

Menzel has a diverse career on stage and in film, television, and music. She recently appeared in the television hit Glee, and is currently on a sold-out tour, performing with leading orchestras around the country. In 2009 Ms. Menzel co- starred with Josh Groban in the concert version of Chess: The Musical, recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall and broadcast on PBS. In December 2005 she completed her role as the misunderstood Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked, for which she received a Tony Award for Lead Actress in a Musical and a Drama Desk Award nomination.