Menzel Chats Barefoot Performing, Hamlisch, IF/THEN & More

Tony Award-winning WICKED star and GLEE regular Idina Menzel discusses her recent Australian tour as well as her upcoming musical IF/THEN and much more in a new, wide-ranging uncensored interview.

Additionally, Menzel comments on her time spent in Jonathan Larson's RENT as well as her recurring role on GLEE - and, of course, how they figure into the ever-changing playlist of her ongoing world tour.

As for recently performing barefoot in Australia - and, all around the world? Menzel relates, "Yeah! It just makes me more comfortable!"

Her 2012 CD/DVD is called BAREFOOT AT THE SYMPHONY, after all!

Menzel recounts of how the quirky onstage tradition began: "I think it was a Florida show - I woke up one morning, my back was killing me and I could barely walk and I just said, 'F*ck it!' And, I went out there and I had the best show ever! I was so much more comfortable in my body," she says.

"I've never gone back, really," Menzel adds.

As for her longstanding relationship and friendship with iconic EGOT recipient, master musician, conductor and composer Marvin Hamlisch: "To me, he became like a mentor - a father figure... He really gave me permission to be myself onstage in some of the stuffier environments," she remembers with a laugh.

"The fact that he sort of passed to baton to me, so to speak, was such an honor," Menzel recalls.

"I love him," Menzel concludes.

Check out the entire interview with Idina Menzel on Windy City Queercast here.