A voice that transcends. A voice that tickles the senses. A voice that cuts through all the noise (even when there is a lot of it). A voice that expresses emotion as easily as it captivates an audience. A voice that could convince a flower to bloom. A voice that can, and will, stop someone in their tracks.
That voice is the voice of Lea Michele.
There have been voices in the past that did such lovely and awe-inspiring things; quite notable voices, too, who have evoked visceral reactions from listeners – we’re thinking the likes of Whitney Houston (another New Jerseyan whose masterful, rousing pipes could bring people together and uplift, illicit tears at times, tell stories, and be truly memorable beyond belief). Lea Michele’s vivacious, skillful performance ability is in that same vein, and the key to connecting with it fully is through experiencing her broad musical prowess live, and being immersed in the stunning arrangements.
Michele has been sharing her endlessly melodic talents with the world for two decades – on television (Glee, Scream Queens), on the radio, and, most importantly, on Broadway stages that continue to welcome her with open arms. Generations have been flocking to the theatre to experience the multi-faceted star – including to see her Carnegie Hall debut in 2023 – and that is not ending anytime soon. From her start in the Les Miserables revival at the age of eight and being part the original NYC cast of Ragtime by the age of 10, to her now-classic breakthrough leading the cast of the original Spring Awakening with best friend Jonathan Groff (literal and figurative Broadway royalty), to her record-breaking run in the revival of Funny Girl, and now returning to the Theater District this fall as part of the first U.S. revival of Chess, a Cold War-set musical that has her opposite Tony-winner Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher, Lea Michele is living her dream day-in and day-out. She continues to evolve, learn, grow, and share more with her voice along the way – showcasing just why she can stand her own in this turbulent industry, not just as a woman with a voice that has range, style, control, and clarity, but as a grounded matriarch, a determined artist, and a celebrated New Jerseyan.
We had the long-awaited pleasure of chatting with Lea Michele ahead of her two hometown dates, which are happening next week at the Bergen Performing Arts Center – right down the road from us, and right around the corner from where she blissfully grew up. This is her Stone Pony, in the same way that The Stone Pony our was for our beloved Boss, Bruce Springsteen, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Lea, you are a local legend, and having you play not one, but two nights at the bergenPAC in Englewood (which is just a stone’s throw away from where you spent your childhood and got your start) is so exciting. What are you most looking forward to?
I’m so happy to come back to my childhood neighborhood and bring my concert to the amazing New Jersey crowd. Englewood was such a special part of my upbringing, especially because it was also the place where I auditioned for my first Broadway show and got the part in Les Mis. If it hadn’t been for that open call in Englewood, who knows which path my journey might have gone on!
You have been hinting at some of the songs that you might include in the setlist for this run of shows – songs that your beloved Glee character, Rachel Berry, might sing if the show was on today. This has been so much fun to see and hear online, with songs from Chappell Roan to Olivia Rodrigo, but it got me thinking: what Lea Michele song would Rachel Berry gravitate towards?
That’s such a great question! I definitely think that Rachel would sing “Battlefield.” That’s a song that was from my first album, Louder, and it’s a real heartbreaking love song about having to let go of someone that you love, and I feel like Rachel would really love the deep emotions that come with that song. I could absolutely see her singing it now!
I would be remiss to not mention your time on Broadway at this time, particularly in Funny Girl, which was the greatest live theatre experience I have ever had. You led the iconic show with grace, wit, and (of course) talent. I’d love to ask, why is it important to bring these classics back, keep these shows relevant, whether it be a musical, film, play, etc.?
The one thing that I love so much about being on Glee was the ability to bring back classical songs into the homes of families that might not have been familiar at the time with Barbra Streisand or certain Broadway shows. Glee had young people becoming familiar with Beatles songs or Queen songs, and that was one of my favorite parts of being a part of that show…. connecting classic materials to a younger generation. I felt the same way when I was able to play Fanny Brice on Broadway – to share this incredible piece with existing fans, but also people that might not have been familiar with the movie or show was something that felt very special to me.
Two of your closest friends were just up for Tony Awards during this season: Darren Criss (who won) and Jonathan Groff. Is your heart just bursting for those two men? How did their nominations, as well as those of your other talented peers, make you feel?
I am so incredibly proud of both Darren and Jonathan. I’ve been to both of their shows twice and think that they are not only both doing an incredible job, but everyone else in both productions is absolutely superb. I am so happy that they are being acknowledged for their hard work and dedication, and I can’t wait to continue to see them shine.
A few years ago you released Forever, an enchanting and aptly-titled lullabies LP. Will any of those songs – and any rendition of such – make an appearance in these shows?
Absolutely! I love my album Forever, which is a lullaby album that I dedicated to my son. I have a special section in my concert where I do some songs from my various albums: Louder, Places, and Forever. It’s really fun to bring the albums to life on stage and share the music with the fans.
The Aquarian has proudly covered the arts scene in New Jersey since 1969, so if anyone knows about the lively legacy our artists have, it’s us. With that said, what Jersey musicians do you find yourself going back to and hitting ‘play’ on the most often?
Obviously Bruce Springsteen!
Bruce, 1978. Lea, 2025. Two natives and two AQ covers, but one cherished home state.
New York has been a home to you personally and professionally for many years, and it is also where you are raising your lovely little ones. Did you always know that you wanted to place roots for your own family in this area, or is that just how the cards fell? Because it really is a multicultural, artistic nucleus – with some pretty landscapes to see in any direction you go!
I was born and raised in New York City, but spent over 10 years in California working. While I loved living in California, after my husband and I had our son, we decided to move back to the East Coast to be closer to family. We absolutely love raising our children here, not only because New York is one of the greatest cities in the world, but also to be close to so many amazing experiences for our children. Our son has already seen five Broadway shows! And to be close to family truly is the most important and special part.
Speaking of special, Lea, my boyfriend thinks your song, “Run to You,” off 2017’s Places, has the serene and sweet qualities of a wedding song. Now, I am not giving him any ideas, but what do you think constitutes a good wedding song, whether for a first dance, ceremony, or otherwise?
That’s definitely a personal choice! I’ve been to so many weddings where people choose some classic love songs, but I also love an unexpected choice! However, I do agree with your boyfriend, and I believe “Run to You” would be a great wedding song!
It’s been a decade since your last book, your guided journal which was a staple in my high school years and truly offered me a chance to self reflect at the end of each day. If you were to release another book, what would it be about? Performing and parenting, and the balance of the two? Maybe about how you champion healthy personal wellness? A minute-by-minute behind-the-scenes look at your Carnegie Hall debut? Or maybe about how the Garden State and the Big Apple made you who you are today? (Wink wink.)
Wow, these are such great ideas! This April I celebrated 30 years of working professionally and it has certainly been a wild and incredible ride! There are so many stories to tell and I’m sure there will be a point in my life in some point where I will be ready to sit down and share them all, but right now I am just so excited to be on stage sharing my music and meeting people at the shows.
LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN FOR LEA MICHELE’S BERGENPAC PERFORMANCES NEXT WEEK ON 6/24 & 6/26! CLICK HERE TO SCORE YOURS!
