By Laura Kate

“Ok, I need a female to sing with me.  Come on, don’t be shy!  Who’s going to join me?”

Photo by Derek Brad Photography

Most people who attend concerts never dare dream that they will join their musical idols for a performance on stage.  However, when Kristi Reeves, 30, of Havertown, Pa., heard this invitation from Idina Menzel go out to the packed crowd, she knew she couldn’t pass up the opportunity and she enthusiastically threw her hand up in the air in the hopes that she would be chosen.

Menzel appeared at the MannCenter for the Performing Arts on June 30 in her Barefoot at the Mann show.  Menzel is best known for her roles in the Broadway musicals Wicked and Rent as well as Rachel’s mother on the hit TV series Glee.  Reeves is a long-time Menzel fan.  “She is my idol! I generally try and never miss a performance when she is in town because I know it will be amazing,” said Reeves.

“I was first introduced to her as Maureen in Rent, and she was awesome, but when she played Elphaba in Wicked it was like watching something really special. She truly has a gift with that voice of hers.  So definitely Elphaba is my favorite role that she has played, I even named my dog Elphaba after her character,” said Reeves.

Photo by Derek Brad Photography

When Reeves was selected by Menzel from the crowd of hopefuls, she couldn’t believe her luck.  “Honestly at the time I didn’t really have the chance to think, it was all so shocking and overwhelming. You can always dream about how it would feel or what it would be like when you sing with your idol, but when it actually happens to you…there are really just no words. It was by far the coolest thing that has ever happened to me.”

This was Reeves’ second time to see Menzel at the Mann.  While Reeves was shocked to find herself performing with Menzel this time, the crowd was also surprised at the caliber of Reeves’ vocal talent.  Reeves previously trained with Harry Dietzler and Christopher Sapienza at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center with Summer Stage and Shooting Stars. All of that training paid off as Reeves’ strong voice soared with Menzel’s and they wove together for an enjoyable performance.

Reeves says that participating in arts education programs has greatly influenced her life. “I think being a part of any arts program is important because they truly teach you how to express yourself for who you really are.”

When asked about how she felt during the duet, Reeves’ eyes lit up as she responded.

Photo by Derek Brad Photography

“(This experience) shows just how amazing Idina is, that she puts her own trust in her fans to perform songs with her that she is so known for,” said Reeves.  Although she has no specific show in mind, Reeves has no doubt that she will be back at the Mann for another concert.

“Being on stage at the Mann was awesome, I could get used to that! Being on stage with Idina? That was an honor and I can only hope and pray that one day she would want to add back-up singers to her show!” gushed Reeves.