Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/184542
MICHELLE WATSON FOR CATCHLIGHT GROUP Symphony YPB Defies Gravity with Idina Menzel Jessica Ford, Derrick Rose T he Houston Symphony's Young Professionals Backstage (YPB) were bewitched when Broadway icon Idina Menzel — best known as Elphaba in Wicked and Maureen in Rent — made her debut with the Houston Symphony at Jones Hall. She thrilled the audience with powerhouse performances of "Defying Gravity" from the former and "No Day But Today" from the latter, as well as her Glee version of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." Afterwards, the crowd moved to Brenner's on the Bayou for green martinis and equally wicked tunes spun by DJ Ash. Enchanted: Symphony musicians Eric Larson, Kiju Joh, and Adam Dinitz, as well as guests Melissa Fitzgerald, Naji Ghorayeb, Bonnie Chang, Jonathan Cohen, Brooke McFadden, and Sharon Lott. Gabrielle Sauls Divyesh Patel, Kate Guydan Nicole Malmberg, Katy Campion Kevin & Stacy Newton, Lewis Hamilton Randy & Hana Shoup, James Bell Michelle & Michael Hutchinson Sharon Lott, Brooke McFadden, Jeff Gilmer Caterina Kaffes, Beth Rowan Melissa Sueffert JANUARY | PAGE 9 | 2012 Johnathan Cohen, Gabriel & Monica Cohen Jessica Taylor Naji Ghorayeb Ramya Ramanathan