She endeared herself to the “Rent”-heads in the crowd with a funky run through “Over the Moon,” a gut-busting “Take Me or Leave Me” – which featured a vocal battle royale between Menzel and her backup singer – and the warm embrace of “No Day But Today.” She dropped in a slinky recast of Modern English’s 1982 hit, “I Melt With You,” noting that it used to remind her of her junior high boyfriend, but now “make me think of my husband” and, following a thundering drum introduction, unleashed the still-enjoyable “Let It Go.” Though some of the audience appeared to be unfamiliar with – or apathetic about – her music and her efforts to promote engagement, Menzel and her band clearly had a blast.

Menzel’s opening hourlong set was equally captivating from a musical standpoint – if only, as previously mentioned, she could have been seen a bit better.Īdroitly mixing her Broadway bonafides – “The Wizard and I” (“Wicked”), “Don’t Rain on My Parade” (“Gypsy”) – with her movie credentials ( “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” from “Frozen”) and her underappreciated original solo efforts (“Queen of Swords”), Menzel was a bundle of majestic vocal swoops throughout. Seventeen years into his career, Groban’s buttery voice and winning presence continue to impress. His sensitivity is appreciated and his commitment to spotlighting others’ talents – the Georgia Boy Choir joined him for “You Raise Me Up” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – is commendable. He spoke about the importance of arts education in schools explained his and Menzel’s contribution (“Lullaby”) to fellow Broadway star Laura Benanti’s upcoming charity album to benefit organizations helping to reunite and support families separated at the border (“No matter your politics, there are certain things we shouldn’t do to children or families,” Groban said) and dedicated the touching new “River” to “anybody who struggles silently.” Groban has always engaged effortlessly with his audiences, and age hasn’t quelled his tendencies.

His band played a sublime percussion interlude as Groban jogged back to the main stage for the flamenco guitar-heavy “Musica Del Corazon,” proving that in any language, he’s a magnificent singer. Groban remained for another Broadway staple, “Bring Him Home,” the potent ballad from “Les Miserables” that benefitted from the chameleonic ability of Groban’s voice.

Menzel – post bathroom run – joined him on the small stage for a stunning duet of “Falling Slowly” from the movie/musical “Once,” their voices like interlocking puzzle pieces. A few songs into the set, Groban popped up on a secondary stage at the back of the arena, showcasing his piano chops in an instrumental that dovetailed into his rendition of Billy Joel’s incisive “She’s Always a Woman.”

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