Heart, History and Harmony

Lea Michele is an Emmy-nominated actress and singer best known for her acclaimed Broadway roles and her breakout performance as Rachel Berry on the hit television show “Glee.” Though Michele got started on Broadway at age 8, she grew up in Tenafly, navigating childhood and adolescence while building the foundation for a lifelong journey in music and theater.

This past May, Michele hit the road for a national spring and summer tour, bringing audiences an intimate showcase of her career highlights, from Broadway classics and “Glee” favorites to songs from her own albums—with nightly surprise songs.

FROM TENAFLY TO TELEVISION

Like many young Tenafly residents, Michele took full advantage of the town’s vibrant school community. Fondly recalling her time in the Tenafly school system, she mentions being a varsity debater, a member of the high school volleyball team and a performer in school plays and musicals. It “was such a great experience,” she tells Tenafly magazine. “I had so much fun doing that.”

Even as her professional career took off—she debuted as young Cosette in “Les Misérables” on Broadway—Tenafly remained a steady backdrop that allowed her to nourish her burgeoning theater career while still taking part in extracurricular activities.

“I worked most of my life while I was living in Tenafly,” she says. “It was so great because it was so close to [New York City], which made it easy for me to get to work when I needed to, and was also such a beautiful place to live.”

Over the years, Michele’s star continued to rise. In 2006, she received praise for her performance as Wendla in “Spring Awakening.” She became a household name with “Glee,” earning both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her portrayal of the determined and vocally gifted Rachel Berry. She also appeared in the film “New Year’s Eve” and starred as Hester Ulrich in the Fox series “Scream Queens.”

In 2014, she released her debut album, “Louder.” She followed this with additional albums that showcased her vocal range and personal growth. In 2022, she returned to Broadway as Fanny Brice in the revival of “Funny Girl,” where she received universally positive reviews.

THREE DECADES OF SONG

Now 30 years into her career, Michele is honoring her roots and growth with a nationwide spring and summer tour. “This tour means so much to me,” says Michele, who welcomed her second child in August. “I’m so excited to get back to performing and singing again.”

The concert series is traveling across the United States, stopping in Durham, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Orlando, Florida; Anaheim, California; Palm Desert, California; Washington, D.C.; Englewood, New Jersey (two shows); and Niagara Falls, Canada.

Each evening offers a deeply personal experience for fans. “My concerts are my opportunity to connect with the audience and give everyone a real chance to get to know me,” she explains. “I tell a lot of personal stories in my concerts and share what these songs mean to me.”

Each show includes a mix of Broadway anthems, “Glee” favorites, original songs from her albums and surprise selections unique to that night, keeping each performance fresh and meaningful.

LIFE OUT EAST

Michele recently returned to New York City after over a decade on the West Coast, and the move feels like a homecoming.

“I’m so happy to be back home on the East Coast where I was born and raised,” she says. “My time in California was really wonderful, but I’m so happy to be home near my family and this incredible city.”

Balancing her demanding career with family life is a constant act, but one she embraces wholeheartedly. “When I’m not working, I’m with my family all the time,” says Michele. “It’s definitely a juggle while I am working, but in between any work obligations I have, I’m always with my husband and children.”

She adds that she’d like to include family on parts of the tour: “I am looking forward to hopefully taking my kids to some stops along the way on the tour with me.”

With a career spanning stage and screen and a life grounded in passion, Michele’s tour is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of artistry and identity. And for those in New Jersey, it’s a chance to witness the hometown star shine close to where it all began.

To learn more about Lea Michele’s work, visit leamichele.com.

BY GABRIELLE WALTERS