The letter was posted prior to her injury, which forced Menzel to miss what would have been her final journey as the misunderstood Elphaba. (Menzel did, however, play the musical's final scene and also returned for the curtain call.) On her website, the Tony-winning actress writes:

"Dear friends,
I am leaving Wicked on Sunday and just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for all your letters, gifts, kind words, cheering in the audience, video tapes, pictures, moisturizing lotion, cookies, Margaret Hamilton snow globes, dolls, paintings, green candles, green stationary, gifts for my cats, collages, pictures of me I hoped no one would ever see, etc., etc., etc. I love each and every gift. It is an honor to have this kind of support and I will never take it for granted. This has been the most rewarding experience of my life. I have learned so much as an artist and as a human being. I am so sad to be leaving, but it's time to try some new things. Nothing will ever replace Wicked. You are all in my heart. Thank you for accepting me. I will never forget it."
xoxo Idina

Menzel, who will soon begin filming her role as Maureen in the movie adaptation of Rent, also plans to perform a concert in San Francisco. Venue and date will be announced shortly.

Idina Menzel won a Tony Award for Leading Actress in a Musical for her work as Elphaba in Wicked. She created the role of Maureen in the original Broadway company of Rent, and her other theatrical credits include the City Center Encores! production of Hair, the Manhattan Theatre Club The Wild Party and the benefit Funny Girl concert. Menzel also recently completed filming the new motion picture "Ask the Dust."