Menzel played the role of Florence in the 21st-anniversary concert of the musical "Chess" at the Royal Albert Hall, London, from May 12 to 13, 2008, alongside Kerry Ellis, Adam Pascal, and Josh Groban. In 2008, she headlined the Powerhouse Theatre's reading of Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik's musical "Nero" from July 11 to 13, performing the role of Nero's mistress, Poppea. She was joined by "Glee" costar Lea Michele as Claudia Octavia, Jeffrey Carleson as Nero, and Michael Arden as Octavia's brother, Brittanicus.