If/Then is a contemporary new musical that follows two distinct story lines in the life of Elizabeth, a city planner who moves back to New York to restart her life in this city of infinite possibilities. When her carefully designed plans collide with the whims of fate, Elizabeth's life splits into two parallel paths. If/Then follows both stories simultaneously as this modern woman faces the intersection of choice and chance.
If/Then is an original musical written by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning creators of Next to Normal, and starring Idina Menzel in her much-anticipated return to Broadway after her Tony Award-winning performance in Wicked.
If/Then also stars Tony Award winner LaChanze (The Color Purple) and reunites Idina Menzel with her original Rent co-star, Anthony Rapp.
The tonal difference between the two acts is striking. A whimsical comedy in the first is taken over by a series of tragedies and sadness. One of the best crafted scenes and songs - 'The Moment Explodes' - will brings gasps, and not just because it's a bit too manipulative. It's set on a plane in trouble. Sometimes, real tragedies intrude on Broadway...Credit goes for attempting to explore parallel lives onstage and the acting is great. But a show with so much potential is marred by poor editing. So, the overall answer is, if you really, really need to see and hear Menzel, then go and watch an actress wonderfully giving it her all. But if you're of two minds, then go see 'Frozen' and just listen to her voice.
As one of the few new musicals not based on a familiar film or pop song catalog (or anything else for that matter), 'If/Then' certainly is a breath of fresh air. And despite nagging issues with its overall concept and divided story lines, it is a smart, romantic piece with a well-crafted soft rock score and great performances all around...Stylishly directed by Michael Greif on a sleek set containing a massive tilting mirror, 'If/Then' may not be a triumph but it is contemplative, heartfelt and fashionable in a sanitized sort of way. And in light of Menzel's growing fan base, it could be a hit.
2014 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
2015 | US Tour |
First National Tour US Tour |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2014 | BroadwayWorld Awards | Best Featured Actress in a Musical | LaChanze |
2014 | BroadwayWorld Awards | Best Leading Actress in a Musical | Idina Menzel |
2014 | BroadwayWorld Awards | Best Musical | If/Then |
2014 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Actress in a Musical | Idina Menzel |
2014 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Orchestrations | Michael Starobin |
2014 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance Award | Idina Menzel |
2014 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding New Score (Broadway or Off-Broadway) | If/Then |
2014 | Tony Awards | Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre | Tom Kitt |
2014 | Tony Awards | Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre | Brian Yorkey |
2014 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical | Idina Menzel |
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