IF/THEN staring Idena Menzel… enough said. Well, OK. Let’s give a little more information here. Obviously, the new Broadway musical, IF/THEN, has incredible vocals, and with a score and lyrics from the team of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (RENT, NEXT TO NORMAL), there is no question that IF/THEN should have some pretty amazing numbers. And it does.
I love shows like this because they make you think a little bit. Don’t buy a ticket thinking that you will receive a pretty plot served up on a silver platter. IF/THEN is a story that offers complexity and intrigue while focusing on real-life struggles, all the while keeping the audience engaged by winding the plot backwards and forwards, in and out of its characters’ lives.
And while the actual number of characters is manageable, with more than sufficient performances from a tightly knit ensemble cast (think RENT), thought is required in order to keep track of who is doing what when, and to whom. The story also offers variables. Hence the title. Think of high school algebra. Well, no – it’s not quite that complicated. In fact, in spite of the show’s complexity, the musical numbers will keep you engaged even when you happen to be distracted by Mark Wendland’s sensational sets and Kenneth Posner’s innovative lighting designs.
I have to admit that I went to IF/THEN with a bit of skepticism. Not because I thought the show wouldn’t be good. I’m just usually skeptical of shows that receive a lot of hype and publicity simply because of one big star, or because of several big names tied to an ensemble cast – this show has both, and I must say that in the case of IF/THEN, the hype is well-deserved.
I don’t want to delve too deep into the story of IF/THEN because this is a production that needs to be seen, experienced, thoughtfully processed, discussed and digested before judgements can be made. I will, however, say that if you didn’t think the choices you make can change your life and dramatically affect the lives of others, think again.
I genuinely loved everything about this production. As mentioned previously, the sets and lighting design will keep you engaged regardless of whether you have a clue what is happening on stage, and the musical numbers will have you humming a potential top-40 hit or two.
As expected, Idina Menzel is perfect and absolutely earns her top billing on the marquis. The rest of the cast, however, is no less deserving of commendation. LaChanze, Anthony Rapp and James Snyder sing their hearts out and expertly work together to pull off a plot full of twists that requires much finesse and precision to be understood.
The bottom line – go see IF/THEN at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York and prepare to be wowed by some good tunes, great voices and a more-than-interesting story — just don’t forget to put your thinking cap on.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ifthenthemusical.com.
