Ever wonder what your life would be like if you made a different decision? That’s what If/Then is all about.
The musical stars Broadway superstar Idina Menzel as Elizabeth Vaughn, a woman in her late thirties who comes back to New York City to start a new life after a failed marriage in Arizona. A simple decision on one fateful day in a park changes the course of her life. The musical shows how her life would have played out if she went with each decision.
If/Then goes back and forth between the two different versions of her life to show the what if. These parallel stories are told continuously throughout, but with different naming methods. In one scenario, she is known as Liz and the other as Beth. This approach helps keep the audience on track as to which of her life’s paths they are currently watching. Not only the main characters but the background actors also bring a new depth to the story, helping to show what could have been.
Menzel has been known for her family friendly roles as Shelby on Glee and more recently as the voice of Elsa in Frozen, singing the film’s hit song “Let It Go.” Even though she now has a young fan base, this is not the musical to bring the kids to. There are adult themes and even a song entitled “What the F**k.”
The contemporary musical currently co-stars Tony Award winning actress LaChanze, James Snyder, Jerry Dixon and Menzel’s former Rent co-star Anthony Rapp. This original play comes from the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning writers and creators of the hit Broadway show Next to Normal, Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey.
If/Then is playing at the Richard Rogers Theater. On Friday, it was announced that the musical will be closing on March 22, almost one year since it opened its doors. It would be a shame to miss this interesting, unconventional show.
For tickets to the show’s final weeks of performance, click here .