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Photo | Joan Marcus

Anthony Rapp as Lucas sang “Ain’t No Man Manhattan,” the activist anthem of “If/Then.”

‘If/Then’ came to Cleveland and did not disappoint

February 29, 2016

The Tony-nominated Broadway musical “If/Then” opened at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace Feb. 9. The touring production stars Broadway cast members Jackie Burns (“Wicked,” “Hair”) as Elizabeth and Anthony Rapp (“Rent,” “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”) as Lucas, along with new cast members Tamyra Gray (“Bombay Dreams,” “Rent”) as Kate and Matthew Hydzik (“Side Show,” “Grease,” “West Side Story”) as Josh.

“If/Then” tells the story of Elizabeth as she returns to New York after spending a decade out West in a

Jackie Burns starred as Elizabeth in the touring production of "If/Then."
Photo | Joan Marcus
Jackie Burns starred as Elizabeth in the touring production of “If/Then.”

failed marriage. On her first day in the city, Elizabeth meets up with Lucas, her best friend from college, and her new neighbor, Kate. As Elizabeth chooses which one of her friends to spend time with that day, her life takes two completely different paths with two different names spurred by one single choice. Elizabeth’s two possible paths are represented by hopeful Liz, who wants to search for the love of her life, and career minded Beth, who wants to get back into city planning, .

The production, directed by Michael Greif, is quite moving. Brian Yorkey’s lyrics perfectly convey Elizabeth’s internal conflict in facing her future. The lyrics are skillfully crafted, each word significant to Elizabeth’s journey. Tom Kitt’s eclectic music accurately portrays the culture of New York City with its modern Broadway-style harmonies and pulls the audience in with its entrancing and sweeping melodies. The diverse instruments used throughout the orchestrations also illustrate the New York “way of life.”  

“If/Then” features a more casual form of choreography that is very different from the large chorus dance numbers present in most current and past Broadway hits (citing current hit “Something Rotten” and long time favorite “A Chorus Line”). Instead of flashy kick lines and tap breaks, the choreography of “If/Then” is focused more on creating lines and visuals using blocking (the purposeful placement and movement of actors on stage) and features movement based in normal human behavior. This diversion from the choreographic norm combined with the colorful, modern costumes make the story and subsequently the people in it relatable, and make the show very accessible to a wide range of audience members, not just hardcore musical theatre fans.

“If/Then”’s characters vary in occupation, race and sexuality. This wide range of people not only showcases New York City’s diversity, but also contributes to the story’s wide appeal. From an African American lesbian kindergarten teacher, to a white gay housing activist to a white straight army medic, “If/Then” has something for almost anyone to relate to. “If/Then”’s fault lies in the confusion of its two storylines. Although Elizabeth’s life takes two different paths, almost all of the characters are included in both Liz and Beth’s lives. If the audience misses the subtle hint that Liz wears glasses or misses the few times either name is mentioned in context, the two stories can blur together very quickly and take away much of the show’s meaning. The audience is left in the dust trying to work out which plot points fit with which woman instead of enjoying the nuances of their journies. 

Broadway star, Anthony Rapp, (“Rent,” “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”) plays Elizabeth’s best friend from college, Lucas.
Photo | Joan Marcus
Broadway star, Anthony Rapp, (“Rent,” “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”) plays Elizabeth’s best friend from college, Lucas.

With a little bit of prior knowledge about the show, “If/Then” is inspiring for anyone. “If/Then” answers everyone’s favorite question, “what if?” throughout the performance and leaves the audience feeling bittersweet at the end. Although both Liz and Beth encounter sadness and hardship, when they both come to terms with where their lives have ended up an infectious feeling of hope is spread throughout the room.

After taking over for “If/Then”’s original star, Idina Menzel, Jackie Burns is breathtaking in her triumphant performance as Elizabeth. Her strong, confident belt perfectly fits the part of Elizabeth and showcases her strong will. It almost seems as if the part was written for her instead of Menzel. Anthony Rapp’s lovable, awkward demeanor makes Lucas a crowd favorite, despite his often self-sabotaging actions.

“If/Then” is a must see. Everyone, from the hardcore musical theatre nerd to the casual theatre fan will be moved by this touching expose on what it means to be human. Its modern style of music, lyrics and staging make “If/Then” a show that is sure to stand the test of time.

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