Playbill of The Week: If/Then

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Which road would you take if you knew the outcome? If you knew what would happen, would you still go down that road or chose a different path? This is basically the premise of If/Then. A woman named Elizabeth; or Beth and Liz as she goes by in the show, goes down two different paths to see where they will lead. The show has a powerhouse cast, a director with more hits than you can count, and a writing team that could write hit songs in their sleep. But sometimes even with all those factors the show doesn't quit hit the mark. Personally if this show had done maybe 3 more months of working out the kinks it could have been a major success. Not to say that it failed, it played 401 performances and was open for just under a year, and not to mention an incredibly successful North American tour.

By now you all know who Idina Menzel is, whether you know her from Rent,

Wicked, Frozen or maybe you know her from The Wild Party, See What I Wanna See or even Glee. Regardless where you know her from you know her. The original Maureen in Rent, the Tony winning Elphaba and of course responsible for the biggest ear worm in forever with Let It Go, Idina's voice is a marvel. She has the most unique quality that draws you in when you're listening. She can make you cry just from hitting a certain note, and make you feel everything with her. I've been a fan of hers ever since I can remember, I listened to Rent at an age that was probably too young and I fell in love with her. So when the opportunity came to see If/Then I jumped, this was the first time I was actually seeing her in a show. I'd attended a few concerts and was excited to see my favourite star do what she does best. If/Then came out right after Frozen, which meant the theatre was covered with little Elsa's. A bunch of 6 year olds running around a theatre where Idina sings "I hate you, you a**hole, you m*therf*cker" appropriate right? I'm all for educating your children at a young age, but maybe next time just pop in Frozen. It's amazing to see your favourite actors get so much attention, but when it interferes with the show, that's a problem. Screaming and yelling "Elsa" when she walks onstage is not my idea of a good time in the theatre, Frozen on Broadway is gonna be a treat everybody!(I'm very excited for this show p.s)Back to the actual performance, I have to say there was almost too much Idina in this show. Yes she's the lead, and yes she can sing, but I didn't come to the show to see a concert, I came for a musical. I could listen to Idina sing all day, but when you have an ensemble that is as talented as that cast was I'd love to have seen everyone shine a bit more. I feel so privileged to have seen her in a show, 7 year old Nicole was astonished that she was watching Idina perform, but 7 year old Nicole also would kill for a good ensemble number and stellar supporting roles.

There was another reason I wanted to see this show and that reason is Anthony Rapp. My Rent favourites have always been Maureen and Mark, since I was little I wanted to play those roles. I would follow their tracks on the cds, figuring out all their harmonies and lines, and desperately wanting to play either role. So when I found out that not only was Idina in a show, but one of her love interests was being played by Anthony Rapp I lost it. Mark and Maureen back on stage together. So you'll understand my upset, when I got to the theatre grabbed my Playbill, and out fell the little white paper. Unfortunately Anthony was out. I'm a very strong supporter of understudies. In our community, the fans tend to be pretty harsh when they see that little white sheet. And I have to say there are a few performances that if I got the white sheet, I'd be pretty upset. And yes I was upset that Anthony wasn't in the show, but you can't win it all. Instead I got to see Curtis Holbrook play Lucas, and after about 15 minutes, Curtis made me forget Anthony Rapp even played the role. I walked out of the theatre being super happy I got to see him perform. I've been a fan of his forever, but never saw him in anything substantial. He has a spectacular voice, his acting is fantastic and he is such an amazing presence on stage. If you look at his bio you'll see the long list of shows he's been a part of and he deserves some more meaty roles. He adapted so well with the cast and fit in perfectly. Being thrown into a lead role is a nerve wracking experience, and man did he do a fabulous job.

I have to mention an actor who, up until recently, has been very underrated. And that is Jenn Colella, a power house who has been working in the theatre forever and is finally getting some recognition. She's another actress with a very unique voice. She's able to move you to tears with her soft yet powerful tone. She steals the stage with her high voltage power, and her comfortable feel on the stage. There are very few people you can watch on and see how they just fit up there. It isn't forced, it isn't fake, it's just natural. She convinces you that she is that person, and then hits you with vocals that you didn't know were possible. She doesn't get much to do as Anne, but every once in a while we get a belt that is just so healthy and well placed that you don't even realize she's doing it. If you aren't a fan of Jenn's, or you only know her from Come From Away, please do yourself a favour and check out her work. Your ears will appreciate it.

If/Then was a show I'm glad I saw. I got to see one of my favourite performers, I found new favourites, and I have to say I'd play Elizabeth in a heartbeat. Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey wrote some amazing material that anyone would be lucky to sing. I mean they are the duo who gave us Next to Normal. It was a show I, as an audience member, put a little too much pressure on to be what I wanted it to be. And that is the audience members mistake. The best lesson I have for anyone watching a show is to not have any expectations. You can know the entire score, read the book, and know the actors capabilities and still not know what the show is going to come out as. I went in expecting something that I didn't get, and that isn't a bad thing. Not everything has to change your life, not everything will be a groundbreaking show, and that isn't what theatre is supposed to be. We're supposed to feel something, good or bad. I still listen to If/Then frequently and it always brings a smile to my face. And if anything If/Then gave us Idina's performance of "Always Starting Over" at the Tony Awards and holy heck that was worth everything.