On the Horizon: IF/THEN
Posted: December 13, 2013 Filed under: Broadway, Musical, On the Horizon | Tags: anthonyrapp, brianyorkey, idinamenzel, if/then, michaelgreif, nexttonormal, onthehorizon, rent, titleofshow, tomkitt 6 Comments
It’s another new feature! “On the Horizon” posts will focus on shows that are making their way to Broadway in the upcoming season(s).
IF/THEN recently finished up its run in Washington, DC at The National Theatre and isn’t coming to the Great White Way for another several months (March 2014), but I can’t help but be excited about the possibilities!
First, you’ve got this creative team: composer Tom Kitt and book/lyrics writer Brian Yorkey (the Tony-winning writing team of Next to Normal) and Tony-nominated director Michael Greif. Second, the show stars Tony winner Idina Menzel and features Anthony Rapp, James Snyder, LaChanze, Jenn Colella, and more. Third, and possibly most important, it’s Brand. New. Material.
This is so rare nowadays in the musical world it makes my heart hurt a little. Yes, yes, musicals based on movies can be hits (Kinky Boots, Matilda) and even some jukebox musicals make a huge splash (Jersey Boys), but to quote [title of show]: “Original on Broadway? Baby, that is risky!”
I can tell you that this audio clip got me excited about it. And, well, that’s all I really know. The basic premise is that a woman in her 40s (Menzel) is entering a new phase of her life in New York City and getting a chance at a fresh start.
Who knows? Maybe it will crash and burn, but what can I say? I’m excited to support the risk-takers out there and see something new.
IF/THEN
Written by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, Directed by Michael Greif
Richard Rodgers Theatre, first preview March 5th
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus
Pictured: Idina Menzel
Becca on Broadway 
Becca ~ Really enjoying your insights and your writing. I give some credit to Greenwich High School & Muhlenberg where you must have connected with educators who care about grammar and syntax and spelling. Also, some credit to your parents who are so well-educated. (Ask your mother sometime about the ridiculously BAD English teacher we endured in 11th grade. Without your mother to share the absurdity of it all, it would have been intolerable.) Of course, you get credit, too, for so obviously valuing the importance of proper writing. So rare nowadays. In any profession. For me, such errors are speed bumps in reading. Kind of like glottal stops in singing. They literally make me stop, consider the correct grammar (or syntax or spelling) and then I move on — usually losing the thread of the original thought! But your writing is smooth sailing, baby! Good for you. I just learned yesterday that Emma Thompson will play Mrs. Lovett in “Sweeney Todd” at Lincoln Center in March. Very sadly, it’s a five-day run! So, Randall and I rushed to book our tickets for March 5th. We have loved that show since we saw it with Angela Lansbury and George Hearn back in the 80’s (remember? before you were born!) We’re excited for another opportunity to see it. I’m always fascinated by casting choices and Emma Thompson is a great one. Other folks in the cast are opera types. Makes sense. Earlier this week, I saw Idina Menzel interviewed regarding this If/Then. Another exciting casting choice. So, write on! Very interesting and entertaining reviews. I’d give you 4 stars and 2 thumbs-up! Love, Liz
Thank you so much, Liz! Such a nice compliment. I really appreciate it, and I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts. And yes, I’m a big Sweeney fan! You should check out this link for a video with Emma doing a little preview of Mrs. Lovett: http://www.broadway.com/buzz/173588/whats-your-hurry-emma-thompson-previews-sweeney-todds-the-worst-pies-in-london-on-kelly-michael/.
All my best!
Interesting casting choice as Idina and her husband Taye Diggs announced their separation yesterday. Life imitating art or the other way around?
I know! I was so sad to hear about their break-up. It’s such a shame.
What a terrific series of posts this week. Very enjoyable reading!
Who was that singing the intro on If/Then? Idina in different voice??
Thanks! Glad you’re enjoying. The article says it’s cast member Tyler McGee along with Menzel. Looks like he’s in the ensemble!