IF/THEN to Make New Jersey Premiere at UCPAC This July

This July, dedicated Broadway fans will be filling in the seats of the Union County Performing Arts Center's Hamilton Stage to see a local production of the highly acclaimed musical, If/Then. This will be their first opportunity to see the play in the state of New Jersey.

Originally running from 2014 to 2015 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York, and starring vocal powerhouse and Broadway idol Idina Menzel, If/Then received a Tony Award for Best Original Score, an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Score, and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Orchestrations.

There will be three evening shows at Hamilton Stage taking place at 8 PM (July 21, 22 and 28), and two afternoon performances taking place at 4 PM (July 23 and 29).

If/Then, written by Brian Yorkey with music by Tom Kitt, follows the story of urban planner Elizabeth, a recent divorcee looking for a new start in New York City. She meets Lucas and Kate, the former advising her to focus on her career in New York (using the nickname "Beth") and the latter advising her to focus on trying new things (using the nickname "Liz"). The play then diverges into "Beth's" and "Liz's" two very different paths, showing the various implications of Elizabeth's choices. Both paths trudge through heartache and regret, but also happiness and success.

Because of this give and take, audiences will be hard pressed to choose which path was the "right" choice, if there is one at all. Funny and engaging, with beautiful songs and a professional cast of actors and actresses, If/Then at the Hamilton Stage is directed by Brian Remo, with Associate Producer Jessica Foerst, Music Director Bruce De La Cruz, and Choreographer Natalee Phemsint.

Tickets for If/Then are $25, assigned seating, and can be purchased online at ucpac.org, over the phone by calling (732) 499-8226 or in person at the box office. Box office hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11 AM- 5 PM, with extended hours of 11 AM- 8 PM on Thursdays. The Union County Performing Arts Center's box office is located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ. Hamilton Stage is located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway and is easily accessible to major roads and public transportation.

Photo Credit: Rich Kowalski