Review: IF/THEN Will Leave You Questioning 'What If?'

5 out of 5 stars

If/Then, a musical from the creators of Next to Normal and the director of Rent, opened last night at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. The show, which was written as a star vehicle for Idina Menzel, is one of the most exhilarating new musicals I've seen in a decade - and mere moments in any concerns that the show lacks something without a celebrity in the lead were put to rest.

If/Then tells the tale of recent divorcée Elizabeth who moves from Phoenix to New York City. There she is presented with two alternatives for her life to take, and the musical takes us through both as she splits her choices into those made by "Liz" and "Beth."

Jackie Burns stars as Elizabeth, which she also performed on Broadway as the standby for Menzel. Burns is a brilliant performer - and is even vocally superior to her celebrity counterpart. She belts for two and a half hours on end and appears as though she has the energy to do it all again at the end (something she does twice a week anyways.) Burns is giving the kind of performance that will likely still be talked about decades from now - truly legendary. Her performance of "Always Starting Over" moved me to tears.

Anthony Rapp plays one of Beth's love interests. Rapp is best known for being part of the original cast of Rent (he also later appeared in Rent in Toronto), and Toronto audiences might remember him from the off-Mirvish series a few years back where he performed a once man show based off his memoir. Rapp is endearing and fun to watch on stage.

Tamyra Gray brings Liz's fun best friend Kate to life, and Matthew Hydzik plays her love interest Josh.

Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey proved with Next to Normal they can craft moving, modern, and cohesive musical theatre pieces. They show with If/Then how they have continued to refine their craft. The story here is far more complex and the songs are balanced in their motives of painting an emotional landscape (aptly supported by a very good use of projections by set designer Mark Wendland) and moving the story along. With two plots to tell, the story never drags.

If/Then isn't a feel good night at the theatre - it isn't your traditional musical theatre flare, and it's also perfect. Don't miss If/Then - it's a journey worth taking. I know I'll be back.

If/Then is at the Princess of Wales Theatre through May 8th. Tickets are available at Mirvish.com.

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