IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

[iluvtheatertrash]

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-Idina-Menzel-Led-IFTHEN-to-Open-at-Richard-Rodgers-Theatre-on-March-27-Previews-Begin-March-4-20130717

[iluvtheatertrash]

Lots of brave producers committing to new musicals before they even try out elsewhere...

[AvenueQResident]

It's having a tryout in D.C.

And both Menzel and Kitt have been a part of some very successful musicals which were new at the time.

I think this shows a lot of critical and commercial promise.

[N2N Nate.]

Not crazy about the title but super excited to see Idina back on Broadway in an original musical. Really excited for the previews to start.

[iluvtheatertrash]

I'm well aware it's having a tryout. But they've committed to producing it on Broadway before the tryout has even begun. Same with BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY.

[SonofRobbieJ]

Shouldn't it be seen as a good thing to have Tony winning composers and proven Broadway stars have producers committed to bringing their shows to Broadway before the out-of-town tryouts?

[iluvtheatertrash]

I never said it was a bad thing. I was just remarking on the trend.

[SonofRobbieJ]

I'm sure these shows have had the Shit workshopped out of them, but I find it encouraging that there's a firm date by which the creators must fix their show. I was reminded recently that years of workshops generally produce bland shows, while shows created under the pressure of deadline can produce seriously wonderful results.

[ljay889]

I just hope that it's good. Next to Normal was pretty damn spectacular. With Menzel and Kitt/Yorkey, it sounds promising.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Oh, I'm sure. I'm just surprised that in this economy, the risks are being taken and we're not seeing LONGER gestation periods.

[SonofRobbieJ]

I'm guessing Menzel is considered the money draw here. I know it's been a decade since she's starred on Broadway, but I'm guessing the show will do relatively well because of her.

[blaxx]

Will the screaming girls let us hear anything or will they be the show?

[N2N Nate.]

The Wicked fans will see this multiple times even if it isn't good. Fans are one thing but that isn't enough to keep a show running if the quality is lacking. Investors are backing it because it's the N2N team and because the green girl is starring in it. I am really hoping for the best.

[ucjrdude902]

Does anyone think in a way even if it isn't good Wicked fans can sway word of mouth? Just a random thought I had. I'll be seeing it.

[bwaylyric]

Where is the Richard Rodgers stage door? Will she sign my RENT poster? Does she pose for pics?

[goldenboy]

I don't know. If / Then sounds deadly dull. If it's dull,then I won't see it.
If Idina Menzel is in it, then I probably won't go. She doesn't do it for me.
Just saying that I'm not excited about this musical.

[FlowerChild67]

I've been excited about this since it was first announced- I adore next to normal, thought Idina Menzel was only alright in Wicked (but also think Wicked and the role of Elphaba were only alright) but loved her in RENT and Wild Party. And let's be real, even if it's horrible, the psycho Idina Menzel fans and the less psycho n2n normal fans should keep this open for at least a year.

[ljay889]

It's going to be fascinating to see how she can sell a show post Wicked.

[N2N Nate.]

I think some are overestimating Idina's ability to draw in the crowds. Yes she is very popular and has a huge fan base but if the show sucks ( Highly doubt it will) But if it does, and she gets horrible reviews then its likely the bad reviews will travel faster than the Idina Hype. It's hard to create word of mouth when the show and the leading lady is getting gutted by the critics.

Let me state that this is all hypothetical. I am actually super excited for this :)

[orangeskittles]

"I was just remarking on the trend."

A "trend" that is half a century old.

[RippedMan]

A horrible title, yes. And I think the Rodgers is too big for this show. Judging from the cast breakdown, it wasn't a big show at all. Why pick such a big theater?

[bwayphreak234]

A woman moves to New York City to start anew... I REALLY hope there's more to the story than that. If this is really just a story about a woman's daily struggles and starting fresh, count me out.

[qolbinau]

Didn't someone once describe this show to be about a shooting? 'Learn to live without' sounds a lot like someone has died.

Anyway, it may be about her 'daily struggles' but I have faith in this team to deliver this in an exciting and insightful way. I'm excited!!!!

[DEClarke]

It may not re-coup but they'll make a ton of cash off of presales before the show even opens. Idina fans, RENT fans, WICKED fan, and N2N fans will be fighting to see this. I know I'm already planning a trip to NYC with the hopes of catching it during previews while I'm on Spring Break.

[Rainbowhigh23]

Idina and Marin Mazzie performed two songs from If/Then at the Allen Room concert in March; the songs were beautiful. I wouldn't take a roadtrip to Washington for this but I will definitely be there first week of Broadway previews.