Review: IF/THEN Finds Its Path

There's something about "If/Then," the follow-up musical from the creative team that brought us "Next to Normal" (currently playing at Broadway in Chicago's Oriental Theatre on its national tour), that unsuspectingly charms its audiences, finding its way into their hearts. The story follows parallel lives of 38-year old Elizabeth, newly divorced and recently back in New York City, as she discovers where her life will lead if she follows two different paths. The musical, by description, doesn't appear to be all that substantive, but, perhaps because of the simplistic way the story is told, there are many moments of real tenderness and joy that sneak up on you. Though not always perfectly structured and not without its flaws, "If/Then" makes up for what it lacks, for the most part, in its earnestness, relaying a story about real life as truthfully as possible.

Much credit goes to the cast of the national tour for matching the earnestness of the written piece. On Broadway, it felt clear that the original cast, including Broadway superstar Idina Menzel, fellow Tony winner LaChanze, and Menzel's fellow "Rent" alum Anthony Rapp, were all emotionally invested in the piece, giving the production a humbleness and purity that is essential for it to succeed onstage. So dedicated these actors were, almost all of the leads began with the national tour in its first few stops. At the tour's opening in Chicago this past Wednesday night, it felt clear that this belief in the show's message has been passed onto the current cast.

Rapp, the only holdover from the original cast that is still on tour, perhaps encompasses this more than anyone. You get the sense that the role feels personal to him, bringing a reality to his character that could easily be played too largely. He pairs well with Jackie Burns (who was a stand-by for the role on Broadway), the talented actress playing Elizabeth, although she is put at a bit of a disadvantage having to step into a role that was clearly shaped around Menzel. She doesn't always seem at ease as Elizabeth, but nevertheless provides an endearing and entertaining heroine to root for.

It's also a refreshing change to see such diversity populate the stage. Not only are there multiple actors of different ethnicities, a group of strong women supporting each other, and both hetero and homosexual relationships portrayed, but all of these things are treated with such normalcy and non-focus that feel very real to our modern culture.

Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey's score has a few gems (the standout being Elizabeth's powerhouse eleven-o'clock number "Always Starting Over") although, if familiar with "Next to Normal," it's hard to not be somewhat disappointed. Not to say the songs in "If/Then" aren't good and or don't succeed onstage, but the insight and freshness that drove the music in "Next to Normal" is not consistently found in "If/Then."

"If/Then" was underrated in its Broadway production and one hopes the tour, in great shape, earns the musical a little more merit among crowds as more people are exposed to it. The intimacy and truth of the show makes "If/Then" certainly a path worth venturing down.

"If/Then" is currently playing at Broadway in Chicago's Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph in Chicago, through March 6th. Tickets can be purchased at www.BroadwayinChicago.com or by visiting the box office.

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus