Interview: Rodel Salazar of IF/THEN at Stagecrafters Wants You to Wonder 'What If?'
Royal Oak's very own Stagecrafters is bringing one of Broadway's recent musicals, If/Then, to Metro Detroit starting January 25th at the Baldwin Theatre. If/Then, originally starring Broadway superstar Idina Menzel as Elizabeth, is a very human story that pretty much anyone can relate to. Elizabeth, a recent divorcee, returns to New York after spending 12 years in Phoenix with her husband. In the same park at the same time, she reconnects with one of her old college friends, Lucas, and becomes friends with a stranger, Kate. Then she's met with a choice: does she seek out new experiences as "Liz," or does she start advancing her professional career as "Beth?" Following these two different storylines, we learn the consequences of both choices and discover the power that a single decision can have on your life. If/Then is directed by Rodel Salazar. To learn about the production, BroadwayWorld Detroit spoke with Salazar about his inspirations, his favorite scenes, and more. You can read our interview below.
BroadwayWorld Detroit: For an introduction, can you give our readers a brief background of yourself and your theatre career?
Rodel Salazar: I studied theatre at Grand Valley State University and have acted and directed in the Metro Detroit area for the last 13 years. I've been involved with Stagecrafters since 2006 in the production of Once On This Island, and last year, I directed Sister Act the Musical.
BWW Detroit: How would you describe If/Then in your own words?
Rodel Salazar: If/Then is about the choices we make in our lives and the consequences of those choices. Elizabeth is faced with a decision at the very beginning of the show that changes the course of her life. The story breaks into two storylines, Liz and Beth, and moves back and forth to show what might be if Elizabeth had chosen love or career.
BWW Detroit: What was your introduction to If/Then?
Rodel Salazar: I'm a big Idina Menzel fan and I went to New York in 2014 to see her in If/Then. I really didn't know much about the show so it was great to see an original show.
BWW Detroit: What made you excited to direct this show?
Rodel Salazar: I wanted to direct If/Then from the moment I saw it in NYC. The complexity and simplicity of the show is what drew me in. The music is wonderful - full of uptempo ballads and ensemble numbers.
BWW Detroit: What makes Stagecrafters' interpretation of If/Then unique?
Rodel Salazar: I have a great group of local actors that have truly bonded and work well with each other. As such, I truly focused on the characters and their relationship to each other as well as with the ensemble.
BWW Detroit: Do you have a favorite scene in the show? Favorite song?
Rodel Salazar: As hard as the scene of "Map of New York" and "Ain't No Man Manhattan" was to direct, I had the most fun with those because it proves that the ensemble matters. As for my favorite song, that would be Liz's eleven o'clock number "Always Starting Over". It's such a powerful song and Lynette Yeager rocks it.
BWW Detroit: What would you say to someone with no prior knowledge of If/Then to get them to come see this production?
Rodel Salazar: If you've often wondered what life would have been if somehow you've made a different decision, then this is the show for you. Many of us have been faced with decisions in our lives that have made an impact and we probably all have asked ourselves, what would I be doing or where would I be today if I decided differently? This show gives us a glimpse of what might have been.
If/Then runs January 25th through February 17th on Stagecrafters' Main Stage in Royal Oak. For more information and tickets, visit www.stagecrafters.org.
Connect with Stagecrafters on Twitter at @StagecraftersMI, on Instagram at @stagecraftersmi, and on Facebook at facebook.com/StagecraftersMI.
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