If/Then - 2014 - Broadway

Sleeker, smarter, more exhilarating ‘If/Then’ musical hits Broadway - Washington Post

The new "If/Then" is sleeker, smarter and runs far more efficiently than last year's ungainlier model, the one that had its test-drive in Washington last fall. Its heart is bigger now, too, a design modification that assures a more exhilarating ride. But it's also true that the "If/Then" that celebrated its official Broadway opening Sunday night at the Richard Rodgers Theatre had a number of flaws to address, and not all of them were eradicated in the months that this vehicle, by the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Next to Normal" team of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey, was in the shop. The biggest issue was and is the show's narrative device, telling the story of a woman whose life goes in two directions, one focused on family, the other on career. It remains something of a conundrum, for the conceit comes across, even now, less as a scintillating invention than as an encumbrance...The bottom line: "If/Then" is an enjoyable, beautifully sung, at times deeply touching experience, built on a structure that never completely works.

Review: Menzel shines but 'If/Then' too sloppy - Associated Press

The tonal difference between the two acts is striking. A whimsical comedy in the first is taken over by a series of tragedies and sadness. One of the best crafted scenes and songs - "The Moment Explodes" - will brings gasps, and not just because it's a bit too manipulative. It's set on a plane in trouble. Sometimes, real tragedies intrude on Broadway...Credit goes for attempting to explore parallel lives onstage and the acting is great. But a show with so much potential is marred by poor editing. So, the overall answer is, if you really, really need to see and hear Menzel, then go and watch an actress wonderfully giving it her all. But if you're of two minds, then go see "Frozen" and just listen to her voice.