In a musical that vacillates between the worlds of could’ve, would’ve, and should’ve, “
If/Then” is the latest production from Actors’ Theatre to hit Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theatre.
The musical is actually made up of many stories following the character of Elizabeth as alternative versions of her life and possibilities play alongside each other, often flowing back and forth with tiny clues delivered via the lighting or through the use of eye glasses. (I guess Elizabeth develops poor sight in one version of herself or else the playwright who directs such props doesn’t think the audience sophisticated enough. Oh well.)
The musical is story of chance and the choices we make in our lives. It is sure to delight fans of this reality-punching genre. And who wouldn’t want to see a musical that once starred the darling of Broadway, Idina Menzel (“Rent” “Glee”) when it opened in 2014 in NY.
“If/Then” is directed and choreographed by Jolene Frankey with music direction from Scott Bell and according to Actors’, and is about living in the business of today and all of the possibilities of tomorrow.
“If/Then” is the brainchild of the same creative team who won the Pulitzer Prize (2010) and numerous Tony Awards in 2009 for “Next to Normal.” (It was performed at Actors Theatre in 2012.)
So while you have a lot of entertainment options this season to consider, why not make the choice to see “If/Then” for the thrill of experiencing an imaginative musical that is sure to stick with you long after the curtain closes on this production on February 10.
“If/Then” cast includes:
Elizabeth: Molly Jones
Kate: Jess Luiz
Lucas: David Houseman
Josh: Patrick Finn
Anne: Emily Diener
David: Nate Reynolds
Stephen: David Hatter
Elena: Maddie Jones
Ensemble: Lucas Story, Michael Stewart, D'Marco Hughes, Amy Cain, Mary Kate Murnen, Catilin Cusack