IF/THEN- Page 3
IF/THEN
IF/THEN#50
Posted: 12/17/14 at 12:50pmWicked is a musical adapted from a novel that is based on another novel, and it liberally references a movie adapatation of that original novel.
IF/THEN#52
Posted: 12/17/14 at 12:55pmWicked the musical also bears so little resemblance to Wicked the novel that it's barely even an adaptation.
IF/THEN#54
Posted: 12/17/14 at 12:58pm
Wicked the musical also bears so little resemblance to Wicked the novel that it's barely even an adaptation.
Agreed. It surprises me that they even used the same title.
IF/THEN#55
Posted: 12/17/14 at 1:01pmThat's my thing, Carlos!
IF/THEN#56
Posted: 12/17/14 at 1:10pm
"Wicked the musical also bears so little resemblance to Wicked the novel that it's barely even an adaptation."
It just uses the same basic idea.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/13/05
IF/THEN#58
Posted: 12/17/14 at 1:35pm
I was worried about not understanding who was who or what was going on in each storyline because I had heard so many complaints of it being hard to follow but, when I saw it, my girlfriend and I had no problem.
For me, it was completely clear who was who. Obviously, the glasses were the main indicator. Second, the biggest differences between Liz and Beth are her city planner job vs. Josh and they did a really great job of, at the beginning of each new scene, finding a way to quickly refer to either her job as a city planner or Josh. Thirdly, Idina really distinguished some subtle, but clear, differences between both intonation and physical characteristics between Liz and Beth.
Sure, at first, I would have to remember what had happened in each of Liz and Beth’s individual storylines, but, as the first act went on, their lives and relationships to others were so different that it was very easy to distinguish between the two.
I didn’t LOVE “If/Then,” but I liked it a lot. I think there is a lot there and the show deserved much more recognition than it received.
IF/THEN#59
Posted: 12/17/14 at 1:37pm
"I had heard so many complaints of it being hard to follow"
I do think a lot of people who saw it in DC and in previews talk about their experience as though it relates to the final product, which isn't the case.
Featured Actor Joined: 12/12/12
IF/THEN#60
Posted: 12/17/14 at 3:55pm
"I do think a lot of people who saw it in DC and in previews talk about their experience as though it relates to the final product, which isn't the case. "
I agree completely. The shows are like night and day. There's so much about the DC show that needed to be changed AND WAS changed for opening day.
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
IF/THEN#61
Posted: 12/23/14 at 9:39am
I come to IF/THEN late. Just saw it Thursday night. I loved it. What confuses me is that people were confused. I did go in knowing that people complained of being confused, so I guess I might have been hyper alert early on and followed very closely. Within moments though, I understood the devices that were being used to distinguish the two stories and followed quite easily throughout the evening.
Idina was brilliant despite having a bit of a cold (her voice was slightly nasal) and the rest of the cast matched her intensity and power. I was enthralled.
Bought the music and have been listening to it ever since. The score is wonderful.
I so don't get the critic's mediocre response to this one.
IF/THEN#62
Posted: 12/23/14 at 9:53am
^^^^^
I had the same view, but taste is subjective, and what works for one does not work for all. I am glad you enjoyed it though. I have good friends who were "meh" and who loved it. I do love the cast recording.
IF/THEN#63
Posted: 12/23/14 at 2:25pmCount me as one who just adores this show. It spoke to me so fervently the first time I saw it back in March and continues to impact my life and the way I think about theater immensely. I will miss it terribly when it goes.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/27/04
IF/THEN#64
Posted: 12/23/14 at 2:37pm
"The show will most likely be closing come March when Idina's contract is up."
Or will it? Wouldn't it be great if they got someone with box office heft to take over? But who? Beyonce? Ann Hathaway? Katy Perry? Carrie Underwood? Who else? Just from the size of it the role is a female actress/singer's dream come true and there aren't many of vehicles like it on the horizon.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
IF/THEN#65
Posted: 12/23/14 at 2:44pm
I'm not sure anyone else has the necessary star power and could do the role 8 times a week, and the actress should be around 40 (too young and it just won't feel very authentic, IMO).
Ticketmaster now shows dates out to March 22.
IF/THEN#66
Posted: 12/23/14 at 2:45pmI don't think it's a show that would survive without Idina anyways.
IF/THEN#67
Posted: 12/23/14 at 2:48pmI also don't think any of the big names in Hollywood or the music industry can take over for Idina Menzel and do a good job. The score is a tough one to sing, and to handle it every night, would be extremely exhausting for someone who is not used to performing 2-3 hours, 8 times a week. Don't get me wrong, I loved the show and really hope that it continues to run on Broadway, but I just don't know who they can cast.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/27/04
IF/THEN#68
Posted: 12/23/14 at 3:00pmI hope one of those "names" is reading this thread (LOL) and takes the challenge!
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
IF/THEN#69
Posted: 12/23/14 at 6:13pm
So pleased that recently this thread has shown IF/THEN some love. I had always wanted to see IF/THEN because of the cast - Idina Menzel, LaChanze and Anthony Rapp - but because of the lukewarm critical reception didn't want to pay full price. So, week after week, I went to the theater box office and patiently waited till I could get great discounted seats. This past Thursday was that night.
Was I wrong! I haven't stopped thinking of this show since then. I am so glad that I didn't miss seeing both the show and all of these very visceral performances.
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
IF/THEN#70
Posted: 12/23/14 at 7:54pmSo the real question is, in retrospect, is it worth full price to you? How about premium?
IF/THEN#71
Posted: 12/23/14 at 10:10pm
I think "next to normal" lived up to all of its positive reviews and awards. Was not crazy about the music at first listen before I saw it but enjoyed it when I saw the show. Never felt the need to buy it.
When "if/then" came around I knew I sould sed it because I know a cast membdr and I like Menzel. I was floored when I heard the score! Loved it and was humming it at intermission. Listen to it a lot.
Loved the show for its contmporary feel and that it was new and original. I hope to see it again.
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