IF/THEN- Page 3
IF/THEN
GilmoreGirlO2
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/13/05
#58IF/THEN
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.
delongpre
Featured Actor Joined: 12/12/12
#60IF/THEN
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.
ARTc3
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
#61IF/THEN
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.
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.
Up In One
Broadway Star Joined: 5/27/04
#64IF/THEN
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.
Up In One
Pootie2
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
RENT_is_Wicked2
Stand-by Joined: 4/4/11
hanabana
Leading Actor Joined: 5/12/12
#67IF/THEN
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.
Up In One
Broadway Star Joined: 5/27/04
ARTc3
Broadway Star Joined: 8/5/13
#69IF/THEN
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.
ARTc3 formerly ARTc. Actually been a poster since 2004. My name isn't Art. Drop the "3" and say the signature and you'll understand.
Updated On: 12/24/14 at 06:13 PM
Pootie2
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/1/14
#71IF/THEN
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.
Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder
Videos