IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

#1

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 1:18pm

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-News-Idina-Menzel-Led-IFTHEN-to-Open-at-Richard-Rodgers-Theatre-on-March-27-Previews-Begin-March-4-20130717

---

"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

#2

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 1:18pm

Lots of brave producers committing to new musicals before they even try out elsewhere...

---

"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

#3

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 1:26pm

It's having a tryout in D.C.

And both Menzel and Kitt have been a part of some very successful musicals which were new at the time.

I think this shows a lot of critical and commercial promise.

---

Everything in life...is only for now.

#4

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 1:49pm

Not crazy about the title but super excited to see Idina back on Broadway in an original musical. Really excited for the previews to start.

---

So Lauren Bacall me, anything goes! *wink*

#5

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 1:56pm

I'm well aware it's having a tryout. But they've committed to producing it on Broadway before the tryout has even begun. Same with BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY.

---

"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

#6

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 2:00pm

Shouldn't it be seen as a good thing to have Tony winning composers and proven Broadway stars have producers committed to bringing their shows to Broadway before the out-of-town tryouts?

#7

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 2:03pm

I never said it was a bad thing. I was just remarking on the trend.

---

"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

#8

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 2:05pm

I'm sure these shows have had the SH*T workshopped out of them, but I find it encouraging that there's a firm date by which the creators must fix their show. I was reminded recently that years of workshops generally produce bland shows, while shows created under the pressure of deadline can produce seriously wonderful results.

#9

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 2:07pm

I just hope that it's good. Next to Normal was pretty damn spectacular. With Menzel and Kitt/Yorkey, it sounds promising.

Updated On: 7/17/13 at 02:07 PM

#10

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 2:07pm

Oh, I'm sure. I'm just surprised that in this economy, the risks are being taken and we're not seeing LONGER gestation periods.

---

"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman

#11

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 2:17pm

I'm guessing Menzel is considered the money draw here. I know it's been a decade since she's starred on Broadway, but I'm guessing the show will do relatively well because of her.

#12

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 2:25pm

Will the screaming girls let us hear anything or will they be the show?

---

Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE

#13

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 2:32pm

The Wicked fans will see this multiple times even if it isn't good. Fans are one thing but that isn't enough to keep a show running if the quality is lacking. Investors are backing it because it's the N2N team and because the green girl is starring in it. I am really hoping for the best.

---

So Lauren Bacall me, anything goes! *wink*

#14

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 5:01pm

Does anyone think in a way even if it isn't good Wicked fans can sway word of mouth? Just a random thought I had. I'll be seeing it.

#15

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 6:48pm

Where is the Richard Rodgers stage door? Will she sign my RENT poster? Does she pose for pics?

#16

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 7:26pm

I don't know. If / Then sounds deadly dull. If it's dull,then I won't see it.
If Idina Menzel is in it, then I probably won't go. She doesn't do it for me.
Just saying that I'm not excited about this musical.

#17

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 9:11pm

I've been excited about this since it was first announced- I adore next to normal, thought Idina Menzel was only alright in Wicked (but also think Wicked and the role of Elphaba were only alright) but loved her in RENT and Wild Party. And let's be real, even if it's horrible, the psycho Idina Menzel fans and the less psycho n2n normal fans should keep this open for at least a year.

#18

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/17/13 at 9:15pm

It's going to be fascinating to see how she can sell a show post Wicked.

#19

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/18/13 at 12:17am

I think some are overestimating Idina's ability to draw in the crowds. Yes she is very popular and has a huge fan base but if the show sucks ( Highly doubt it will) But if it does, and she gets horrible reviews then its likely the bad reviews will travel faster than the Idina Hype. It's hard to create word of mouth when the show and the leading lady is getting gutted by the critics.

Let me state that this is all hypothetical. I am actually super excited for this :)

---

So Lauren Bacall me, anything goes! *wink*

#20

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/18/13 at 1:11am

"I was just remarking on the trend."

A "trend" that is half a century old.

---

Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never knowing how

#21

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/18/13 at 1:34am

A horrible title, yes. And I think the Rodgers is too big for this show. Judging from the cast breakdown, it wasn't a big show at all. Why pick such a big theater?

#22

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/18/13 at 1:56am

A woman moves to New York City to start anew... I REALLY hope there's more to the story than that. If this is really just a story about a woman's daily struggles and starting fresh, count me out.

---

"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "

#23

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:11am

Didn't someone once describe this show to be about a shooting? 'Learn to live without' sounds a lot like someone has died.

Anyway, it may be about her 'daily struggles' but I have faith in this team to deliver this in an exciting and insightful way. I'm excited!!!!

---

Give me claws and a hunch, just away from this bunch.

#24

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:45pm

It may not re-coup but they'll make a ton of cash off of presales before the show even opens. Idina fans, RENT fans, WICKED fan, and N2N fans will be fighting to see this. I know I'm already planning a trip to NYC with the hopes of catching it during previews while I'm on Spring Break.

#25

IF/THEN on Broadway, March 2014

Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:49pm

Idina and Marin Mazzie performed two songs from If/Then at the Allen Room concert in March; the songs were beautiful. I wouldn't take a roadtrip to Washington for this but I will definitely be there first week of Broadway previews.