If/Then Previews — Page 2

No, got it from someone else. I'm going to head over there in a few minutes though to see if there's any other signage.

i think it's brilliant.

I checked earlier and we also have it on good authority that while clever, the Playbill insert and the marquee changes are fakes.

btw, break legs to all tonight!

Yeah, that's sad and makes it a lot less fun.

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Well MSN is running with the Playbill insert story:


If/Then Playbill

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My roommate just found out she has to work tonight, so it looks like I'm getting her ticket... I feel bad, but am really excited to see the show!

Exciting! I'm out of town, but going Sunday afternoon... my first available slot upon my return!

Front Mezz is great for this, with the set/lighting/etc., based on my seeing it from there in DC (which is to say, it may have changed a lot, heh)

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Updated On: 3/5/14 at 04:37 PM

Yay congrats SuttonRoss!

And yes, front mezz will be great.

tonight's preview is available at TKTS for 30% off.

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Did you happen to catch where the lottery seats were located, brdway411?

So excited to hear the reports!!

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I was there tonight and have to say I respected the ambition behind the project and that we are seeing a completely new musical on Broadway - not adapted from a book, movie or TV show, but I felt like the over all product was still something of a mess. It has so many interesting ideas but it needs, in my opinion, some serious trimming of the material and tightening of the point of view. Too often the story is saddled with superfluous plot elements and side stories that just don't play directly into the 'choices' that Liz/Beth makes.

I would probably cut way back on Anthony Rapp and La Chanze's material, though their agents probably wouldn't be very happy. The staging is a little bombastic and over wrought and the set is ugly, but I will say vocally the cast is superb. Adele Dazeen (aka Idina) was worth the wait to see on stage again and is given a role perfectly tailored to her unique personality and vocal talent (who else could ever sing this role 8 shows a week).

But the piece overall to me feels like it still needs a lot of work. I can't imagine it would be on Broadway without Menzel's involvement.

I apologize for any crazy rambling or incoherent sentence structure, but I am freaking out because I unequivocally LOVED this show.

Idina has been having quite the week and I feel like she showed up to this first preview like Cleopatra making her glorious entrance into Rome. The lights dimmed in the Richard Rodgers and suddenly a spotlight hits Idina on a second tier runway. She's holding a phone and begins to leave a message. She speaks: Hi, it's me. The audience goes crazy, and just like Liz Taylor conquered all those hearts decades ago, Idina has us with three words. After the applause dies down she continues, "I've missed you." This gets a laugh and I'm in love.

The music begins and the prologue sets the story in motion. As many have stated from the out of town thread there is a "Liz" plot and a "Beth" plot. Some of the supporting characters overlap and play different roles in each plot and other characters primarily only appear in one of the two stories. My biggest fear was being confused with the constant switching, but it was soon proven to be unfounded. I thought it was clear whenever she morphed from one character to the other. Glasses for Liz; none for Beth. Plus, the supporting characters always made sure to say her name when they began speaking to her, just to ensure clarity.

Idina is a giving an ASTOUNDING performance. Both vocally and in terms of acting. I am in a total homosexual panic right now because I was dead set on Kelli winning the Tony and now I demand a tie. I actually want a new musical written about two dueling divas, Francesca and Liz/Beth, who must enter into an operatic belt off until they both win Tonys. If Idina was not so grounded and confident I think the whole thing would fall apart.

And then the supporting cast. I have long been obsessed with LaChanze goddamn she brought it tonight. James Synder, Anthony Rapp, Jason Tam and Jenn Colella were all fantastic. They all get moments to shine, and were very in sync with each other. This was a cast that moved like a single-celled organism- each functioning in his or her own role, but always for the greater good to move the show along. I know they had an out of town, but this certainly did not feel like a first preview. It felt like an opening night.

The score was instantly hummable and infectious. Smart, real lyrics and gorgeous melodies. Let's get the double CD recorded on the first day possible.

I don't want to talk about the plot much because I think it's best to go in cold. There are some nice visual effects too that should remain a surprise.

I am feeling complete euphoria and I will be making every effort to return to the show tomorrow night.

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