If/then vs. Violet

[David2]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 4:00pm

I'm going to be heading to New York in a few weeks and I have time I see a show and the two I really want to see are if/ then and violet. I was wondering which show I should see or is there any better shows to see?

[mrgiovanni]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 4:09pm

If/Then. Simple

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 4:11pm

Out of those two, I prefer Violet. Both shows feature great performances by their leading ladies, but I think Violet has a better book and an absolutely gorgeous score. I was much more moved by Violet than If/Then.

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 5:13pm

Violet, IMHO. Despite some good performances, I was not a fan of the music and storyline in If/Then. Violet has some beautiful songs and great performances.

[brdway411]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 5:14pm

I preferred Violet, I HATED If/Then.

[SomeOtherMe]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 5:45pm

I enjoyed both very much. It just depends on what kind of musical you're more into seeing. "Violet" has a much more "classic" and country type of feel to it where as "If/Then" is a contemporary, romantic pop musical. Both have a talented cast and a number of good songs. Personally, I favored If/Then a bit more but that's just personal preference. Both were great.

[NeverSoShy]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 6:17pm

I felt that If/Then had a little bit more of a wow factor, and (for obvious reasons) felt a lot more modern, whereas Violet was a lot more polished. I do find it difficult to favour one over the other, but those that I saw it with preferred If/Then overall but thought that the performances were better in Violet (but to an extent struggled to connect with the show as much). Both casts are absolutely fantastic though.

[theatregeek02]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 7:15pm

Definitely Violet. In my opinion, the only thing keeping If/Then alive is Idina Menzel's name.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 7:31pm

Violet-better score and story. If/Then has an incredible performance by Idina but the book and score suck balls.

[haterobics]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 7:33pm

"suck balls"

You say that like it's a bad thing?!

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 7:41pm

Yikes, this is a broadway theater site dude!

Yeah, If/Then wasn't great but both Idina and Sutton are giving such incredible performances, either one would be good.

[binau]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 7:42pm

All the more sense to make such a comment :P.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 11:43pm

I was not overwhelmed with Violet. In fact, a. It underwhelmed.

[jnb9872]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 11:44pm

VIOLET has an emotionally rich story, a musically diverse and vibrant score, some absolutely thrillingly realized performances and a spiritually and theatrically fulfilling catharsis by its beautiful journey's end.

IF/THEN has a really shiny mirror that occasionally is brought down to reflect on actors and singers trying to make sense of a needlessly complicated (and yet still somehow incredibly shallow) tale with little to take home by way of tuneful music or emotional resonance. It is much belting and fury, signifying nothing.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 5/17/14 at 11:49pm

If/Then.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 5/18/14 at 12:35am

Better Score: Violet

Better Lead Performance: If/Then

[Visceral_Fella]

Posted: 5/18/14 at 1:15am

I preferred Violet. If/Then has all the potential in the world, but something just didn't come together.

[Littleshopofcarrie]

Posted: 5/18/14 at 9:49am

Haven't seen If/Then but Violet is phenomenal.

[Comden Green]

Posted: 5/19/14 at 11:36am

If/Then
1. (Perhaps minor point) I am frequently disappointed when my Broadway show is over after only 95 minutes. (Exception - Hedwig was great fun even without an intermission)

2. The book of if/then has been criticized. i had no problem with it. The book of Violet was absurd. SPOILER ALERT? that she has two men fighting over her shortly after meeting her? i wasn't buying it.

3. idina -magnificent

4. loved the music in both shows - bought both cast recordings

5. supporting casts of both shows were amahzing. incredible voices.

6. I was thrilled by if/then. violet was underwhelming.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/19/14 at 12:46pm

I haven't seen If/Then, but Violet is the sole reason I booked a trip to NYC. Saw a regional production of the show three times and couldn't miss seeing the Broadway debut. Great book and beautiful score.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 5/19/14 at 4:25pm

"2. The book of if/then has been criticized. i had no problem with it. The book of Violet was absurd. SPOILER ALERT? that she has two men fighting over her shortly after meeting her? i wasn't buying it."

If/Then has several men fighting over a dour, self involved woman-that seems more credible to you?

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/19/14 at 4:28pm

"If/Then has several men fighting over a dour, self involved woman-that seems more credible to you?"

OH SH*T!

To the original poster, you are going to get a million different opinions on these shows, but I do hope you experience both because there are positives with both productions. Have fun!

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 5/19/14 at 4:37pm

Neither show was perfect, but I was deeply moved and thoroughly entertained by both. And both have stellar performances from their leading ladies...I wouldn't miss either!

[binau]

Posted: 5/19/14 at 5:12pm

I don't know Violet so apologies if this sounds silly but doesn't the lead have a disfigured face? It's probably more plausible that guys would be throwing themselves at Idina Menzel's Elizabeth - she's hot, funny and intelligent.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/19/14 at 5:17pm

Sutton Foster isn't disfigured or scarred up in any way. She is gorgeous in this.