I have the strange idea that performers in a musical should be able to sing. If/Then, music by Tom Kitt, book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, fulfills that hope in spades. Allmembers of this cast, leads and chorus, are well-trained, strong, talented, fine singers, and lead Idina Menzel is a killer of a vocal acrobat. So all of the quite engaging, bouncy songs are performed well, and, on their own, make for an enjoyable concert by terrific singers, including the adorable LaChanze and the very strong Adam Rapp, James Snyder and Jerry Dixon.
Menzel plays a woman who reaches a fork in the road in her life, both romantically and careerwise, and we see both forks. Her rendition of “What the Fuck?!” brings down the house.
There are unanswered questions ongoing, which can be puzzling, and from the beginning, set designer Mark Wendland’s over-innovative, over-adventurously active set, with the dancers and actors reflected in a mirror high over the upstage area, distracts our focus from the action. The set is in competition with the play. Great idea, yes – a good revolving center – but it doesn’t work. The story becomes confusing, but the total effect of the evening is that we sure heard some good singing. Congratulations to director Michael Grief for great casting and some interesting stage pictures.
