Overview
Synopsis
What if? What if we could know the future effects and consequences of our choices? If we knew how things we turn out, then would we still make the same decisions? This is the premise of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s If/Then: Elizabeth Vaughn has returned to New York City after her marriage fell apart. She is meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends, and is immediately given a choice. Should Elizabeth (as Beth) join her college friend Lucas in the world of community activism and city planning? Or should Elizabeth (as Liz) join her new neighbor Kate to get coffee and listen to a local band? Kitt and Yorkey take the audience through both stories simultaneously, shifting between the worlds of Beth and Liz--and occasionally the two collide. With powerhouse ballads and a witty premise, If/Then is a dynamic investigation into what could have been and what might be, always based on the choices we make.
Show Information
Context
If/Then is the third collaboration between the powerhouse duo of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (following Next to Normal and In Your Eyes). In 2013, the pair began developing the story in collaboration with Idina Menzel, who originated the role of Elizabeth Vaughn. After a try-out run in Washington D.C., If/Then opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on March 30, 2014.
The cast was praised as stellar: Idina Menzel as Elizabeth, Anthony Rapp as Lucas, LaChanze as Kate, Jenn Colella as
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If/Then has two simultaneous storylines for Elizabeth Vaughn; in one she is called “Beth,” and in the other, “Liz.” As the narrative shifts between possible choices and outcomes for these two versions of Elizabeth, characters and the world around her change. In this synopsis, the storyline for Beth is designated with regular text, and the storyline for Liz is designated with italics.
Act One
In a dark space, Beth appears, musing what might have been. She talks out loud to herself, but
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in If/Then.
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Songs
Act One
- "Prologue / What If?" - Elizabeth, Busker, Kate, Lucas, Josh and Company
- "It's a Sign" – Kate and Passengers
- "A Map of New York" – Stephen, Liz, Kate and Company
- "You Never Know" – Josh
- "Ain't No Man Manhattan" – Lucas and Activists
- "What the F#%k?" – Liz
- "Here I Go" – Liz and Josh
- "You Don't Need to Love Me" – Lucas
- "No More Wasted Time" – Liz, Kate, Anne, Elena
- "Surprise" – Company
Act Two
- "This Day / Walking by a Wedding" – Kate, Anne, Beth, Josh, and Company
- "Hey, Kid" – Josh
- "Some Other Me" – Beth and Lucas
- "Best Worst Mistake" – Lucas and David
- "I Hate You" – Liz and Josh
- "A Map of New York (Reprise)" – Stephen
- "You Learn to Live Without" – Liz
- "The Moment Explodes" – Beth, Architect, Flight Attendant, Passengers
- "Love While You Can" – Beth, Kate, Anne
- "What Would You Do?" – David
- "Always Starting Over" – Liz
- "Finale / What If? (Reprise)" – Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Key Terms
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
Videos
Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress