More on If/Then

***The following post contains spoilers.***

Revisiting Rent got me thinking about the musical If/Then. The shows shared directors, stars and several plot points, making If/Then a spiritual successor.

As Elizabeth looks back on key moments in her life the show flips between multiple paths she could have taken. Liz pursues Love under red lights while wearing glasses. Beth pursues a Business career under blue lights with no glasses.The songs are stacked in loves favor. Liz only gets half of a song about her job. Still the book tries to remain balanced, suggesting that each path involves some unsatisfying compromise.

Audiences got confused, despite the visual cues. Here I've attempted to chart out Elizabeth's key act one choices.

Rent

Rent was a big deal. Like Hamilton big deal. I hope Hollywood gives Hamilton a better movie in 10+ years.

Now Rent is considered silly by some:

            WE'RE NOT GOING TO GROW UP

            AND GET JOBS AND PAY OUR DAMN RENT

            EVEN THOUGH EVERYBODY DOES IT,

            AND SOMEHOW THIS MAKES US

            SYMPATHETIC CHARACTERS! ~ Broadway Abridged

And profound by others:

Perhaps the people who hate Rent see their younger selves in these characters and they don't like that. After all, most of us are whiny and selfish when you're young (and we artsies can be the worst); we still have growing up left to do. Though to be honest, a lot of people in their forties still have growing up to do. It’s not hard to see a parallel to American politics today. ~ Scott Miller

Grind

Let's kick October off with some horror musicals! Anthony Rapp, Pasha Pellosie and Eric Michael Krop star in the short musical film Grind now screening on Out.com. The songs are catchy and the mystery is skillfully unveiled.

Not to be confused with Ben Vereen's Grind.

If/Then

Like Bridges, If/Then has earned adoring fans who were furious the show was not nominated for Best Musical.

The two timeline structure brings to mind Merrily We Roll Along and The Last 5 Years while the ambivalent gay/bi/straight New York Couples and Singles bring to mind Company and Rent. No one knows how long the show will run without Idina Menzel but the recently released cast album will keep this show alive in many hearts.

Nominated for Best Actress and Best Score.