“You never know when life will happen to you.”
London audiences finally get the chance to experience a slice of If/Then, the 2014 Tony-nominated Broadway musical, with two one-off staged concert performances at the Savoy Theatre. From Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey – the duo behind the Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal – this marks a rare opportunity to see a version of the show in the UK. Originally starring Idina Menzel on Broadway, this new concert version is directed by Bill Buckhurst, with musical staging by Alistair David. It stars Kerry Ellis as Elizabeth, a 38-year-old city planner at a crossroads, navigating two parallel versions of her life. In one, “Liz” falls in love and starts a family; in the other, “Beth” pursues a dream job.
Ellis, best known as the first British Elphaba in Wicked, is joined by a stellar cast, including Adam Garcia as Josh, David Hunter as Lucas, and John Owen-Jones as Stephen. Preeya Kalidas, Jenny Fitzpatrick, Carl Man, and Joni Ayton-Kent also feature in supporting roles.
Compared to some of the recent musical concert stagings, it’s clear that lots of thought and creativity have gone into this one. The staging is minimal yet effective, with moveable stage blocks subtly shifting to create different locations, aided by projected backdrops that enhance clarity in storytelling. The original Broadway production received mixed reviews, praise for its performances and score, but criticism for a plot that, at times, felt convoluted. Buckhurst has clearly worked to try and ensure the story is as clear as possible, despite its “concert” format, for example with Ellis doing a simple costume change to distinguish between the two timelines.
Ellis delivers the show’s emotional peak with “Always Starting Over,” the powerhouse 11-o’clock number, leaving a lasting impression. As one audience member I overheard put it, “I’d come again just to hear that song.” Credit also goes to the sound team. The balance between vocals and band was impressively well-mixed.
With If/Then not yet having made it across the pond with a full production, I do wonder if this concert was a way of testing the waters for a full production. There seemed to be a great buzz in the crowd at the end of the show. Time will tell.
By Joseph Dunitz
IF/THEN follows Elizabeth, a 38-year-old city planner returning to New York after twelve years, ready to rebuild her life in the wake of a recent divorce. Standing at a pivotal crossroads, Elizabeth faces a choice that will send her down two parallel paths, each leading to a radically different future. On her first day back, she reconnects with Lucas, an old friend, and meets Kate, her vibrant new neighbour. Lucas invites her to join him in the world of activism, while Kate offers a lighter diversion—coffee, music, and the temptation of a charismatic guitarist nearby. As the story unfolds, audiences follow Elizabeth’s journey along these parallel lives, exploring how every decision, no matter how small, shapes the course of destiny.
CAST
Elizabeth – Kerry Ellis
Lucas – David Hunter
Josh – Adam Garcia
Kate – Preeya Kalidas
Stephen – John Owen-Jones
Anne – Jenny Fitzpatrick
David – Carl Man
Elena – Joni Ayton-Kent
Ensemble – Kayleigh Thadani, Sario Solomon, Christian Maynard, Lauren Hall, Danny Becker, M-Jae Cleopatra Isaac
CREATIVES
Written by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey
Produced by Adam Blanshay Productions and Daniel Hinchliffe in association with The Savoy Theatre
Directed by Bill Buckhurst
Musical Staging: Alistair David
Music Director and Supervisor: Michael England
Set and Costume Designer: takis
IF/THEN
Savoy Theatre, 10 and 17 February 2025
