by Joseph Szalinski
New York City boasts a population of 8.8 million people and around the same number of songs and plays about it. While NYC’s definitive anthem came out in 1994, sorry Jay Z, that didn’t stop Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award Winners, Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey from throwing their hats in the respective ring with “If/Then”, a production that still gets billed as new ten years later. Did you hear about that new app, Instagram? A decade after its run on Broadway, this show is wonderfully revitalized by director Olivia Hartle and the other dedicated folks at Riverfront Theater Company.
Elizabeth (Kate Aiello) moves back to the concrete jungle after becoming disillusioned with Arizona. I’ve been there, girl. Upon moving back, she decides to get coffee with her new neighbor, Kate (Amanda Anne Leight) and her former lover, Lucas (Mike Good). They decide that the city-planner formerly known as Elizabeth needs a new name. A totally necessary change and not one done to make the splintered stories easier to follow. Kate wants to rename her “Liz,” and spirit her off to see a guy playing acoustic guitar in the park. Lucas strongly suggests that she goes by “Beth” because the guy who definitely owned multiple unironic Che Guevera t-shirts thinks she should present herself “more professionally,” and says she should meet up with him and his fellow protestors the following day. This is where the story and her identities diverge. Are we sure that there was only caffeine in that coffee?
Along the way, we meet many more characters like love-interest, Josh (Sam Brooks), a doctor and former soldier who would’ve made a good character on M.A.S.H.; Stephen (Michael Leahy), Elizabeth’s boss; Anne (Katie Springer), Kate’s girlfriend; David (Surya Ravindran), a pediatrician who causes Lucas to become a sellout by dating him; Elena (Maria Perez), a new employee in the city-planning office; as well as scores of other denizens of the sprawling metropolis who everyone seems so surprised have actual thoughts and feelings and lives of their own that there are songs about it. Did everybody drink the psychedelic coffee and gain some newfound empathy?
Writing aside, this particular production showcases wonderful performances, especially during the musical numbers, which also feature amazing choreography and are backed by awesome live musicians. Props to Caitlin Dobronz and Michael Meketa Sanchez, respectively. While each song is memorable, the two standouts happen to be Elizabeth’s “What the F**k,” a somewhat comedic meditation on circumstance, and “Hey Kid,” Josh’s touching ode to his imminent fatherhood.
Musicals are not just huge undertakings in regard to cast, but also for the crew. This show is no exception. It’s equally ambitious as it is marvelous, with dedicated crew members bringing this world to life with impeccable set design, costuming, props, sound, lighting, and even a little video. The one thing to be mindful of, though, with the stage: if you have long legs, make sure you get there early enough to snag a seat in the second row, or else you’ll feel awkward and in the way.
RTC is a marvelous company with a gorgeous space and an incredible season planned. I’m certain that anyone fortunate enough to see this musical will return to see the other incredible shows to come.
“If/Then” continues its run at the Allegheny RiverTrail Park in Aspinwall, PA March 21-23.
