If and Then On Broaway in NYC

    Two of these words  are from the title of a Broadway  play currently  starring Idina Menzel.  She is a fabulous singer  noted for her performance in  another famous musical Broadway show "Wicked" and  a 2013 American 3D Walt Disney Studios computer-animated musical fantasy film entitled "Frozen".  Her newest endeavor is  2 hours thirty-five minutes of musical bliss  chocked full of messages about the choices we make in life reflecting our perception of what we believe we can achieve  with influences from our past.
   The protagonist, a newly divorced teacher of urban design,  returns to Manhattan from Phoenix to start her life anew.  Uanble to make a decision about who she wants to spend time with, she begins a dual life journey.  She is split in  half,  while we watch her life go in two different directions.  Beth, her career oriented side seems to be unlucky in love while Liz, wearing glasses, is an activist and a dreamer who, remarried with two children, is uncertain about her career path.     Side by side we experience the two alternate lives she could lead.  But also we become aware of the infinite possibilities of all the lives she affects which is symbolized by the fractionalized mirrored ceiling which makes every action more complex.  To make things more intriguing,  the  possibility  of fate or predestination  is brought into the mix which offers us endless thoughts about whether we really have limited  choices or whether what we chose really matters.
     The elements of fate versus choice that governs our lives are the basis for such songs as "What If," 'It's a Sign," "Some Other Me"and so on.    We follow  both Beth and Liz throughout the play and wonder who has made the right decision or if a right decision exists.  At times, following both Beth and Liz becomes a bit confusing, as you find yourself trying to recall which character is which.  We are assisted by glasses worn only by Liz and the different color of light-path for each, one in red and one in blue and the moments their lives overlap in purple.

Bottom line: As perplexing as this play might seem, the musical performances and the script keeps you joyfully entertained  way after the set fades to black.  It is truly worth the effort.  Think of what you might miss if you choose not to go.

Which choice would you make?