Kelly's Corner: 'If/Then' At The Orpheum & All Life's Decisions

A few weeks back, Chad, Adam, Dan, and I were talking about life decisions and if you ever "re-think" those decisions. I commented that I always did. I continue to think about choices I have made in the past. Sometimes they are pressing issues, like my career. Other times, it's whether I should have accepted a guy asking me out. (I always say no first!) Surprisingly, this is the theme of the musical "If/Then", which is making its Minneapolis debut. Proceed with caution: I don't review theater performances, but I am going to try and take you through the "If/Then" I experienced.

The musical is all about opportunities and the roads taken by the main character, Liz. Or maybe it's Beth. It all depends on what storyline you are witnessing. The play takes you through a number of scenarios with Liz and Beth constantly thinking about what the future and what each and every step or misstep means. Despite the influences she is faced with, she makes twists and turns throughout the musical to end up... well, I won't ruin it for you, but there are two very distinct endings. Throughout the show, something that stood out to me is the powerful ballads mostly from the talented Jackie Burns, who commands the central character of the musical with a fluid grace that doesn't lack even though there are some lulls in the show.

Here's what: The shining star of this cast is Anthony Rapp. He is a veteran character actor and has an impressive resume. He breathes life into this musical. His ease of his character, Lucas, is very natural. You end up believing in his character and he became the person who I was sincerely rooting for. Even though it was hard to tell exactly what Lucas wanted. Also, keep an eye out for Tamyra Gray, she was one of my all-time favorites on American Idol back in Season 1. Kelly Clarkson went on to win, but Tamyra was easily one of the top singers from the entire show history.

I tend to favor movies and musicals with an ensemble cast ("Grease", "Wicked", "American Hustle", "Pulp Fiction", my FAVORITE "Love Actually"), and I think that is why the show resonated with me. I also tend to overthink and question small and BIG decisions of the past. Jeez, I hope that changes in my old age. The pipes and funny dialog was a nice change of pace. Speaking of pace...The rapid fire succession of the songs keeps the audience on their toes. I liked the movement, and you really end up being invested in the story. Personally, Liz ended up being the character that I wanted to find happiness.

The show is at the Orpheum Theatre through March 13.