When you're in New York City, and time and money is limited, it's not an obvious decision to take a chance on the unknown.
I happened to be in (or rather, had finally made it to) NYC in the closing week of the original Broadway production of If/Then in 2015. Despite the attraction of shows that were a sure thing, I took my chance on an original I knew nothing about. I was mainly drawn by the prospect of seeing Idina Menzel and her RENT co-star Anthony Rapp perform together - especially when Wellington Footlights were about to embark on their own production of the hit musical about love, loss and life during the AIDS crisis.
Three years later, when the opportunity came along to take part in the Wellington Footlights production, I couldn't think of anything I'd like to do more than direct it.
If/Then comprises of two ordinary stories told in an extraordinary format. For the most part, it explores the big impact of small decisions - something we all face.
I love this show for putting a woman’s story at its centre - this simple fact is incredibly validating, when so many plays cast female characters as adjacent to other people's lives. Elizabeth's life is full, important, and hers. It also features four queer lead characters (not unlike RENT) who have fleshed-out relationships and lives. This is a musical firmly set in the 21st century.
Might I also mention the beautiful songs and score led by Cam Stewart, the excellent original choreography by Katty Lau, and powerhouse talent of the incredibly hard-working cast led in effortless perfection by Cassandra Tse.
I'm endlessly grateful for the dedication and work put in by everyone to make this production happen. You know who you are.
As for you - thank you for taking a chance on something new.
