What would happen if you took a right turn instead of a left turn? Our choices matter. “If/Then” looks at one woman’s choices and what may have been.
~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~
The Story of “IF/Then”
Elizabeth is a bit of an overthinker, examining every choice before moving forward. We see her as she moves back to New York City after a failed marriage in Arizona. She has been working as a teacher, but her true love is urban planning.
She is faced with a choice of going back to teaching or becoming a planner for the city of New York. Each choice has its benefits and drawbacks. As the play goes on, we see what might happen if she makes one choice or the other, moving seamlessly from one timeline to the next.
We also see the timelines in terms of her personal relationships. Dating, marriage, children, or perhaps none of those. The timeline shift brings her choices to the audience, and you may be rooting for one choice or the other.
If/Then is a musical, and the music is marvelous, and the songs are well written, but more than that, the act uses the songs to further the deep emotions of the characters being portrayed.
Brilliantly written, If/Then gives you pause as you watch. Perhaps you will think about the choices you made and the ones you didn’t.
Here are some Photos to give you a taste of “IF/Then.”
What about the Performances?
Performed with polish and passion and with so much emotion woven into the play, the actors bring those emotions to life, much to the audience’s benefit. The audience feels those emotions in unexpected ways, with the passion the performers offer. The audience is certainly in for a treat. And I must say you may want to bring tissues, for there shall be tears.
Emily Ramey Plays Elizabeth, a woman at the crossroads. Will she pursue a career, or will she embrace family? Ramy is very believable and, more than that, identifiable. We have all found ourselves at crossroads. Conveys those emotions. Right to the audience’s heart.
Moonriver Theatre Company
Moon River Theater Company is the new venture of the founders, John Paul Rivard and Rose Sambrano. Judging from If/Then, they are heading in the right direction. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what they do next; in fact, the next play they will be doing in the summer of 2027 is The Hunchback of Notre Dame. And in my heart of hearts, I hope they don’t wait that long to give us more wonderful performances.
The Bottom Line
If you get the chance to see If/Then, I highly recommend taking it and experiencing this musical that will spark your thoughts, and perhaps you will walk away saying “What if.”
And that’s the bottom line.
IF/Then
Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Music by Tom Kitt
Directed/Choreographed by John Paul Rivard
Cast
ELIZABETH……..…………Emily Ramey
JOSH……………………Michael Rapisora
KATE………….……Khalilah Smith Cage
LUCAS ……………………….Adam Semas
STEPHEN……….………Jeff Chamberlin
ANNE…………….……………….Niki Rowe
DAVID………….……….John Paul Rivard
ELENA………….…..……Cassidy Buchan
NEW YORK CITIZEN #1………..Stephen Moore
NEW YORK CITIZEN #2..….Georgia McKnight
NEW YORK CITIZEN #3……..Michael Smith III
NEW YORK CITIZEN #4……….Rhoda Thalman
NEW YORK CITIZEN #5.…….……Trevor Young
NEW YORK CITIZEN #6………..Hannah Walker
NEW YORK CITIZEN #7…….Naomi Thompson
Performance Dates
Procter R Hug High School
July 23–26, 2026
Bob Boldrick Theater – Carson City Community Center
August 13–16, 2026
See Moonriver Theatre Company’s website for more detailed information.
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