Chromolume Theatre is currently staging the musical IF/THEN at the Zephyr Theatre in West Hollywood, with performances running from July 10 through July 26, 2026. The production explores the life of a 38-year-old woman, Elizabeth, as she navigates two divergent paths in New York City. Directed by Brayden Hade, the show features music by Tom Kitt and a book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.
Production Details and Artistic Direction
The play utilizes a “choose-your-own-adventure” narrative structure, following Elizabeth as she splits into two personas: “Liz,” who pursues a romance with an army doctor, and “Beth,” who focuses on a city planning career while reconnecting with a college friend. Both versions of the character are portrayed by the same actress, Renee Cohen.
Director Brayden Hade utilizes the Zephyr Theatre space by staging characters across the entire open area, relying on choreography rather than traditional sets to establish shifts in time and place. The production features live musical accompaniment from a small band. However, some audience members may find the balance between the live music and the cast’s vocal performances challenging, as the music has been noted to occasionally drown out dialogue.
Did You Know?
The role of Elizabeth Vaughan was originated by Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, who led the Broadway cast upon the show’s 2014 debut and later starred in the national tour.
Critical Context and Performance Legacy
The original Broadway run of IF/THEN received mixed critical reception, with praise directed toward the cast while the book and score faced uneven feedback. Chromolume Theatre’s current iteration maintains a similar reception, as the production does not significantly alter the established critical consensus regarding the script’s complexity. The plot’s tendency for the two parallel storylines to bleed into one another can make it difficult for viewers to distinguish between the two versions of the protagonist.
Production Staff and Cast
The creative team for the Zephyr Theatre production includes:
- Director and Scenic/Costume Designer: Brayden Hade
- Musical Direction: Isaac Shanno Johnson
- Assistant Director/Choreographer: Ellie Rodriguez
- Intimacy Director: Mary Zastrow
- Lighting Design: Devin Harris
- Sound Design: James Esposito
- Production Stage Manager: Mara Aguilar
The cast is led by Renee Cohen, Jon Armijo, Judd Yort, and Danielle Johnson, supported by an ensemble including Keenan Carver, Stephanie Saunders, Michael Vandie, Joelle Lewis, Quin Domalaon, Shaheen Kapambwe, Christopher Jewell Valentin, Nadia Salina Salvia, Natalie Luna, Ryan Axberg, Amy Melendrez, and Jason Rivera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is IF/THEN playing?
The production is currently at the Zephyr Theatre, located at 7456 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA.
What are the show dates?
Performances are scheduled from July 10 through July 26, 2026.
Who wrote the music and lyrics for the production?
The musical features a score by Tom Kitt and a book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey.
Do you believe the parallel narrative structure of the musical effectively captures the uncertainty of life choices?