Washington Post - Somewhat Recommended
"...Ever buy an appliance with so many working parts that you feel the need to read the owner's manual again and again? A first sitting through "If/Then," the charming and ungainly new musical trying out for Broadway at the National Theatre, engenders a sensation like that: It's a shiny new thing you're eager to play with, but it doesn't prove to be entirely user-friendly."
DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended
"...The fresh new musical If/Then-now in a tryout run at The National Theatre on its way to Broadway (where it is destined to be embraced by theatergoers who will want to see it again and again)-is more than a "feel good" show. It's a full-on, full-hearted "feel alive" experience. It's more than entertaining, tuneful, smart. It's more than engrossing, intriguing, touching. It's an inspiration to fall back in love with one's own life."
Baltimore Sun - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Michael Greif keeps everything flowing with enough energy and imagination that you can almost forget that the piece, especially Act 1, is too long; or that some events (notably a plane crash) seem to come out of -- and go -- nowhere, while other things (especially a military funeral) get drawn out."
DCist - Somewhat Recommended
"...To her credit, Menzel, a true pro, delivers a show-stopping vocal exhibition toward the end that, a la Wicked's "Defying Gravity," sort of made time, and my own heartbeat, standstill. That powerhouse voice emanating from her always-smaller-than-conceivable frame makes the whole room shake. Too bad it's wasted on such a mundane production."
WeLoveDC - Recommended
"...Musically, there are a handful of numbers that will no doubt find their way into the audition songbook of every aspiring actor, including "You Don't Need to Love Me" (sung by Lucas declaring his love to Beth), "Hey Kid" (sung by Josh to his unborn baby), "What the F-" (sung by Elizabeth during two separate moments of romantic weakness), and Elizabeth's existential awaking torch song "Always Starting Over.""
Washington City Paper - Recommended
"...As an actress, Menzel takes on a life-changing Broadway role about once a decade. She was 24 when she originated the role of Maureen, the bisexual performance artist in Rent, and 32 when she debuted as Elphaba, the green-complected witch in Wicked. Now at 42, she appears to have hit the trifecta, not only with roles that win her fame, but parts that tap into an age-appropriate zeitgeist. If/Then is not just the perfect vehicle for Menzel; it's the perfect musical for the fans hurtling toward middle age with her, without the aid of a flying broomstick."
MD Theatre Guide - Recommended
"...There is something about watching a show in its first production that makes it all the more special. If/Then is a show that is, as expected, not perfect yet, but it has the potential to be. If act one can be focused more, the show has a really good shot on Broadway. It already has a score and some knockout performances attached, so if all goes well, If/Then has a real good chance of being a prime candidate for Tony Award contention this season. We'll see how it goes and I'm curious for the outcome."
DCTheatreScene - Recommended
If/Then is largely concerned with the question of ‘what if?’ How do we know what path to take in life? What do we leave up to chance and what do we plan? What happens if one small decision – for example, going to a park – alters our course?
