Chromolume Theatre’s second production of its 2026 Season of Musicals – A Season of Identity and Expression – was If/Then with music is by Tom Kitt with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The show was directed by Brayden Hade, with musical direction by Isaac Schanno Johnson.
The contemporary Broadway musical simultaneously follows two parallel timelines of a 38-year-old woman, Elizabeth (Renee Cohen), who moves to New York City for a fresh start after a divorce. One day while strolling through Madison Square Park, she encounters two friends: Lucas, a passionate, politically active friend from college and Kate, her free-spirited new neighbor. In the park, Lucas asks her to join him at a community activism table, while Kate wants to get coffee and listen to a local street musician.
Elizabeth’s single, split-second decision on which person to follow winds up dividing her life into two divergent paths – as Beth going with Lucas to embrace her career as a city planner to re-enter the realm of politics and urban development, or as Liz going with Kate where she meets a handsome Army reservist named Josh and becomes deeply focused on starting a family. As the musical progresses, it alternates back and forth between both versions of Elizabeth’s life.
Of course, these two choices represent both sides of Elizabeth’s potential new life, and whether to focus on her career or family as her first priority – which is true for most women who find themselves suddenly single and free to follow their own path going forward. The story explores themes of choice, chance, and fate, suggesting that while choices have profound impacts, both paths involve joy, pain, struggle, and the possibility for new beginnings.
As the central character, Renee Cohen has her work cut out for her during this 3-hour musical as she switches between both characters simultaneously with her voice soaring emotionally, especially during “What the Fuck?” and “You Learn to Live Without” as she switches between the characters telling their stories. Changes between Beth and Liz are indicated by Cohen switching between a white or rust colored sweater/jacket/shawl over her otherwise all-black outfit. And she does a fine job of it, although the costume changes became rather tedious and seemed totally unnecessary since it often did not matter whether she was Beth or Liz, especially since characters from both timelines interact with each other throughout the play.
So rather than let the confusion take center stage of my focus, I chose to view the story as both her career and personal family paths were taking place at the same time. Thus, Elizabeth was able to have it all – a successful career and a loving husband and children at home. And all along the way, the choices she made on how to live her life had unseen consequences, reminding us that no matter how you choose to live your life, both joy and pain will always be a part of it.
Other important characters in play, each of whom were presented honestly and with real passion, included Jon Armijo as Josh the handsome Army reservist doctor who shows Liz how not to be afraid of falling in love again during their marvelous duet “Here I Go” – Judd Yort as Lucas, the political activist whose bisexuality turns Beth away from him – Danielle Johnson as the fun-loving Kate and Stephanie Saunders as her partner Anne whose enduring connection is on full display during “No More Wasted Time” and “Love While You Can” – Keenan Carver as Beth’s married government boss Stephen who believes wholeheartedly in her ability to go far in the political world and does he best to avoid acting on his feelings for her – Michael Vandie as David, Josh’s best friend who becomes Lucas’ lover and asks us “What Would You Do?” when things start going south – and Joelle Lewis as Elena, Beth’s young office assistant who learns much on the job but eventually has to make the tough decision whether to follow her heart or her career.
As her entwining stories collide, Elizabeth ultimately realizes that no matter what path you take, life is defined by both wonderful chances and heartbreaking losses. So instead of endlessly asking “what if” about the roads not taken, she learns to embrace the uncertainty of the present moment and accepts that every choice helps make you who you are.
Technical credits include scenic and costume design by director Brayden Hade, attention-grabbing lighting design by Devin Harris, sound design by James Esposito, with choreography by assistant director Ellie Rodriguez. Six ensemble members take on various roles, sing up a storm, and move scenery and an extraordinary number of props to keep the action flowing as smoothly as possible. Three onstage musicians play throughout the show, but their proximity to the unmiked actors often drowns out the ability to understand lyrics being sung.
The run of If/Then ended on July 26. Next up as the final show of their 2026 season, Chromolume presents Road Show with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by John Weidman from November 30 through December 6 at the Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Avenue, LA 90046, with performances on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Visit their website at chrtheatre.com or call (323) 510-1651 for more information.