Performances are captivating in ‘If/Then’

Jackie Burns can emerge from Idina Menzel’s shadow while playing Elizabeth in the national tour of “If/Then,” the same role that earned Menzel another Tony nomination in 2014.

Burns, with an uncanny resemblance to one of musical theater’s greatest forces of nature, makes the role her own with tremendous poise and powerhouse vocals.

The tall and slender dynamo sure can belt, making it easy to see why she was Menzel’s understudy, and also succeeded her as Elphaba in “Wicked.”

Burns’ voice is glorious — a well-trained and finely tuned instrument ideally suited for the music and lyrics of Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Tony Award for “Next to Normal”).

The vocals are indeed a highlight, especially with Tamyra Gray, fourth-place finisher of “American Idol” Season 1, belting out tunes too. The vivacious Gray plays Kate, a cheery neighbor of Elizabeth, who also has subplot involving a serious relationship.

Elizabeth’s love interest Josh, an Army doctor she meets in the park as her life shifts into a new direction, is played by Matthew Hudzik, impressive as a good, decent guy. His best friend, David (Mark Delacruz), turns out to be the love of Lucas’ life. Lucas is Elizabeth’s old college boyfriend, now just a pal. He is played by the wondrous Anthony Rapp, who will forever be remembered as the original Mark Cohen in the seminal production of “Rent,” but of course has broader range. As a social activist, he seems to be Mark all grown up, but the character also has poignant emotional moments that Rapp excels at in this very modern story.

The bonds of friendship are stressed as Elizabeth — either as “Liz” or “Beth” — makes choices and takes chances on her life’s journey. That’s the most intriguing — and sometimes a tad confusing — aspect of the plot.

The lighting design is striking, and the minimal set reflecting living quarters and an outdoor park, with a backdrop grid of New York City, is effective. Michael Greif, known for directing “Rent” and “Next to Normal,” exhibits his flair for lean staging and innovative work.

I enjoyed it, but I am not sure of its broader appeal. However, the performances are captivating, and a real sense of camaraderie and collaboration is conveyed.

“What If?” You’ll be asking yourself this long after you leave the theater.

This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 6:27 AM with the headline "Performances are captivating in ‘If/Then’."