Welcome to our newest in-depth analysis series The Double Take! This first episode could not have been possible without the generous financial support from the new musical theater history podcast Sunday in the Heights with Dolly. I made a promise to never accept a sponsorship unless it was from someone whose project was built on passion and this show is just that! Support those who support us by giving them a listen: www.sundayintheheightswithdolly.com
This musical f****d my brain when I saw it, and I was fortunate to see it with the original cast, all of whom were amazing (loved Idina, but LaChanze played my favorite character). My favorite part of the design of it was how lines and mirrors were used to emphasize the idea of pathways, choice, divergence, and reality without saying a word. (plus I loved the subway map effect they used). The moment that stands out most for me years later is when in the one timeline Lucas accidentally bumps into the man who is his loving husband in the other timeline, and they both just brush the other off like an annoying accident. How many times has that happened in real life?
Wow, this musical hits so close to home harder than any musical I’ve ever seen. Especially given the state of my life during the beginning of 2021. I didn’t expect this at all.
I fell in love with this musical back when the soundtrack came out. I loved the concept and the songs. This deep dive is basically reviving my love for this awesome musical.
This was a really good show to start this format with since it *literally* has two takes in it. I saw this when it went on tour (with Idina and Antony reprising their roles) and enjoyed it. Now that I'm turning 30 this year (dear lord I feel old), it hits different. I'm now wondering which path/paths I should take and if I'll be happy with the choices I end up making while actively taking steps in one direction. Though I'm hoping I stay in the middle of selfish and selfless so I don't burn myself out.
Great Episode! I remember that the critics weren’t super enthusiastic about the show, but I think with everything going on now a revival show would definitely be better received in the future. And as a Mets Fan I feel seen and attacked lol!
Thank you for this, I really enjoyed seeing the tour with Idina and Anthony, but this really gives me a deeper appreciation. I can tell you there were pieces of this show I listened to a lot when making the decision to divorce my first husband. Now, 3 years later, with a new husband and a baby on the way, I am less well off financially, but better off emotionally.
Omg so many flashbacks when I saw this thumbnail-I saw this show in DC and NYC, one of my first experiences seeing a show being workshopped in real time. I definitely miss some of the songs from the first draft!
I love BOTH of your channels, and adore that you're doing a crossover episode, appropriate for the underlying theme of the musical. I'd never noticed the subtle nuances, such as the lighting design, represent Liz/Beth's respective mental state. I also like that in one time, Liz priorities love and emotional relationships, whereas Beth puts more emphasis on professional work and success.
I'm only a few minutes in and you've shown a clip from the SNL musical, this series is gonna be a good one... Ok I've finished. This episode was amazing, loved how you really dug deep into the lighting design, the true meaning behind the show etc. I'm gonna miss your musical history series, but this is a nice break from it as I've always loved thinking way too much into the stories of different shows (I have an entire theory on what societal norms and decisions the different characters Les Mis represent...). I never knew how much this show speaks on the human experience and the balance between work and life we all struggle with. Thanks Brendon and everyone else at WITW!
Thank you so much for covering this show in this series! If/Then is one of the first musicals I got into, ever (as a 13 year old getting into musicals for the very first time), and I love how you guys mention the little nuances! Now that I am a couple years older, I've developed an deeper appreciation for this show, and this video really satisfied that years-long itch of mine to discuss and analyze the show to this level of detail. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Love to see someone covering this. This show meant so much to me because it was the first time I saw a bisexual character I related to, as I was single and struggling with the whole “I don’t know what gender my partner will be in the future” thing, and that little reference to that in “Some Other Me” meant the world to me. Also, personally, the songs are BOPS, and I love the cast for...well the things they are actually known for, so it’s like my personal Avengers.
This is so interesting! I always thought of Liz as "self serving" in response to her search for finding personal happiness in love and friendship and Beth as "self sacrifice" in the way she strives to serve the city and, thusly, those around her through her career. I love this piece and love this thorough analysis of a broadway show most would consider a flop!!!
Wow. I had listened to this soundtrack for seven years wondering how the show is arranged. This is incredible to not only better understand how it’s staged, but what it all means when put together.
Saw this show twice on Broadway and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, ngl heavily due to idina menzel. But I still thought the show and the music was great, although it could use a lot of rewriting. Very glad to see this vid on here
So I did this show in college and I did not like it for a variety of reasons. To me, The script feels like a draft and needs a few more rounds of edits, although after seeing how the original production did it I can tell my college could’ve done better. And don’t get me started on the 9/11 plane scene. It also didn’t help that we didn’t have enough guys so I, a soprano 1, was required to sing tenor. We also did red and blue for Beth/Liz, but different than the original production our backdrop was a map in the background of NY. During a scene, the map location would light up red/blue/purple accordingly. The lighting design was hands down the best part of our show.
Is it me or does the guy who plays Lucas kind of look like Jess? While I never got that into If/Then it's always been a show that fascinated me ever since I saw Indina Menzel's spectacular performance of Always Starting Over at the Tonys, and looked into what show it was from. It sounded like a very layered and intriguing concept, especially for a play. This breakdown of it's themes and motivations proves that it really is! Great work guys! Now I'm really looking forward to when it's my turn.
Mr. Brendon, your team must’ve been exhausted with the work that you have done for this video. I just wanted to say your video was very fascinating. I love that you decided to do something new. I hope that you can keep on working on these projects, they’re really worth while
I appreciate that! And yes...we're all pretty tired lol We're taking today and Thursday off and then we're back to editing and writing on Friday thought!
Ya know...they must not have wanted Elizabeth as a City Planner that bad if they only called her once and never again?...Unless they tried multiple times and I just don't remember. I know they get to her again at the end of the show. Great video!
I remember watching this show when I was 17 and I always thought that Beth made the better choice. Sure their journeys are with different rewards and consequences but if Liz never met Josh then she probably would have answered the phone and got the awesome job. Beth spends a great deal not experiencing life but at the end of the show she literally runs into someone therefore implying a romantic twist of fate. So Liz is left with a dead husband, shitty job, and a kid to take care of but Beth has the support and status from her job and she can enjoy dating and love without the emotional baggage of having lost their spouse. Beth could quit and live off the earnings for awhile and still have fun its never too late she's only 39 ofc. But Liz is pretty much tethered to her position because she gave up so much of herself. Sorry if this is a hard read I've always felt this way even after the video. Amazing work you guys thanks for your hard work!!
This video proved just how little of the plot I remember. The show definitely failed by having Idina as its main drawing point, especially since her schedule was just starting to blow up with Frozen-mania. I still think LaChanze was snubbed for the Featured Actress Tony.
if Lizzy had NOT shown herself to be single-mindedly devoted to the company, she would likely have been passed over for promotion during her *ahem* "best childbearing years" as companies hate maternity leaves and will preferentially promote people unlikely to need them. women of child bearing age are seen as unreliable to many corporate HR departments, as they could drop out at any time to have a baby, but if they don't have children they are socially shamed while being professionally rewarded.
I love the music for If/Then but I've never actually seen it performed. I wondered how the stage production handled the two different timelines and found the lighting discussion was really interesting.
How tf did I feel identified with Beth at 21 (and Liz a little bit). Thanks for the analysis! I loved the music from this musical and was sad about not being able to see it (and that not many friends were into it either)
this is such a great breakdown I saw this show at The Public- but honestly couldn't remember the plot- I watch a lot of theater. SOoo. But Idina was magnificent per usual.
I saw this on Broadway and thought the concept was very clever, and the design was beautiful. However, it didn't seem like a sustainable role, and I think the most of the hype was for Idina following the success of Frozen, despite it being a marvelous musical.
Saw the pre engagement at the National theatre in DC. Didn't understand fully what was happening then, music is alright, but still don't understand really what's happening. 😂
I saw this show some years ago and didn't love it; it didn't stick with me and I found it a bit uninteresting. But I think I'm going to give it another listen after your excellent analysis.
I liked this show a lot. It’s an interesting concept, for sure. It’s not my favorite musical by any means. I think it’s slightly convoluted plot doesn’t always quite land the way it intends to. I feel like the Liz story is a lot more heartfelt, believable, and is more likeable. The Beth story is just kind of…there. When I saw the show, I found myself rolling my eyes a lot during Beth’s story and wanting it to be over with. Liz’s was more engaging for me. 🤷🏻♀️ The musical would definitely be missing something if Beth’s story was not there though and I fully recognize that. I just didn’t find it as engaging or believable. I’m not sure that I can put my finger on why. I’m not sure how it could have been improved either.
Damn, I got a playbill of this in a bundle and couldn't have cared less for it. I felt that having Idina Menzel on the cover felt a bit gratuitous. Because of this video, I think I need to reevaluate. Thank you for that.
I discovered your channel recently and really enjoy it! Here is an odd request, but I'd like to see your perspective on the Spice Girls failed musical "Viva Forever" from the same writer and producer as "Mamma Mia!"
@@lonellfletcher it’s kind of a long story, but the short version is I just don’t connect with the characters and think the story has a lot of potential it doesn’t use to its advantage. But I do understand completely that people love it and connect with it more than me
Welcome to our newest in-depth analysis series The Double Take! This first episode could not have been possible without the generous financial support from the new musical theater history podcast Sunday in the Heights with Dolly. I made a promise to never accept a sponsorship unless it was from someone whose project was built on passion and this show is just that! Support those who support us by giving them a listen: www.sundayintheheightswithdolly.com
What happened to what went wrong series
@@davidbrodskybrodsky3106 It'll be back in May! This is the winter series :)
I like the editing where whenever they're talking about Beth, Idina Menzel is portraying her and Liz is portrayed by Jackie Burns
I appreciate it, but I was very confused at first. I kept thinking "wow those glasses really change how Idina Menzel looks"
I’m so happy to see you guys talking about this show. I was lucky to see the original cast and it was something I’ll never forget.
That's so cool! It had to be quite the experience :D
OH MY GOSH
This musical f****d my brain when I saw it, and I was fortunate to see it with the original cast, all of whom were amazing (loved Idina, but LaChanze played my favorite character). My favorite part of the design of it was how lines and mirrors were used to emphasize the idea of pathways, choice, divergence, and reality without saying a word. (plus I loved the subway map effect they used).
The moment that stands out most for me years later is when in the one timeline Lucas accidentally bumps into the man who is his loving husband in the other timeline, and they both just brush the other off like an annoying accident. How many times has that happened in real life?
Wow, this musical hits so close to home harder than any musical I’ve ever seen. Especially given the state of my life during the beginning of 2021. I didn’t expect this at all.
You don't have any idea how guilty I felt writing a video on burnout at 1 in the morning on a Tuesday lol
I fell in love with this musical back when the soundtrack came out. I loved the concept and the songs. This deep dive is basically reviving my love for this awesome musical.
*INTENSE INHALE* HERE'S HOW IT STARTSSSSS AND HERE'S HOW IT ENDDDDDSSSSS
This was a really good show to start this format with since it *literally* has two takes in it.
I saw this when it went on tour (with Idina and Antony reprising their roles) and enjoyed it. Now that I'm turning 30 this year (dear lord I feel old), it hits different. I'm now wondering which path/paths I should take and if I'll be happy with the choices I end up making while actively taking steps in one direction. Though I'm hoping I stay in the middle of selfish and selfless so I don't burn myself out.
Great Episode! I remember that the critics weren’t super enthusiastic about the show, but I think with everything going on now a revival show would definitely be better received in the future.
And as a Mets Fan I feel seen and attacked lol!
Absolutely loved the full video! Also loved how you used Jackie primarily for Liz and Idina primarily for Beth. Thank you for the recognition 🙌
You're so welcome!
Thank you for this, I really enjoyed seeing the tour with Idina and Anthony, but this really gives me a deeper appreciation. I can tell you there were pieces of this show I listened to a lot when making the decision to divorce my first husband. Now, 3 years later, with a new husband and a baby on the way, I am less well off financially, but better off emotionally.
Omg so many flashbacks when I saw this thumbnail-I saw this show in DC and NYC, one of my first experiences seeing a show being workshopped in real time. I definitely miss some of the songs from the first draft!
I love BOTH of your channels, and adore that you're doing a crossover episode, appropriate for the underlying theme of the musical.
I'd never noticed the subtle nuances, such as the lighting design, represent Liz/Beth's respective mental state. I also like that in one time, Liz priorities love and emotional relationships, whereas Beth puts more emphasis on professional work and success.
Thanks Trina!! Its always fun to dive into the nuances and something I've always wanted to do with the channel. I'm happy you enjoyed it!
I'm only a few minutes in and you've shown a clip from the SNL musical, this series is gonna be a good one... Ok I've finished. This episode was amazing, loved how you really dug deep into the lighting design, the true meaning behind the show etc. I'm gonna miss your musical history series, but this is a nice break from it as I've always loved thinking way too much into the stories of different shows (I have an entire theory on what societal norms and decisions the different characters Les Mis represent...). I never knew how much this show speaks on the human experience and the balance between work and life we all struggle with. Thanks Brendon and everyone else at WITW!
Do not despair Maddie, the musical history series will be back in May!
@@WaitintheWings Oh cool! Love this format as well. Breaking up the video into segments is nice too
Thank you so much for covering this show in this series! If/Then is one of the first musicals I got into, ever (as a 13 year old getting into musicals for the very first time), and I love how you guys mention the little nuances! Now that I am a couple years older, I've developed an deeper appreciation for this show, and this video really satisfied that years-long itch of mine to discuss and analyze the show to this level of detail. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
A crossover between my 2 favorite musical youtubers??
YES PLEASE
Happy Birthday Otis!
Love to see someone covering this. This show meant so much to me because it was the first time I saw a bisexual character I related to, as I was single and struggling with the whole “I don’t know what gender my partner will be in the future” thing, and that little reference to that in “Some Other Me” meant the world to me. Also, personally, the songs are BOPS, and I love the cast for...well the things they are actually known for, so it’s like my personal Avengers.
This is so interesting! I always thought of Liz as "self serving" in response to her search for finding personal happiness in love and friendship and Beth as "self sacrifice" in the way she strives to serve the city and, thusly, those around her through her career. I love this piece and love this thorough analysis of a broadway show most would consider a flop!!!
This show feels like a cross between Sliding Doors and The Good Place.
I'm pretty sure that's how they pitched it haha
@@WaitintheWings Particularly impressive of them to predict TGP's existence and awesomeness!
Fantastic video! Already can't wait for episode 2 of the double take
Thank you!! I'm so happy to hear it!
havent watched the vid yet but holy shit im so excited this musical is being talked about
Wow. I had listened to this soundtrack for seven years wondering how the show is arranged. This is incredible to not only better understand how it’s staged, but what it all means when put together.
I'm finally early!! So excited for the new series 💞
I'm happy you made it!! :D
Excellent video. I can’t wait to see more Double Take!
WHAT A FANTASTIC VIDEO!! Thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Saw this show twice on Broadway and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life, ngl heavily due to idina menzel. But I still thought the show and the music was great, although it could use a lot of rewriting. Very glad to see this vid on here
I've heard great things about this show, but this analysis is the kind of thing I live for, and now I'll have to check it out.
So I did this show in college and I did not like it for a variety of reasons. To me, The script feels like a draft and needs a few more rounds of edits, although after seeing how the original production did it I can tell my college could’ve done better. And don’t get me started on the 9/11 plane scene. It also didn’t help that we didn’t have enough guys so I, a soprano 1, was required to sing tenor. We also did red and blue for Beth/Liz, but different than the original production our backdrop was a map in the background of NY. During a scene, the map location would light up red/blue/purple accordingly. The lighting design was hands down the best part of our show.
Is it me or does the guy who plays Lucas kind of look like Jess?
While I never got that into If/Then it's always been a show that fascinated me ever since I saw Indina Menzel's spectacular performance of Always Starting Over at the Tonys, and looked into what show it was from. It sounded like a very layered and intriguing concept, especially for a play. This breakdown of it's themes and motivations proves that it really is!
Great work guys! Now I'm really looking forward to when it's my turn.
Anthony Rapp is VERY attractive.
Mr. Brendon, your team must’ve been exhausted with the work that you have done for this video. I just wanted to say your video was very fascinating. I love that you decided to do something new. I hope that you can keep on working on these projects, they’re really worth while
I appreciate that! And yes...we're all pretty tired lol We're taking today and Thursday off and then we're back to editing and writing on Friday thought!
@@WaitintheWings- Of course, you guys deserve a break! I still wonder if you’ve read my play pitch, ACP: The Artist, The Composer, and The Producer
Ya know...they must not have wanted Elizabeth as a City Planner that bad if they only called her once and never again?...Unless they tried multiple times and I just don't remember. I know they get to her again at the end of the show. Great video!
Came here to say this. Hollywood's view of how employment works is always hilarious.
In reality, they probably did call more than once. But that wouldn’t make for good theater.
OH MY GOSH I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS SERIES!!! LET'S FREAKING GOO!!!
IM EXCITED YOU'RE EXCITED!!!
This video was so much fun and I‘m really excited for the others to come 🥰
I'm happy you liked it! :D
This show is so underrated! I got to see most of the original cast in NY, as well as on tour.
Damn I saw this show on tour and I didn’t pick up on any of this
I remember watching this show when I was 17 and I always thought that Beth made the better choice. Sure their journeys are with different rewards and consequences but if Liz never met Josh then she probably would have answered the phone and got the awesome job. Beth spends a great deal not experiencing life but at the end of the show she literally runs into someone therefore implying a romantic twist of fate. So Liz is left with a dead husband, shitty job, and a kid to take care of but Beth has the support and status from her job and she can enjoy dating and love without the emotional baggage of having lost their spouse. Beth could quit and live off the earnings for awhile and still have fun its never too late she's only 39 ofc. But Liz is pretty much tethered to her position because she gave up so much of herself. Sorry if this is a hard read I've always felt this way even after the video. Amazing work you guys thanks for your hard work!!
This video proved just how little of the plot I remember. The show definitely failed by having Idina as its main drawing point, especially since her schedule was just starting to blow up with Frozen-mania. I still think LaChanze was snubbed for the Featured Actress Tony.
Musicals with Cheese! With Wait in the Wings!! OOOOOOOOOO
saw this show with idina on tour in 2015. so unbelievable
Saw the tour with Jackie -- she was wonderful and tbh, I just love Tom Kitt's music so i'll likely consume anything he creates.
Yay cheese guy is here!
i like that i immediately went “sliding doors” and saw a sliding doors edit
We love the musical with cheese crew !
if Lizzy had NOT shown herself to be single-mindedly devoted to the company, she would likely have been passed over for promotion during her *ahem* "best childbearing years" as companies hate maternity leaves and will preferentially promote people unlikely to need them. women of child bearing age are seen as unreliable to many corporate HR departments, as they could drop out at any time to have a baby, but if they don't have children they are socially shamed while being professionally rewarded.
I love the music for If/Then but I've never actually seen it performed. I wondered how the stage production handled the two different timelines and found the lighting discussion was really interesting.
How tf did I feel identified with Beth at 21 (and Liz a little bit).
Thanks for the analysis! I loved the music from this musical and was sad about not being able to see it (and that not many friends were into it either)
this is such a great breakdown I saw this show at The Public- but honestly couldn't remember the plot- I watch a lot of theater. SOoo. But Idina was magnificent per usual.
If you REALLY want to see WITW do a Starkid episode, raise your hand ✋✋
lol I got a Kraft cheese ad in the middle of this video.
I saw this on Broadway and thought the concept was very clever, and the design was beautiful. However, it didn't seem like a sustainable role, and I think the most of the hype was for Idina following the success of Frozen, despite it being a marvelous musical.
Saw the pre engagement at the National theatre in DC. Didn't understand fully what was happening then, music is alright, but still don't understand really what's happening.
😂
I love this show!!! I saw it first week of previews.
Such a great channel! Thanks! 😃
What a cool concept! I hope I get to see it
My boys all in one place! I love it! Seriously, wonderfully done guys!
Love these!
Saw this in Denver, I thought it was a pretty interesting
I saw this show some years ago and didn't love it; it didn't stick with me and I found it a bit uninteresting. But I think I'm going to give it another listen after your excellent analysis.
I liked this show a lot. It’s an interesting concept, for sure. It’s not my favorite musical by any means. I think it’s slightly convoluted plot doesn’t always quite land the way it intends to.
I feel like the Liz story is a lot more heartfelt, believable, and is more likeable. The Beth story is just kind of…there. When I saw the show, I found myself rolling my eyes a lot during Beth’s story and wanting it to be over with. Liz’s was more engaging for me. 🤷🏻♀️
The musical would definitely be missing something if Beth’s story was not there though and I fully recognize that. I just didn’t find it as engaging or believable. I’m not sure that I can put my finger on why. I’m not sure how it could have been improved either.
IF you dm someone on discord, THEN you may get a new girlfriend lololol who would ever do that
Damn, I got a playbill of this in a bundle and couldn't have cared less for it. I felt that having Idina Menzel on the cover felt a bit gratuitous. Because of this video, I think I need to reevaluate. Thank you for that.
I discovered your channel recently and really enjoy it! Here is an odd request, but I'd like to see your perspective on the Spice Girls failed musical "Viva Forever" from the same writer and producer as "Mamma Mia!"
this musical is so interesting!!!
Love this new series
This was a movie a long time ago.
i wish someone would do this for teachers for their life in April 2019 - May 2021..
Nice video.
Was Liz and Beth played by the same person?
Or did you use a boot with one actress with Beth and a different boot for Liz?
They're both played by the same person! Your second sentence is correct.
How can i watch this musical if i'm not able to see it on stage? or am i able to read its Book?
First- DAMN!!
So close!! lol
Very excited for this new series!
Even though I’m disappointed you hate rent
Are you team Liz or team Beth🤔
Liz cause of always starting over
The lighting is also a rip-off of the credits of Fringe haha
I don't really care for this show. I feel like most of my favorite shows are between the 1930s and 1980s. Contemporary theater is just not it..
You hate RENT? :(
Brendon does not hate Rent, the editor(who is me) has a strong dislike of Rent
@@Redsoxfan910 curious, why?
@@lonellfletcher it’s kind of a long story, but the short version is I just don’t connect with the characters and think the story has a lot of potential it doesn’t use to its advantage. But I do understand completely that people love it and connect with it more than me
as soon as you said kitt and yorkey i stopped to go listen to the whole show
So....no one's gonna point out Elizabeth's raging kink for solider boys?....okay.... : /
I hated this show
Oh, the abortionist propaganda show. Pass
if you think it's abortionist propagranda, or propaganda of any kind you missed the point of the entire show