It might sound like an uncomfortable medical checkup, but a “sitzprobe” is actually a defining moment in the life of a new musical—it’s when the composers, cast, and orchestra come together to perform the work together in its entirety for the first time.
On October 31, the crew behind If/Then got together at the National Theatre for the musical’s sitzprobe, and the event was captured on video (see below). The world premiere show is currently having its first run of previews at the National Theatre before it heads to Broadway next year, and stars Tony winner Idina Menzel of Rent and Wicked fame as a 40-year-old city planner who moves to New York for a new adventure. If/Then has book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, who last collaborated on the Tony-winning musical Next to Normal. (That show was directed by Michael Greif, who’s also directing If/Then, and who directed Menzel when she originated the role of Maureen in Rent.)
If/Then also stars Rent’s Anthony Rapp as Lucas, The Color Purple’s LaChanze as Kate, and James Snyder as Josh. Tickets ($53 and up) are available via the National Theatre’s website.
