The Theatre and Dance division of Elizabethtown College’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts is presenting “If/Then” as the fall 2018 musical. The musical is performed in the Tempest Theatre in the Baugher Student Center (BSC).
“If/Then” is a musical written by the the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning creators of the musical “Next to Normal.” “If/Then” considers the impact of life choices—especially ones that seem insignificant—by following two possible life paths of main character Elizabeth.
The show opened Thursday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m., and the last showing is Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.
The College’s production of “If/Then” features actors from different classes and levels of experience.
“If/Then” is first-year Devon Moravec’s first production at the College, though he acted throughout high school. Moravec plays the character David in “If/Then.”
Moravec found the experience of participating in “If/Then” both educational and enjoyable compared to his previous experience in high school theater.
“I’ve learned to have confidence in myself and my decisions,” Moravec said.
Other than the scripted entrances and exits in the play, Moravec was able to make most of the decisions in regards to his character.
“I’m very proud of how it’s gone,” Moravec said.
Junior Hannah Paymer is highly involved at the College. She is a part of Fenice, the women’s choir on campus, and the Emotion dance group. Last year she acted in the Vagina Monologues and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which she is going to participate in again Friday, Nov. 16 at midnight.
Additionally, she has been in several other plays through the Theatre and Dance department. Her first year she was in the play “Fuddy Meers,” as well as “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind: 30 Plays in 60 Minutes.” Last year she was in two short plays for The E-town Shorts Fest VII.
Paymer played various background roles as a New York citizen in “If/Then,” but her favorite role within the show was that of a bartender.
“Bartending is fun. None of the alcohol is real, and I really like iced tea,” Paymer said, referring to the drinks used to simulate a stocked bar in the production.
Paymer especially enjoyed the role because even though she only had five scripted lines as the bartender, she was personally able to develop the entire personality for her character.
“I created a whole character behind my five lines,” Paymer said.
The production of “If/Then” is also junior Kathryn Johnson’s first show at the College. Like Moravec, she participated in her high school theater. Johnson plays Elena in “If/Then.”
One difference between high school and college theater productions that Johnson observed was in regards to personal responsibility for roles.
“In high school, [directors] worked with you; here you just had to get it done. We learned a lot of music without too much instruction,” Johnson said.
Additionally, Johnson noticed a higher level of professionalism, which she appreciated. In high school she noticed a lot more joking around during rehearsals, whereas during the production of “If/Then,” rehearsals generally stayed more on topic, even if there was some joking.
One challenge of the show which Moravec, Paymer and Johnson agreed upon was a period of three weeks when the show’s choreographer was absent, and a two-week period where the director was also away from the College. Despite that, the actors felt that the show came together well.
During the rehearsals and production of “If/Then,” Johnson learned about self care and priorities.
“Take care of yourself and do stuff you like, and you’ll make a lot of new friends,” Johnson said.
Remaining showings of “If/Then” include 8 p.m. showings Thursday, Nov. 8 and Friday Nov. 9 and a 2 p.m. performance Sunday, Nov. 11.
Those who would like to see the show can contact the Tempest Theatre Box Office by calling 717-361-1170 or emailing boxoffice@etown.edu. Tickets cost $10 per person.
