IF/THEN

As well as Elizabeth, there are six main characters and a small supporting ensemble of six, quite enough to manage on an intimate stage in a production with many scene changes. Fortunately, the between scene choreography simply involves moving two benches and changing the backdrop images – but even that requires planning and rehearsal, which the cast and crew manage well.

So … two plots, interconnecting characters, a small band, multiple scenes and twenty songs, many of which involve the main character, Elizabeth/Liz/Beth! This is a challenging role, which demands much more character development than is usual in musicals. Elizabeth has a past that has obviously influenced the present, especially how she relates to Kate and Lucas. And two new “presents” – both involving decisions about love, career, promotion, and friendship.

Daisy Cousens tackles the complications of the role with experience and confidence. Balancing the two emotional journeys of the character, the changing tenor of the dialogue and learning a lot of songs is not easy, but Cousens manages the balance carefully and skilfully. The Elizabeth – and the Liz and Beth – she creates is believable and engaging. She takes the audience as a companion down both her pathways, sharing her indecision, achievements, joys and sorrows – in her words and her songs. It is an impressive performance.

Belinda Korner makes Kate, the kindergarten teacher, one of the most lovable characters in the play. She makes Kate fun, energetic, caring and sensitive – her character and her singing and harmonising are integral to the production.

Trent Gardiner brings a wealth of experience across theatrical styles to the role of Lucas, an altruistic activist who has known Beth since college. Gardiner looks inside the character to develop his sensitivity, his sense of justice and community. His Lucas is aware, emotional, caring, mindful – and once again, his ability to harmonise is integral.

Josh, whom Liz meets in a park, is played with perceptive warmth by Isaac Downey. Josh is an army surgeon returning to civilian life. He is gentle, understanding, thoughtful and Downey finds all that in a performance that is very believable – especially when he sings “Hey, Kid”.

Jacqui Greenfield is Kate’s girlfriend Anne. Lindford Gilmour plays Stephen, Liz’s mentor and boss. Genevieve Skye is Elena, who Liz appoints as an assistant. All three are also part of the ensemble with Luke Derrick, Mike Kulikov, Natalie Hughes, Amy Fowler, Zach Godsmark and Euan Howells.

IF/THEN is about choices, why they are made and where they lead. It’s a complex play in many ways and in this production Lochie Beh and his cast and crew have approached its complexities thoughtfully, perceptively and skilfully.

Carol Wimmer

Photographers: Jim Crew and Robert Scheverien