I’m a software engineer, so the concept of “If/Then” as a conditional construct is something familiar and comforting to me. If A is true, then B must follow. Once written in the code, it can be no other way.

If/Then, the original Broadway musical is far less comforting. The story explores the life – actually, the parallel lives –  of Elizabeth (played fabulously by Jackie Burns), a recent divorcee who returns to New York City. On a fateful day in Madison Square park, Elizabeth briefly considers a seemingly simple decision to stay at a concert in the park with a new friend or leave the park with an old friend. Here, the story splits and the rest of this fast paced musical intertwines the stories of “Liz”, the academic family woman who stayed in the park with her new friend and “Beth”, the lonely career focused woman who left the park with an old boyfriend.

The story is modern, and the set is fun and urban. In fact, the set is one of the best parts of the musical. With incredible speed and the use of simple shapes and props, the audience moves with the cast through the streets of New York City. A simple square that forms a city office is quickly moved into the darkness and relit seconds later as a baseball stadium. Multiple shapes are merged flawlessly and combined with lighting and projections to place the cast on a moving subway car. The rotation of the stage’s center facilitates many of Burns’ rapid transitions from Beth to Liz and back again without ever leaving the stage, while also providing an effective representation of the passage of time.

The cast features many familiar names. Burns toured as Elphaba in Wicked, while Anthony Rapp, who portrays Elizabeth’s old friend, Lucas in If/Then, originated the role of Mark Cohen in the Broadway production of Rent. A veteran of American Idol’s first season, Tamyra Gray is spirited in the role of Kate, Elizabeth’s new friend and neighbor in New York City.

While Jackie Burns’ vocals are utterly amazing, I was left without a memorable musical number. There was neither music nor lyrics running through my head as I drove home or drifted off to sleep following the show. Instead, I was contemplative. The show made me consider many of the choices I’ve made in my life and the long term effects some of the simplest ones have had.

If/Then is certainly not a dance in the aisles Jukebox musical, but it is an entertaining and thought provoking show. I do very much appreciate when such a popular show makes me reflect upon myself and in any case, an evening at the Straz is always a highlight of my week.

• Thanks to a great relationship between the Straz Center and the Tampa Bay Bloggers, I was provided tickets to see If/Then in exchange for a blog review. All opinions are my own.
• If/Then continues through May 22nd at the Straz. Tickets are available online and at the Straz Center box office.