REVIEW: If/Then - VOX Theatre Arts
- Stage Buzz Brisbane
- Oct 10
- 7 min read
“Cause life is short and life is hard, so I don't care how… no more wasted time.”
What if one tiny decision -- a subway stop, a phone call, a yes or a no -- could send your life hurtling down a completely different path? That’s the central question of If/Then, the moving and musically masterful Broadway musical, brought to life by VOX Theatre Arts at Arcana’s Empress Theatre.
Through two intertwining storylines, If/Then explores how one woman’s choices can shape not just her own future but the lives of everyone around her. Recently divorced and back in New York City to start over, Elizabeth’s life splits in two directions: Liz finds love with an army doctor named Josh, while Beth builds a high-flying career alongside her old friends Stephen and Lucas. The show follows both timelines simultaneously, each equally moving, messy and utterly human.
So grab a drink and some food at the bar beforehand, settle in and prepare to question all your life choices!
Brisbane Talent at Its Best
VOX Theatre Arts has struck gold with this cast, led by the incomparable Samantha Sherrin. I don’t know how they managed to gather this group, but Brisbane should count itself lucky.
Front and centre is Sam, giving a masterclass in endurance, emotion and a voice that just doesn’t quit. She takes on one of the most demanding roles in contemporary musical theatre — Elizabeth (or Liz… or Beth) — and does it almost entirely without leaving the stage. Physically and emotionally, she is constantly shifting gears, flipping between two parallel lives. One moment she’s the hopeful, romantic Liz; the next, the driven, pragmatic Beth.
Sam makes us chuckle through 'What the F*ck', devastates us during 'I Hate You', and has us openly weeping by Act 2. Her rendition of 'Learn to Live Without' is aching. She’s crying, we’re crying, the band is probably crying... it's the kind of performance where you can hear the audience (and the producer) sniffling into their programs. Then she roars into 'Always Starting Over', a five-minute power ballad that demands every ounce of breath and bravery. Even when overcome with real tears and fury, every note rings out with immense precision and power, and Sam's acting is overwhelmingly real. It’s a fearless, emotionally charged performance and easily one of the finest you’ll see on a Brisbane stage this year.
Cameron Rollo is the yin to her yang as Josh, the adorably awkward army medic whose chance encounter changes everything. Endlessly likeable, he’s sweet, sincere and quietly magnetic; the perfect counterbalance to Sam’s whirlwind energy and a steady anchor for Liz’s story. There’s a natural ease to his performance, grounded in honesty and never overplayed, his acting is full of small, truthful moments that draw you in. Every scene feels spontaneous, every glance full of intent, every reaction genuine.
It’s hard not to melt a little during his solo 'You Never Know', while 'Hey Kid' delivers one of the night’s sweetest moments. Watching Josh grow from bashful flirt to devoted partner is genuinely moving, and his relationship with Sam is pure magic. When the two duet 'Here I Go', it’s chemistry in its purest form: two people trusting the leap.
Isaac Brown brings both spark and soul to Lucas, the gossip-loving activist with a heart of gold and a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. He lights up every scene he’s in, slaying the cheeky 'Ain’t No Man Manhattan' with sass and charisma before pulling the rug out from under us with the heartbreakingly tender 'You Don’t Have to Love Me'. His comic timing is razor-sharp, and the audience laps up every quip and side-eye.
Paired with Jackson Muir as David, the gentle and grounding doctor, their chemistry is beautiful to watch. 'Best Worst Mistake' is one of the show’s loveliest duets, capturing the thrill and risk of new love. And Jackson’s solo 'What Would You Do' absolutely floored me. It’s a fragile pause in the noise, aching with the kind of empathy that lets you feel every ounce of loss between the notes.
Lisa Alsop shines as Kate, Elizabeth’s fiery, loyal, and quick-witted best friend, finding the perfect balance between comedy and compassion. In 'It’s a Sign', she gleefully embarrasses Liz on the subway with a performance bursting with mischief and killer vocals. Opposite her, Micheal Enright matches that energy beautifully as Anne, Kate’s partner. They deliver some of the best one-liners of the night and radiate an easy energy that’s impossible not to adore. Together, Lisa and Micheal shine in 'Love While You Can'; a beautiful ode to everyday love that’s messy, imperfect, and entirely heartfelt. The two even manage to belt through tears, a testament to their emotional commitment and vocal control.
Dominic Bradley as Stephen walks the fine line between charming and infuriating as Elizabeth’s boss... the kind of character you love to hate. There’s a confidence and humour to his performance that makes Stephen endlessly entertaining. He leads 'A Map of New York' with passionate vocals, steering the chaos with a wink and a grin.
Amiel Morris shines in her debut as Elena, the eager intern who enters halfway through and quickly becomes Beth’s moral compass and mirror. Their scenes together are quietly touching; you can sense Beth recognising herself in her — all that idealism, curiosity, and conviction — and it’s a lovely, bittersweet reminder of how time changes us.
The ensemble — Mark James, Molly Parker, Casper Haringcaspel, Ryan Bascle, Alicia Brite, and Sam Hancock — breathe life into New York City. They become subway commuters, wedding guests, parkgoers, baseball fans, you name it! Sometimes wistful, always purposeful, they keep the city’s pulse alive from start to finish as the background blur always in motion.
Special mention to Mark James as the overzealous Deputy Mayor, Molly Parker as the tender-hearted Cathy, and Casper Haringcaspel for delivering the unforgettable “Today a pigeon shit right on my head” with perfect comic timing. This supporting ensemble — joined by Amiel, Jackson, Dom, and Micheal — juggle multiple characters, accents and quick changes (often literally swapping hats). Their adaptability and energy give the show its heartbeat, ensuring every transition feels alive and every moment, however fleeting, feels full.
Musical Firepower
This is not a score that could ever be done justice with tracks, and Alex Angus (Music Director) and Erin Power (Assistant MD) deserve medals for shaping its intricate layers. The 13-piece orchestra is a star in itself, navigating wild rhythms, relentless key changes and eight-part harmonies with near-perfect command. Front-staged and fully visible, the band feels woven into the storytelling; a part of the heartbeat of the city rather than hidden behind it. The microphones hold up surprisingly well, letting (most) of the vocals soar without being lost under the orchestra’s drive.
The harmonies in 'No More Wasted Time' (Samantha, Lisa, Micheal, and Amiel) are jaw-dropping! Four powerhouse voices blending like thunder and silk; I could listen to it over and over again. 'Surprise' and 'Map of New York' are masterclasses in organised chaos, while the gospel-infused 'This Day / Walking by a Wedding' will have you fighting the urge to stand and clap along. While a few songs sat slightly under tempo and the timing wavered here and there, that’s just the growing pains of a preview. Honestly, this is a no-skip cast album come to life!
Directing with Heart
In a story built on duality, Hayley Gervais finds the thread that ties it all together: heart. Her direction keeps both timelines distinct yet emotionally intertwined, allowing audiences to follow the complexity without ever feeling too lost. Ruby Thompson’s choreography and Hayley’s blocking shine in the ensemble scenes, capturing the bustle and rhythm of Manhattan life. It’s thoughtful, cohesive storytelling from a creative team who clearly understand the heart of the show.
George Pitt’s lighting design (shifting between red and blue) is the unsung hero, giving instant timeline clarity without ever feeling gimmicky. Costume choices further define the split realities (Liz’s maroon cardigan and glasses, Beth’s navy blazer) to make each version of Elizabeth instantly recognisable. Costumes were largely sourced by the cast themselves, and it shows; everyone looks comfortable and natural in their roles. I also love that half the cast wear warm tones and the other half cool -- a subtle visual cue that pops beautifully in numbers like the opening 'What If'. And a special shoutout to Wendy Makin Bridal Designs for donating the gorgeous wedding dress!
Given Arcana’s compact space, the minimalist set is the obvious choice, keeping the focus where it belongs: on the characters and their lives. Scene transitions are generally slick, maintaining the story's agility, which is precisely what’s needed in a show that continually shifts and reshapes itself.
Finally, a huge shoutout to the behind-the-scenes helpers who quietly came to the rescue whenever needed — sourcing props, building makeshift wings, providing sound gear, and asking nothing in return. That spirit of generosity and teamwork is exactly what makes this production, and this community, so special.
The Choices That Shape Us
This isn’t your average boy-meets-girl musical. If/Then is about everything: marriage and divorce, friendship and careers, chance meetings, lucky breaks, bad dates, the pressure of time, the cruelty of loss, and the comfort of chosen family.
As one song reminds us:
“See each choice you make, it’s a kind of a loss,
Each turn that you take and each coin that you toss.
You lose all the choices you don’t get to make,
You wonder about all the turns you don’t take…”
This show that leaves you reflecting on your own what-ifs and the bittersweet truth that while we can’t live both timelines, we always have the power to choose how we live this one. With powerhouse vocals, emotional storytelling, and a score that demands to be heard live, If/Then is the kind of rare Broadway gem Brisbane audiences don’t often get to see. VOX Theatre Arts delivers a show that’ll have you laughing and crying, while gently reminding us that life has a way of leading us exactly where we’re meant to go.
Yes, there may be plenty of shows in Brisbane this October, but let me make this decision easy for you: If/Then is a choice you won’t regret.
TICKETS:
Photography by Creative Street Photography
Comments