Anthony Rapp Out of If/Then due to Knee Surgery

It has been reported that Broadway star Anthony Rapp is currently out of If/Then at the Richard Rodgers Theatre due to knee surgery. The role of Lucas is currently being played by Curtis Holbrook.

Rapp recently tweeted that he had to temporarily depart the Broadway production in order to recuperate from surgery. According to his Twitter, he is expecting to miss "several weeks", leaving the role in the hands of understudy Holbrook. No official announcement has yet been made, including details of when the 'RENT' star will return.

Curtis Holbrook will join the musical's principal cast, which currently includes Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, Tony Award-winner LaChanze, James Snyder, Jerry Dixon, Jenn Colella, Jason Tam and Tamika Lawrence.

Holbrook's Broadway credits include 'West Side Story', 'Xanadu', 'All Shook Up', 'Fosse', 'The Boy From Oz', 'Taboo', 'Follies', 'The Addams Family' and 'Footloose'. His screen credits include 'Hairspray', 'Smash' and 'Nurse Jackie'.

If/Then is currently booking 16 November 2014. The musical began performances at the Richard Rodgers on 05 Mar 2014, and officially opened on 30 Mar 2014. The musical opened to mixed reviews, with many praising Menzel's performance, but questioning the book and overall concept of the musical: "Neither plot of 'If/Then' is terribly compelling or distinctively drawn" (NYTimes); "If Menzel wasn't around with her big belt and mellow warmth, there would be no reason to visit at all" (NY Daily News); "The star holds this ambitious but unwieldy show together" (NY Post).

Set against the ever-shifting landscape of modern day Manhattan, If/Then is a romantic and original new musical about how choice and chance collide and how we learn to love the fallout. On the verge of turning 40, Elizabeth (Idina Menzel) moves to New York City, the ultimate city of possibility, intent on a fresh start - new home, new friends, and hopes for a resurgent career. But even in her carefully planned new life, the smallest decision or most random occurrence will impact her world in ways she never dreamt possible.

If/Then reunites Tom Kitt (music), Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics), and Michael Greif (director), the creative team behind the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, 'Next to Normal.'

The musical is produced by David Stone, who produced both 'Wicked' and 'Next to Normal.'

- by Dom O'Hanlon