If/Then: LaChanze joins cast

Tony Award-Winner LaChanze ('The Color Purple') will join the previously announced Idina Menzel in the upcoming Broadway musical If/Then, opening at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on 27 Mar 2014, following previews from 04 Mar 2014.

LaChanze will play 'Kate,' an elementary school teacher and new neighbor of 'Elizabeth,' played by Idina Menzel. Additional casting will be announced shortly.

LaChanze won the 2006 Tony Award for her performance as 'Celie' in the musical 'The Color Purple.' She has also performed on Broadway in 'Once on This Island' (Tony nomination), 'Ragtime,' 'Company' and 'Uptown It's Hot.' Off-Broadway, LaChanze received an Obie Award for her performance in 'Dessa Rose' at Lincoln Center. Her movie credits include "The Help" (SAG Award, Best Ensemble).

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 being produced by David Stone, who produced both 'Wicked' and 'Next to Normal.'

If/Then will have its world premiere in a pre-Broadway engagement at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C., beginning preview performances on 05 Nov 2013 and opening on 24 Nov 2013.