To say that this week has been stressful is the understatement of the millennium. This summer has been stressful, really, with trying to buy a house and actually close on it and move, but this last week all but did me in. I’ve had to find distractions to keep my mind off of the fact that I want to throw up all the time. But not just any distractions….the kind that completely occupies your brain. That’s hard to come by.

But I did get a stress reprieve for a few hours on Tuesday night. I put on my most cheerful outfit: a leopard print dress, black wedges, and a bright yellow necklace, and took my friend Erika to Starlight Theatre. Don’t let the picture fool you, though….I was smiling because I was not just out with a friend and distracted, but had just enjoyed an amazing Vodka Tonic from the Starlight bar. It helped a lot.

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So did this week’s Broadway production, If/Then. You’ve probably heard about it if you follow Broadway at all…..the incredibly popular Idina Menzel played the lead role in NYC a couple of years ago. This touring production, though, has a lesser known but equally talented (seriously) Jackie Burns, Anthony Rapp from Rent (the Broadway show AND the movie….I was totally star struck) AND Tamyra Gray from the first season of American Idol.

The musical explores the idea that one small decision can change the path your life takes entirely, and follows one woman, Elizabeth, whose life goes in two completely different directions (“Liz” in one, “Beth” in the other). It’s a funny, real, very modern show…adult in both subject matter and language (trust me). It reminded me of Rent a bit, with its setting in NYC and its characters in their thirties.

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If you need a distraction from your kids (summer break, hello) or just want a night out with girlfriends, this is an excellent choice.

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Tickets for If/Then at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $14 to $142. Tickets are available online at www.kcstarlight.com, by calling 816.363.STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. All performances begin at 8 p.m.

I received complimentary tickets to see the show but no other compensation. All opinions are my own (obviously).