'I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE' pleasant at Actors' Summit
Now in its 6th smash year I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Is currently Off-Broadway's longest-running musical revue. Written by Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts, the show opened on August 1, 1996. Since then productions have been mounted in more than 150 cities worldwide. Since its opening, I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE has become the most proposal-friendly show in history. On thirteen reported occasions a young man has taken the stage to make a surprise proposal to his sweetheart. In all cases, the brides-to-be accepted as the audience roared with approval.
The show takes the audience on a musical ride through the difficulties and joys of connecting with another person. It specifically probes dating, dating rituals, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives, in-laws, sex, the effect of babies on a marriage, and late life relationships. The cast portrays over 50 roles in a collection of scenes and songs.
Actors’ Summit is the first local theatre to present the review. Though slowed down by extensive set changes, most of which could have been eliminated by allowing the audience to imagine the various settings , the production is an audience pleaser.
The young cast is pleasing but uneven in their performances. The singing, which is the center of the production, is generally fine, but sometimes there are problems in vocal blending. The musical accompaniment is generally good, but the violin and piano sound is shallow and on occasion the performers have precision difficulties.
Broadway bound Jenn Goodson has both a strong singing voice and nice comedic timing. Her version of “Always a Bridesmaid” was especially endearing. Kari Kandel has a pleasant singing voice. A show highlight was her rendition of ”He Called Me,” about the habit of men forgetting to call after promising to do so. Keith Stevens is a delight, especially in ”The Baby Song,” portraying the idiocy associated with being a new father. Andrew Brelich has some good moments as in his rendition of “Shouldn’t I Be in Love With You.” Other show highlights are “A Stud and a Babe” about nerds finding love and “Not Tonight, I’m Busy, Busy, Busy” about contemporary speed dating.“
I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE is a delightful concept and a perfect summertime escapist break from world and personal problems.
