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I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Book and Lyrics by Joe DiPietro
Music by Jimmy Roberts
Directed by Joel Bishoff
At Royal George Theatre
Limited Open Run
A wonderful date “feel-good” musical
What a show! Wow! So funny! So true! I loved it. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is the longest running musical revue in New York history in its seventh year Off-Broadway. I can see why.
This delightful entertaining, charmingly fresh, hopelessly romantic hit is a musical joyride through the jungle of modern love relationships. It is an intoxicating blend of singing, comedy and, of course, romance.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is a fast, funny and tuneful look at the highs and lows of dating, romance and marriage that strikes a cord of recognition in people of all ages. It spotlights today’s pursuit for love and insistent fervor for relationships among the last surviving special interest group in America – searching singles. This show has a lot to say and entertains you all the way.
It is rare that the original director comes from New York to launch a Chicago production, yet Joel Bishoff did just that. The quality of this production is equal to the Off-Broadway show. Both are tremendous.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change demonstrates the talent of Joe DiPietro (book & lyrics) and Jimmy Roberts (music)---dating, sex, relationships, courtships, marriage and divorce have been written and sung on stage for decades, yet these two talents have found a way to be real, to be funny and to be bluntly honest all while presenting bits and songs that are cute and creative and, of course, funny. With songs such as ‘A Stud and a Babe,’ ‘Single Man Drought,’ and ‘He Called Me;’ we laugh and empathize with the two couples trying to find love. The first act is strong, funny and on-target. Act two continues with marriage, raising children and family values aptly sung to in ‘On the Highway Blues’ and ‘I Can Live With That.’ This show is a lyric driven show that show cases the four wonderful actors.
The cast has two guys and two girls who together play over 60 characters ranging from children to grandparents. They are as good an ensemble as any I have seen in years. This is a difficult show for actors because you must have a good sing voice, you must have the looks and charm and you must be able to act within a large range of characters and be funny. Many actors can do one or two of the requirements, but few can have enough talent to do this show. This cast made it look easy. The small intimate stage with the audience only inches away makes the cast ‘sell’ the bits and songs a bite stronger. Their energy is infectious and we stand and cheer at the end.
Daniel Tatar and Tara Sullivan were outstanding and we instantly love them. Kelly Anne Clark and Thad S. Avery had the challenge of playing several older characters and some not-so friendly types. Clark has a beautiful voice and can really sell a song while Avery has major comedic timing and can get himself to look the part of older and nerdy characters while singing up a storm.
A fresh show with an energetic cast doing witty and funny material in a flawless production…equals a first-class night at the theatre. This is a fine ‘date show’ that you can take your loved ones to see.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is one of the finest, seamless, buoyant musical revues in years, no wonder audiences cheer it in New York. Chicago audiences love it too (and cheer louder!) Put this on your “Must See’ list.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
tom99@chicagocritic.com
Date Reviewed November 6, 2002
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