I Love You Because, starring Stephanie D'Abruzzo
and others, opened on February 14th at off-Broadway's Village
Theatre (158 Bleecker Street); the show began previews on January 19th.
The musical is a modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Daniel Kutner directs the show, while Christopher Gattelli (Altar Boyz, tick, tick...BOOM!, Bat Boy) choreographed. Joining Tony Award-nominee D'Abruzzo are Farah Alvin, Colin Hanlon, David A. Austin, Courtney Balan, and Jordan Leeds. Alvin
plays the character corresponding to Pride and Prejudice heroine Lizzy Bennet, while D'Abruzzo (Avenue Q) plays her best friend Diana Bingley.
"Set in New York City, I Love You Because
follows Austin
Bennet (Hanlon), a young greeting card writer whose life is
turned upside down when he finds his long-term girlfriend in bed with
another man. Forced back out into the
treacherous New York dating scene, Austin meets Marcy Fitzwilliams
(Alvin), a flighty photographer whose spontaneity is matched only
by her ability to drive him insane. This new musical comedy explores
the 'rules' and nuances of dating and learning how to love someone, not
in spite of their differences, but because of them," according to press
notes for the musical, which features book and lyrics by Ryan Cunningham and music by Joshua Salzman.