Whether it is a case of art imitating life, or the other way around, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," playing now through April 14th at Stage Door Players, is a hilarious, slice-of-life musical that holds the mirror up to human nature, and then laughs at it. With book and lyrics by Tony-Winner Joe DiPietro ("Memphis") and music by Jimmy Roberts, this fast-paced, four-person show chronicles the all-too-familiar stages of love; from awkward first dates to the insanity of married-life.
This deceptively simple show, which unfolds in a series of songs and vignettes, is handled with an unbridled joy by a fabulously accomplished cast of some of Atlanta's best talent; starring
Suzi Bass Award winners
Laura Floyd (who recently appeared as Bonnie in
Aurora Theatre's world premiere "Clyde 'n Bonnie: A Folktale"), Craig Waldrip (John Hinckley in October's "Assassins" at
Fabrefaction Theatre), and Jeremy Wood (who appeared as Billy Crocker in
the Atlanta Lyric Theatre's "Anything Goes" last fall) as well as
Erin Meadows (Glinda in last year's
Alliance Theatre production of "The Wizard of Oz"). Each cast member shows an ability to impress in numerous musical styles and in scenes that thrive on humor, but display the occasional hint of sadness. Whether it is Meadows' doe-eyed charm, Floyd's irresistible signature sass, Waldrip's chameleon-like ability to change characters, or Wood's pretty-boy charisma, the cast is as appealing as it is talented, and you don't want to miss seeing them perform together.
Directed and choreographed by Don Farrell, the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of the
Actors Theatre of Indiana (read more more about Farrell and this production
here, the show is a whirlwind of experiences that hits close to home for many audience members. During intermission, I heard multiple couples commenting on how funny (and perhaps scary) the show's accuracy is, including one lady actually saying, "It's funny, because it's true." While "I Love You...Now Change" might not be the deepest show running in Atlanta right now, it will most certainly make you laugh and think, both about the scenes and yourself.
In addition to the top-notch cast, the show, which seems to run at a hundred miles a minute, is aided by a simple, but multi-purpose set designed by Chuck Welcome and incredibly effective lights and projections by Michael W. Magursky. The costumes by Jim Alford also add to the colorful and quirky characters that populate the show. Musical Director Peter Hauenstein has crafted a musical that seamlessly moves between Gregorian-like chants, 1950's pop, country-western (which is reminiscent of Floyd's Bonnie accent), and traditional showtunes.
"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" playing through April 14th at Stage Door Players, Dunwoody's professional theatre, runs two hours and 10 minutes with an intermission. To get tickets for this can't-miss date-night call
(770) 396-1726 or click
here.
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