BWW Reviews: I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE Oozes Simple Charm at Seattle Musical Theatre

Sometimes we just don't need those big flashy musicals.  Sometimes it's just nice to have a simple little show that you can sit back and let wash over you.  Such is the case with the current show out at Seattle Musical Theatre, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change".  The perfect little date night show and a production that just oozes with charm.

There's a reason the show is the second longest running off-Broadway musical running for almost 12 years.  With Book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and Music by Jimmy Roberts, this cute little review follows the lifecycle of relationships making it something that everyone can connect to.  With just four performers (Mike Bowers, Jeff Church, Molli Corcoran and Meghan Derr) we are taken through the world of relationships from first dates through marriage through finding love later in life.  And our four wonderful performers inhabit multiple (sometimes hapless) lovers along the way.  That's really all you need to know.  It's just a fun ride through all the pitfalls and pleasures being with someone else provides.

The cast is lovely and really knows how to inhabit the whimsy of the show while keeping the characters grounded.  Bowers has a killer voice and the comedic chops to pull off anything.  But I was most impressed with his complete transformation into an old man near the end of the show.  He managed to disappear inside this delightful character.  Derr, also transformed in that final scene, has enough characters inside her for an entire show.  Coupled with a beautiful voice she's a joy to watch and knows how to bring the funny.  Church is great in most of his scenes and definitely has a great voice but seemed a bit tentative in some scenes.  But the one I couldn't take my eyes off was Corcoran who's voice, expressions, and comedic timing blew me away.  I kept wondering why we haven't seen her in … well … everything lately and when do we get to see her again.  It seems director Noel Barbuto really lucked out finding her.  But then he lucked out with all of them.

With an incredibly simple yet amazingly practical turning set the show manages to keep clipping along with its heart and fun.  So if you're looking for a fun date night, you still have some time to catch this one.  You won't be sorry … unless you look over at your date at the wrong time as you recognize them in one of the more unflattering jokes on stage.  And then, it's your own fault.

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" performs at Seattle Musical Theatre through May 20^th.  For tickets or information contact the SMT box office at 206-363-2809 or visit them online at www.seattlemusicaltheatre.org.

Photo credit: Jennifer El Fattal

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