BWW Interviews: I LOVE YOU BECAUSE at the Washington County Playhouse Proves Romantic Relationships Are Real..... and Really Funny!

You've heard of the eternal struggle to win back your ex, to find"Mr. Right" or that a man and woman can never be "just friends". But, what if all the relationship advice you've ever heard...... is totally wrong? I Love You Because, a new Off-Broadway musical about modern relationships, will debut this Saturday at the Washington County Playhouse in Hagerstown, MD as the area premiere of the production.

I Love You Because, directed and musically directed by Jeff Wine, is a modern re-telling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. After a bad breakup, Austin, an organized, structured greeting card writer attempts to win back his ex-girlfriend. Free-spirited, bohemian photographer Marcy is attempting to find "Mr. Wrong" in her search to find her soul mate and thinks Austin may be the one. Meanwhile, Austin's brother, Jeff, a laid-back cab driver and Marcy's friend, Diana, an uptight actuary, decide to have a casual relationship and just be friends, before romantic complications arise for both couples.

In I Love You Because, seven actors portray the main couples and various eccentric New York characters, so cast bonding and strong rapport was essential for the chemistry and comedic timing involved in the production.

"We have a wonderful cast. They have been a blast to work with and a great show with great music. It's been a lot of fun during the whole process and that comes out in the performance" said David Keye, who plays Jeff. "I definitely enjoyed getting to work off of the other actors, creating some great comedy together and putting a fun show together" said Phil Oberholzer as a New York City ensemble man.

"We had a blast in rehearsals. Each member of the cast came prepared and knew their role. We were able to use our rehearsal time to experiment and collaborate in a very efficient way. I don't think I've every laughed as much during the rehearsal process as I have with this show" said Adam Blackstock, who plays Austin.

"We all get along so well and our personalities and styles mesh so well that it makes the entire show a blast! Everyone is perfectly suited for their role(s) and everyone approaches their character in such a real and authentic way" said Shannen Banzhoff, who plays Marcy.

With such an intimate cast, establishing different characters and the romantic relationships between the individual characters was essential.

"What I've found challenging with this role is conveying how close Austin and Marcy become within the dialogue. You watch them go from being complete strangers to forming an emotional bond. Their relationship is complicated and develops throughout a series of songs and fast-paced scenes" said Blackstock. "The entire show is full of humor and emotion. One second you'll be laughing so hard you can't breathe, and the next you'll be fighting to hold back tears" added Banzhoff

"Since there are only three ensemble members, that means there is a lot for the ensemble to do and that gave us the challenge of creating several unique characters who are all important" said Anthony Marchese, who plays a New York City ensemble man.

I Love You Because, originally produced Off-Broadway at the Village Theater and featuring Stephanie D'Abruzzo of Avenue Q fame, is not a particularly well-known musical and this will be the area premiere of the production.

"It's full of catchy songs, comedy, and likable characters. I Love You Because hasn't been done in our area before and I believe audiences are going to find it very refreshing" said Blackstock

"I Love You Because is so different from the "classics" or the "normal." This show is so fun and unique and new! It's set in modern times and this is something that could literally be happening right now. I'm sure everyone can relate to at least one of the characters in this show" said Banzhoff.

"It's funny, it's heartfelt, it has a lot of great music and lots of funny moments. You'll laugh and cry in a good way" said Oberholzer . "It's something everyone can identify with, there's great music and it's a hilarious script. The bottom line is, it's a ton of fun" said Keye.

I Love You Because also features Johnna Leary as Diana and Hope Moore as the New York City Ensemble Woman, with Kenny Lee serving as production assistant. I Love You Because will run November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 with one Sunday matinee on November 23. Dinner hour will begin at 6:00 with the show shortly following at approximately 7:30 for evening performances and lunch hour for the matinee performance begins at 1:00 with the show following at approximately 2:30. For more information about the production or to make reservations, please call the box office at (301) 739-7469 or visit www.wcpdt.com.

Photo Credit: Washington County Playhouse

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